01-27-2010

Mudville Coaches Attends Northwest Baseball Coaching Convention

2010 Northwest Coaches Convention

Courtesy: NW Star Productions

Portland, OR – Five Mudville coaches attended the 2010 NWBC Baseball Convention, held on January 15-17, 2010 at the Embassy Suites PDX in Portland, Oregon. It was the eighth year in a row a Mudville coach was in attendance and amongst their peer group of youth, high school and college coaches. Each Mudville coach received 24 clock hours.

Instructors/ presenters again include respected College, Professional and H.S coaches from throughout the region. The feature 'WALK OF CHAMPIONS" Luncheon honored team and individual achievements in the NW from the preceding year. In addition, the NWBC recognized the many contributions from volunteers who contribute many hours of volunteer time in their respective communities.

Top clinicians who presented included Marty Lees and Pat Bailey from two time National Champion OSU, Lindsay Meggs and his new staff from UW, Donnie Marbut from WSU 2009 NCAA post season qualifier, Andrew Checketts from UO, Chris Johnson, Director of the Sports Institute; BC, Canada, Marty Hunter, NWC Champion George Fox Bruins; Dave Gasser - 5 time Oregon H.S. State Champion, Don Lien from West Albany; Craig Nicholas from Clackamas H.S and many others.

Activities began on Friday, January 15th with the first presentation at 5:10 pm. At the conclusion of the final speaker on Friday, a special hosted reception was held for all speakers and participants. On Saturday, January 16th, sessions continued from 8:30 am-5:30 pm highlighted by the always popular NW “Walk of Champions” hosted luncheon celebrating the NW individual and team achievement along with merit awards from the preceding year.

Mudville alum and now Oregon State Beaver Matt Boyd was presented his 2009 ABCA Rawlings All-Region 7 Award. Following the last evening presentation, each State conducted their specific State High School meetings to discuss concerns and plans for the coming season.

Following a hosted dinner, a special evening symposium was held regarding various topics in small group settings inviting all to participate in an active Q & A evening session. On the final day, Sunday, January 17, a hosted FCA breakfast started the day with the first clinic presentation scheduled at 8:30 am and run until noon.

A special afternoon clinic will be hosted by ‘FRIENDS OF BASEBALL’ and ‘NW STAR ACADEMY’ especially geared to the many summer volunteer coaches looking for added sport specific training and motivational strategies to give all kids a positive outlook for their forthcoming seasons.

Jerry Gatto is the founder and organizer of the Northwest Coaches Convention and Northwest Star Productions. The NW Coaches Convention is considered by the coaching circles as one of the top coaching clinics on the west coast.