Softball
.JPG)
Joe Guthrie, a Tuscaloosa County High School graduate and former University of Alabama baseball player, has been hired to start up a junior college fastpitch softball program at Marion Military Institute. The team will open play next fall.
Guthrie played baseball at the University of Kentucky, Bevill State Community College in Fayette and UA, and has coached at successful high school baseball programs in the states of Washington, Florida and at Tuscaloosa Academy. He has most recently worked as a baseball scout for the Florida Marlins.
“I am extremely excited to start another winning tradition at Marion Military Institute," Guthrie said. “As an Iraq war veteran, former U.S. Army officer and college athlete, I feel being head softball coach at MMI is a perfect fit for me."
MMI Softball Hires Michelle Ayling as Pitching Coach
MMI Signees Shine Bright on Softball Field!
MARION, AL- Marion Military Institute’s first class of softball signees in its history continue to post outstanding contributions on the softball field. Here are just a few of the recent highlights:
Meagan Ladner, Sr., OF, Faith Academy, Mobile,went 3 for 3 with a triple and 2 RBI’s against Central Christian Academy on March 11th. The Lady Rams won that game 14-0 to improve their record to 9-2 this year.
Aundrea Parks, Sr., OF/LHP, Evangel Christian Academy, Montgomery, went 4 for 4 with a triple, a double and 2 stolen bases against Taylor Road Academy on March 11th. She also was the winning pitcher and recorded 8 strikeouts. On March 10th, Aundrea went 2 for 2 and recorded 5 strikeouts in a 12-1 loss to Escambia Academy.
Ashley Clontz, Sr., 2B/SS, Starr’s Mill High School, Fayetteville, Georgia, has just opened her 2008 travel ball season with the Georgia Elite Gold. Last weekend, Ashley went 2 for 3 with a home run in the Elite’s opening friendly tournament.
Natalie Gonzalez, Sr. C/UT, Hialeah High School, Hialeah, Florida, had a great week last week. On March 7th, Natalie went 2 for 3 with a home run, 3 RBI’s, and two runs scored in Hialeah High’s 17-2 rout of Central High School. Natalie also threw out 2 runners stealing against Central. On March 10th, Natalie went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s and 2 runs scored in an 8-5 loss to Miami Springs High School. She also threw out another runner stealing in that game as well.
Gabby Arcuri, Sr., 1B/3B, Woodstock High School, Woodstock, Georgia, was honored last month at the Cherokee County college athlete signing ceremony at Jock’s and Jill’s Restaurant in Canton, Georgia. Her scholarship to Marion Military Institute was featured during the ceremony. Congrats again to Gabby!
Allie Roach, Sr., C/UT, Patrician Academy, Butler, has gotten off to a fast start her senior season at PA. The week of Feb. 25- Mar. 1st, Allie went 9 for 17 with 10 RBI’s and a home run for the Lady Saints. On March 6th, Allie went 7 for 9 went two doubles, a triple and 9 RBI in a doubleheader against Pickens Academy. She also recorded 5 strikeouts in as many innings pitched in the second Pickens/Patrician contest that day.
Shannon Halverson, Sr., C/UT, Western High School, Anaheim, California, was named to the Orange County Register’s “Players to Watch List” for the second straight season. Shannon has also been named Team Captain for the 2008 season and has recorded two game-winning RBI thus far this season for Western High.
Nicole Bailey, Sr., C/2B, Satsuma High School, Saraland, had a great weekend at the Auburn High School tournament over the weekend of March 7-8. Nicole went 8 for 13 for the tournament. On March 11th, Nicole was honored by her teammates, coaches, friends and family at Satsuma High School in a signing ceremony commemorating her scholarship to MMI. Congrats again to Nicole!
Sallie Kimbro, Sr. OF, Rockmart High School, Aragon, Georgia, is the starting goalie for the Rockmart High School Women’s Soccer team. In addition to being an excellent softball player, Sallie has also pole-vaulted in the past for Rockmart High.
Lauren Lewis, Sr., SS, Faith Academy, Mobile, had an incredible defensive tournament the weekend of February 28-29 at Patrician Academy. Lauren made several acrobatic plays once again proving why she’s one of Alabama’s best high school shortstops. On March 10th, she had three hits and 3 RBI’s against South Choctaw Academy including a two run home run.
