Local Little League Board Hosts Pre-Season Coaches Training

Bryan Thompson speaks at the Little League Coaches' Seminar on Saturday.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
In an ongoing effort to improve the Edmonson County Little League Baseball and Softball programs, the county league board hosted a mandatory pre-season coaches training Saturday at the Chalybeate Sports Complex.

The three-hour training was in addition to the certification program each head and assistant had to complete in order to be allowed to coach a team during the upcoming season. Over 30 coaches attended the seminar that covered everything from technique to attitude and teaching.

Bryan Thompson, assistant baseball coach at ECHS, head of the local youth football league, and Edmonson Voice WildcatsLive Football commentator, led yesterday's seminar.

"This is something that the board has wanted to do for a while but never had the time to plan and implement," said board president, Laura Thomas. "With Bryan willing to do the preparation and implementation, it made it feasible for us to host the training." 

Thompson said through all the outlines, bullet points, and teaching, at the end of the day, it's all about the kids. "I think the coaches were happy with everything we shared," Thompson said. "They asked several questions and even challenged me on some ideas ideas. This was great because that makes me a better coach as well."

The board has said that they want all kids in the program to have an opportunity to reach their personal best.

"We want to emphasize good sportsmanship and character while teaching the fundamentals of the game," Thomas said. "We felt the training would benefit the coaches with fundamental skills as well as helping to express the vision and goal of the Babe Ruth League as a whole."

Several coaches in attendance said they enjoyed the seminar and said they felt like it will help them with the upcoming season.

"If all the coaches work together and continue to share their ideas and success, we'll have a world class youth program this year and the years to come," Thompson said.

Little League Board members were also in attendance as well, including President Thomas,  Vice President Michael Meredith*, Secretary Terry Alexander, Treas. Stewart Lich, Shawn McCombs equip. manager, Chad Clemmons publicity coordinator, and Carl Mills, fundraising coordinator.

*An earlier version of this story inadvertently omitted Michael Meredith's name from the board members. We apologize for the error.