Nov. 27, 2008
BELIZE CITY, Belize -
Editor's Note: The Illinois State softball team is participating in an international tour in Belize from Nov. 22-30. Throughout the trip, GoRedbirds.com will provide Illinois State Athletics fans with player and coach blogs, photo galleries and fun facts about Belize. Thursday's blog comes from senior outfielder Jessie Buker.
Hey there, Redbird fans! This is Jessie Buker. Here is what happened in Belize Wednesday.
The day started at about 7:30 a.m. with breakfast. We had the usual: fresh fruit, juice, eggs and toast, but this morning, we were treated with a pastry that tasted similar to funnel cake. It was very delicious. After eating, we went to the field to conduct a clinic for local children. This was a new experience for everyone. Not only was there a wide range of ages and talent, but there were also both girls and boys in attendance. In Belize, softball is a popular sport for both boys and girls. For most of us, it was our first experience teaching boys to play softball.
In the first part of the camp, I helped teach the kids how to bunt. The campers also worked on fundamentals for throwing and hitting. Our strength coach, Chris Carter, also showed the kids different stretches that are important in softball. Once finished with the basics, our team went through a mini practice for the kids to watch, while they took a water and snack break. We did our usual grounders, pop flies, turning two (double plays) and plays to the plate. I could tell the kids were impressed and eager to learn by their attentiveness throughout this part of the clinic.
After our team was finished, it was the kids' turn to step onto the diamond and try it themselves. Some kids had little experience with softball, but everyone caught on quickly to the new skills. Although some didn't have gloves, they all worked very hard. Once we went through positions with them, it was time for the clinic to come to an end. We finished up with more stretching and a chant. The kids, coaches, a couple teachers and all of the players closed the camp with, "Go Belize!" After camp, we took a little batting practice to prepare us for the evening's doubleheader versus the Belize National Women's Softball Team.
Tonight (Wednesday) was the third and fourth times we have played the Belize National Women's Softball Team. Both teams are becoming more and more familiar with each other, so the competition continues to rise. We managed to win both games, and it was good to see that we could beat the same team three nights in a row.
After the games, we headed to get dinner, but the restaurant was closed. We ate peanut butter and jelly and other snacks we could find in our rooms. After a long day, we were all excited to get some much-needed sleep. Tomorrow (Thursday) is our day off, and we are going to take a trip to a small island. Everyone is very excited to see another part of Belize, which we've heard is extremely beautiful. It should be a pretty place to spend Thanksgiving. Thank you, Redbird fans, for following our Belize trip! I hope everyone is enjoying their breaks. We'll continue to keep you up-to-date with our daily activities. Go State!!!
Also, one of my roommates, Vicki Klopf, turned 21 at midnight! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, VICKI! I just wanted to let everyone know. OK. Goodnight.
-Jessie Buker #22