Recruiting Update: Caitlin Houk, Fr., RHP, South Florida Community College, Avon Park, Florida has verbally committed to attend Marion Military Institute next year. She will transfer at the conclusion of her Spring semester at SFCC. Caitlin was named First Team 6A All-State performer by the Florida Sports Writer’s Association in 2007. This list also featured current University of Alabama pitcher, Kelsi Dunne. Houk was also dubbed a First Team All-Dade County Performer by the Miami Herald. During her senior season at Miami’s Palmetto High School, Caitlin posted a 14-1 record with 63K’s and a 0.26 ERA. Currently, Caitlin is ranked 15th in the NJCAA Region 8 Strikeout List. We are very excited about having Caitlin aboard next year! Caitlin Houk earned a 5-1 win over Miami-Dade CC in the second game of Sat. Mar. 15th doubleheader. Caitlin scattered five hits over seven innings, allowing only one run and striking out two.
Angel Smitherman has gotten off to a fast start with the Maplesville Lady Devils this softball season. Angel had three doubles and a triple in two games (March 10-14). She is currently batting .600 for the season.
Natalie Gonzalez threw out two runners from behind the plate against Hialeah Miami Lakes High School on March 14th. She also pitched 3 2/3 innings recording 3 strikeouts and allowing only 1 unearned run in that same contest.
From The Tuscaloosa News (11/15/07)
UA’s Patrick Murphy visits MMI softball
University of Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy recently visited MMI, which is starting up its collegiate softball program. MMI head coach Joe Guthrie, a former UA baseball player, knows Murphy from the Crimson Tide coach’s earliest days at UA.
Murphy toured MMI’s facilities on his visit and met with Ivey and Col. James Benson, the school’s president.
“I have always had a lot of respect for him,” Guthrie said. “It was an exciting day in Marion. We had a great time showing him where our program and school are headed at MMI.
“Each day at MMI we are working tirelessly to build a championship program. Learning from the best is part of that process.”
Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-454-0117.
University of Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy recently visited MMI, which is starting up its collegiate softball program. MMI head coach Joe Guthrie, a former UA baseball player, knows Murphy from the Crimson Tide coach’s earliest days at UA.
Murphy toured MMI’s facilities on his visit and met with Ivey and Col. James Benson, the school’s president.
“I have always had a lot of respect for him,” Guthrie said. “It was an exciting day in Marion. We had a great time showing him where our program and school are headed at MMI.
“Each day at MMI we are working tirelessly to build a championship program. Learning from the best is part of that process.”
Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-454-0117.
.jpg)
Allie Roach of Patrician Academy is MMI’s first ever college softball signee!
MARION, AL- Marion Military Institute announced this week that Allie Roach becomes the first player to ever sign a college softball scholarship in the 160 plus year history of the school. Roach, a senior catcher from Patrician Academy in Butler, Alabama is coached by Wendell Barr. “We feel that Allie is the perfect person to be our first ever signee. She’s a leader in and out of the classroom. We are very excited about her future at MMI”, said MMI Head Softball Coach, Joe Guthrie. MMI will begin play this August in the Alabama Community College Conference.
2008-09 MMI Softball Signees
- Allie Roach, C/UT, Butler, AL, Patrician Academy
Allie was named to the AISA State All-Tournament Team and Junior Softball All-Star game last year. She was also a member of National Beta Club and our first-ever signee at MMI. Coach Guthrie on Allie: “We could not ask for a better person to become our first signee. We expect big things from Allie behind the plate next year.”
- Gabby Arcuri, 1B/3B, Woodstock, GA, Woodstock High School
Gabby was a two-year starter at First Base for Woodstock High School. She was a starter on their 2006 State Championship team. She played travel ball with the Rockdale Tomahawks. Coach Guthrie on Gabby: “Gabby comes to us from a great high school program in Woodstock. She’s a very solid player and knows how to win.”
- Meagan Ladner, OF, Mobile, AL, Faith Academy
Meagan is an excellent outfielder and played with the prestigious West Florida Elite travel ball team in Pensacola this summer. She was also recruited by Chipola College. Meagan was also an All-State selection last year by the Birmnigham News and an AISA All-Star. Coach Guthrie on Meagan: “Meagan is a very tough and athletic player. She’s very fast and will help us immediately.”
- Sallie Kimbro, OF, Rockmart, GA, Rockmart High School
Sallie was recruited by Valdosta State, Emmanuel College, Shelton State CC and Shorter College. She played travel ball with the East Cobb Bullets in Georgia. She is a very active member in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Coach Guthrie on Sallie: “Sallie has a ton of potential. It will be fun to watch her progress. She will be a leader on the field and in the classroom for us.”
