The Advance

Media Credit: Brad Anderson Track coach and resident director of Wesley Hall, Zach Kindler, comes around on a pitch from Mike Smith. Kindler lifted the ball to the left center field fence, making it to third base.

Last week the KWU softball women showed up to diamond three at Bill Burke Park with their war paint on and dawned richly colored uniforms. Faculty made sure most of their skin was covered.

The numerous fans in attendance were very excited about the much anticipated annual match. There were some rumors that the increased number of fans for this year's game may have been due in part to the free cookout sponsored by the Institutional Advancement office.

Veteran coach and Biology professor Art Neuberger prepared his team with three rigorous one hour practices and a short warm up before the game. He encouraged his players to be prepared to play by telling them, "You won't start [the game] if you don't attend practice……unless you happen to possess natural talent." The strategy paid off as faculty won the game in 8 rigorous innings in the hour and fifteen minute match. Track coach Zach Kindler showed up for the game dressed in traditional baseball gear and was an important part of the team's success. Kindler hit some long balls to the fence and made a spectacular scoop and throw from his position at short stop. Second baseman and Religion and Philosophy professor Phil Meckley also contributed to the victory by stopping some well hit ground balls.

In the first inning the bats for both teams were quiet. The faculty and staff drew first blood by scoring in the second inning. The girl's team came alive in the third inning when they hit a string of singles and doubles. The game was tied at the end of the 4th inning at 5 runs a piece. The faculty were able to score one run in the 6th inning and three more in the 7th. The girls scored one more run before the end of the game. A brisk northwest wind prevented any balls from leaving the park.

Faculty were subjected to taunting by the opposing team as they carded a few errors. Despite warnings to the girls team from some of their professors the ridicule did not let up. Further disputes were lodged when women on the faculty team were noticeably absent from the playing field. The women were at the top of the faculty batting order but saw little action on the field. Admissions counselor Terri VanSlyke was the sole woman to grab a mitt and play right center field late in the game. Calls from the KWU girl's dugout to coach Neuberger went unanswered. Neuberger's pitching was not shaken by the incident.

The faculty were proud to be presented with the traveling trophy by KWU President and CEO Phil Kerstetter. Some team members were moved to tears and reported that this would be a day to remember for years to come. The tears may also have come from the setting sun and facing the chilly breeze during picture taking.

Retired Chemistry professor and master tailgate chef Yuan Chaing and 1970's alum Bob Reynolds prepared burgers and hot dogs for the players and fans. The teams were able to leave their game faces on the diamond and share a meal together. Plans for next year's big match up were being made by both teams. Faculty will likely start practicing early in the fall semester of 2007.

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