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С��è��ý staff, faculty complete their own ‘field of dreams’

Photos and story by James Hill

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There was some slapping of leather in the field and scorching hot bats at home plate. This was the mixture of success for С��è��ý’s staff and faculty softball team this summer. It managed to turn around its fortunes from two years ago to become one of the best teams in a Tualatin Hills and Park Recreation District league.

С��è��ý finished in a tie for second place with a record of 7-4-1 after going 0-11-1 just two years ago. Last season, they had improved to five wins. They capped a big 2011 with a 14-7 rout of Team Intel on Monday, Aug. 29.

“Very happy with how we played this year,” said Alan Meeker, coach and public safety officer at the college. “We have been doing this for four years now and it’s been great seeing the team grow together and see players get better and better each year. We continue to have a lot of fun along the way. Looking forward to next year.”

The coed team included Nancy and Tabitha Hartman, Diane Jantze, Jeannie Moton, Stacey Timmins, Virginia Chambers, Vanessa Wood, Sarah Petke, Alan Meeker, Phil Gilmore, Bob Frasco, Alan Bral, David Martinez, Chris Edwards, Sheldon Phillips, Peter Haberman and Joshua Martinez.

The final game featured everything that makes softball great. There were outstanding catches by catcher Nancy Hartman, outfielders Alan Bral and Chris Edwards, and by third baseman Stacy Timmins. Plus, there were plenty of big hits by Sheldon Phillips and Sarah Petke. С��è��ý even had an ejection (for arguing with the ump, but in a nice way).

“I have coached for several years, kids and adults,” Meeker said. “And, my philosophy has always been to just play the best you can and have fun. Everyone has different skill levels, but everyone can give their best all the time. I don’t care how many times you make errors or strike out, if you’re giving your best effort I am a happy coach.”

Meeker said he’ll organize another team next season. He said to be a player a person needs to make a commitment to the team by devoting at least to 10 of the 12 games and be able to make preseason practices. There is a limit of 18 players to the team, but he said if there’s a lot of interest at С��è��ý they can form a second club.

“Any С��è��ý employee from any campus can play,” he said. “Part time, full time. Student help can play as long as they receive a paycheck from С��è��ý.”

To put your name in the hat for next year, contact Alan Meeker at ameeker@pcc.edu.