- Lauren Lewis, SS, Saraland, AL, Faith Academy
Lauren was also recruited by Faulkner State CC. She has been an AISA All-Star selection in both softball and volleyball. Coach Guthrie on Lauren: “Lauren comes from a long line of athletes in her family. She’ll have a chance to make a huge impact in the middle infield.”
- Shannon Halverson, C/UT, Anaheim, CA, Western High School
Shannon was named to the Orange County Register’s 2007 “Players to Watch List” and All-County teams. She has tremendous power and attends the same high school Tiger Woods did. Coach Guthrie on Shannon: “Shannon will really help us offensively. We are delighted that she had the courage to make the journey from California to Marion.”
- Ashley Clontz, 2B/SS, Fayetteville, GA, Starr’s Mill High School
Ashley was also recruited by Georgia Military College and Georgia College and State University. She played four years with the prestigious Georgia Elite travel ball team coached by former USA National team member, Chenita Rogers-Edwards. Coach Guthrie on Ashley: “Ashley is very experienced and knows how to play. We are very impressed with her work ethic and feel she will be a positive force on our club.”
- Aundrea Parks, OF, Montgomery, AL, Evangel Christian Academy
Aundrea was a three-sport athlete at Evangel. She batted .422 last season and was also recruited by Shaw University. Aundrea is interested in a career with the military. Coach Guthrie on Aundrea: “Aundrea can fly. She has the potential to be an offensive weapon for us.”
- Angel Smitherman, 2B, Stanton, AL, Maplesville High School
Angel was also recruited by Huntingdon College. She was a two sport athlete at Maplesville, playing basketball as well. Coach Guthrie on Angel: “Angel is very gritty. She’s a very hard worker and worked very hard to get here. We are happy to have her onboard.”
- Raina Stiffler, SS, Jacksonville, FL, Nathan B. Forrest High School
Raina played on her high school baseball team until the 10th grade. She is an active member of NJROTC and has two parents in the US Navy. She is interested in a career with the military. Coach Guthrie on Raina: “Raina is a top quality person. We expect her to be a leader for us. She also has an exciting bat as well.”
- Leslie Encarnacion, 1B, Kissimmee, FL, Poinciana High School
Leslie is an excellent hitter and fluent in Spanish. We signed her out of Bobby Simpson’s Higher Ground Softball Clinic in Ocoee, FL. Coach Guthrie on Leslie: “Leslie is another quality character person. She has a ton of potential offensively and works extremely hard. We are glad to have her.”
- Nicole O’Grady, P/OF, Miami, FL, Coral Reef High School
Nicole played for the prestigious South Florida Contenders travel ball organization. She is an excellent pitcher also recruited by Boston U. and Miami-Dade CC. Coach Guthrie on Nicole: “Nicole is an outstanding pitcher. We were very excited about the many things she brings to us on the mound. She’ll make a significant impact at MMI.”
- Dianna Montero, OF, Homestead, FL, Coral Reef High School
Dianna played for the prestigious South Florida Contenders travel ball organization. She is an excellent outfielder and was also recruited by Miami-Dade CC. She was an All-Dade County Honorable Mention with the Miami Herald last season. Coach Guthrie on Dianna: “Dianna can run, hit, throw. She’s a very well-rounded player. She’s also a force in the classroom as well.”
- Nicole Bailey, C, Saraland, AL, Satsuma High School
Nicole played for the Mobile Thrillers travel ball organization. She was also recruited by Millsaps College. Coach Guthrie on Nicole: “Nicole is fun to watch at the plate. She’s a great student and will bring many positives to us at MMI.”
- Natalie Gonzalez, C/3B/OF, Hialeah, FL, Hialeah High School
Natalie played travel ball with the South Florida Contenders. She was also recruited by Nova Southeastern U. She serves as Team Captain of her high school team and was an All-Dade County Selection by the Miami Herald 2005-07. Coach Guthrie on Natalie: “We feel very lucky to land Natalie. She’s a very determined individual and an outstanding player.”
- Noel Byers, UT, North Branch, MI, North Branch High School
Noel played travel ball with the Michigan Mavericks. She was played basketball, rugby and football in high school. She has an excellent academic background and an interest in the military. Coach Guthrie on Noel: “Noel is a highly disciplined, coachable player. She has tremendous strength and offensive potential for us.”
