Softball to Host Spartan Winter Softball Camps
Nov 3, 2014
DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque softball team will be hosting their annual softball camps for grades 9-12 in the newly completed Veterans Memorial Training Center on Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, and Feb. 15. Cost for the various camps will be $30 each.
During the camp, student-athletes will be working with collegiate student-athletes and coaching staff to enhance skills needed to succeed in high school and to prepare athletes for the collegiate level. Campus tours will also be available after the camp.
Goal of Camp:
-To provide individual attention to enhance skills of each athlete
-To introduce new training aids to enhance skills
-To meet new athletes and experience a different atmosphere
-To be able to play inside a new facility during the winter months
-To acquire skills needed to be successful on and off the field
Pitching Session
During the pitching session, athletes will learn about new equipment, various techniques for different pitches, and how to improve your skills to become a stronger and more dominant pitcher. Much individual attention will be provided during this session. (Please bring your own catcher).
Hitting Session
During this session, athletes will receive individual attention and work on skills they need to improve on. You will also learn about new training aids to become more powerful and make consistent contact.
Slapping Session
Slappers will learn the correct footwork and new drills to become a more effective slapper. Various types of slaps will be taught.
Catching Session
During the catching session, athletes will learn various skills to enhance the productivity behind the plate. This includes, blocking, framing, footwork, throwing. We will also discuss how to call a game, communicating with the field, and tracking base runners. Much individual attention will be provided during this session. (Please bring your own catching gear).
Infield Session
During the infield session, athletes will learn new drills to improve their infield skills. Individual attention will be provided for each position as well as learn skills every infield position needs to know. Some skills learned will be throwing, footwork, bunt and slap defenses, communication, and knowledge of different situations.
Outfield Session
During the outfield session, athletes will learn new drills to improve their outfield skills. These skills include: angles, throwing, fielding, communication, and knowledge of different situations.
Please feel free to contact head softball coach Wendi Wipperfurth with any questions or concerns.
Head Softball Coach
Wendi Wipperfurth has been around the game of softball for 20 years and has been coaching for 10 years. Her collegiate career took place at University of Wisconsin-Platteville and was an assistant high school coach for four years. She too has attended and instructed many camps in various locations. This is her fifth season as head coach at UD.
wwipperfurth@dbq.edu Cell: 608-558-5660 Office: 563-589-3229
Assistant Softball Coach
Ashley Manusos joined the Spartans staff in 2014. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Crookston where she was a sports and recreation management major. She has also been a coach at the junior college level and the Spartans are excited to have her expertise in with the outfielders.
amanusos@dbq.edu Office: 563-589-3348
Pitching Coach
Mark “Vinnie” Rako is in his third year at the University of Dubuque.Rako was inducted into the Southwest Wisconsin Fast Pitch Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at Boscobel’s Kronshage Park in 2013. Rako was part of the six-person Class of 2013. He brings extensive softball experience both to the mound and game as he has been playing fastpitch for over 25 years.
He has been a coach at the college level for 14 years and has coached many excellent pitchers at the collegiate level. He has played in the North American Fast-pitch Association (NAFA) world tournament and the International Softball Congress (ISC) world tournament in 2008 at age 50. He was named to the Over-45 ASA National All-Star team in 2004 and 2006, and was a member of the Over-50 World Champions in 2011. Since 2001, he’s compiled a record of 434–131, posted seven perfect games and 10 no-hitters. He went 62–14 in 2004, 62–18 with 770 strikeouts in 2007, and 48-13 in 2008.
After the last session, a campus tour will be given by the UD coaching staff as well as current Spartans student-athletes and last about an hour and a half.