Published in NFCA’s Fastpitch Delivery November 2007 edition:
Coming Full Circle: How Learning to Lead Brought Me to MMI Softball
By: Joe Guthrie
F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, “Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist, but the ability to start over.” As I sit in my new office at Marion Military Institute, I feel very fortunate to be able to simply say, “I am starting the initial Fastpitch Softball program at MMI as the school’s first Head Coach.” Getting to Marion has been a fascinating journey for me. From a shy, naïve college baseball player to selfless combat veteran, I learned how valuable the gift of leading others can be. I decided the softball field at Marion provided the perfect place for me to pass this valuable lesson onto others.
Ten years ago this Fall, I left home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for a baseball scholarship at the University of Kentucky. I was 18 years old and sincerely believed by my junior year, I would turn professional and embark on a long, successful major league career. However, despite years of physical preparation for the rigors of SEC baseball, mentally I was not ready.
After one semester, at UK, I was on the road back to junior college in Alabama. After three semesters in junior college (largely plagued with injuries), I managed to return to SEC baseball at the University of Alabama. Though I did mentally mature somewhat at Alabama, my body was finished with baseball. The aftermath for me was devastating. For years afterward, I only wanted to know why did I fail? Why did something I put years of my life into fall short of its goals? It would take many years for me to find answers to these questions.
I slowly began to realize that I did not “fail” as I had previously thought. My values during this period of my life were simply misplaced. Baseball was not about batting averages. Baseball statistics set the individual up for failure. It was supposed to be about being a good teammate. I realized I had never been the guy who supported his teammates, even when his own performance suffered. In my quest for professional stardom, I had been selfish.
After baseball ended, I found myself directionless for the first time in my life. I began to feel that I wanted to right some of the mistakes I made in my baseball days. The Army offered the challenge I needed. Thus, nine months after my playing career, I joined the National Guard.
The military experience awoke skills for me that I never knew I had. As a senior at Alabama, I began to realize that a vast academic universe existed much greater than baseball. Subjects like U.S. history and English literature began to fascinate me. World events took on a much greater meaning to me now that my profession had world implications. Suddenly, the goal of becoming an Army officer with a graduate degree became my new quest.
Eventually, I was able to earn a master’s degree and an Army commission as an Infantry officer at Jacksonville State University. The next two years I would spend learning my trade at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Lewis, Washington respectively. I enjoyed learning to lead men and saw myself making strides as a selfless person. However, I had never quite seen a scenario like my next challenge.
On October 14, 2004, three months after being married, I left Washington for Mosul, Iraq. Two months before, I was informed that I would become my battalion’s liaison officer to the fledgling Iraqi National Guard. For the next year, I saw events that would forever change my outlook on the world and shake my own faith to its core. In such an environment, one learned to simplify what was important: serving those men I commanded.
I spent one year in Iraq. During this period, I experienced numerous mortar attacks, suicide bombers, car bombers, small arms ambushes and much carnage. Many nights I sat up at night wondering why I ever got so discouraged and self-absorbed during something so trivial as baseball. However, just as a good baseball player would do, an environment like Iraq forced individuals to focus on what they could control and nothing else.
I am extremely proud to say that I never lost a man serving under me in Iraq. Unlike my baseball experience, I shielded personal stress of combat by giving myself to others. Through the ashes of my Iraq experience, I came to realize that giving through leadership was the only thing that really mattered. I knew that if I survived Iraq, this gift needed to be passed to others once I came home.
Upon returning from Mosul, I quickly realized that coaching baseball was a way for me to give back to those following me. For next two years, I was able to enjoy this opportunity at the high school level in both Washington and Florida. I found a certain peace with sports I had never known as a player.
After six years and a war, professional baseball also came calling to me after Iraq. I had finally turned pro: as a scout. I learned much from my year with the Florida Marlins scouting department. Traveling to various ballparks on many Florida nights proved therapeutic at times. Yet, burning up the roadways nearly every night of week quickly seemed a lifestyle not suited for me.
Though I enjoyed my brief time as a pro scout, seeing the game from the professional side left aspects to be desired. Baseball was a business. It had become a bigger, more refined business in my absence. During this same period, I began providing private hitting instruction to softball players in Florida. I could see a purer quality within that sport. Draft status and money issues seemed not to cloud softball. By the same token, with war still raging in Iraq, I felt my experience could aid others who may follow me overseas.
Marion Military Institute seemed to be meant for me. The challenge: building a fastpitch softball program from scratch. So, here I am the Head Softball Coach at MMI. I also teach U.S. history as well. My experience brought me to where I am today. My experience allows me to know that we will be successful in this endeavor at MMI. I am totally committed to producing a winning product on the field at MMI. Yet, more importantly, I help produce tomorrow’s leaders and that’s worth more than all the softballs our kids will ever hit.
