slr52

Indeed, congratulations to Lindsey! This is a wonderful accomplishment. I haven't been on CoachT for about eight years, but was made aware of this thread today and want to echo the good wishes. Megan has already sent congratulations. Also, for those that were wondering, Megan pitched four+ years. I say the "+" because her eighth grade year she played behind three upper classmen, so she barely made it on the field. Best of luck at Marshall, Lindsey, and I hope you have a great college experience! I am sure you will make all of us in Tennessee proud. Steve Rhodes (father of Megan Rhodes Smith)

Go get 'em Antwan!! I'm with you. Those games between Lipscomb and Smith Co. were nail biters. Great games between two great teams. The score easily could have gone either way, especially in the game where the winning score came on the intentional walk. Intentional walks still scare me...to many chances for something to go wrong.

Rhodes had 1807 strikeouts with 26 or 27 coming in the eighth grade. But this thread is about Ashley Elrod. Congratulations! Anytime a high school pitcher can total more than 1000 strikeouts, it reflects a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

I haven't enquired, for several reasons. Of course, given the limitations of the school, the available pool of prospects will be somewhat limited. Personally, I am hoping that little is getting out so the girls can stay focused on the current season, and not have to be distracted with plans for next year.

Ok, let’s see if I can choose my words very carefully. The situation at Lipscomb was difficult for everyone involved. I say this as a close observer who counts myself a personal friend of all the coaches and administrators concerned, as well as several of the players, some of whom I have known for years, or currently have in class. I wish the former coaches only the best, and I have sympathy for administrations that have to make difficult decisions. For all of you who have strong opinions in this matter, don’t think that only one incident brought about the actions that occurred, and don’t be so naïve as to think that any D1 athletic administration would release an entire coaching staff in the middle of a season without putting a lot of time and thought into the process. This situation was definitely more complex than “just kick the troublemakers out.” Remember, hearsay on either side of any issue is just what it is…hearsay… which is often very unbalanced both in accuracy and the telling of all sides of the issue. For the girls on the team this has been a difficult spring. But at the moment, they are playing hard …and winning!! Good luck in tournament play.

I hope Christine Davis can recover soon. This nagging problem has certainly been frustrating for her. She looked great working out during the Christmas holidays before the pain returned. She has a lot of promise, and her talent has not gone unnoticed by some college coaches.

Swingaway, Thanks for the information in your post. I'm curious about your figures. You show an increase of women in sports over a 29 year period from 31,858 to 150,916 for a 4.7 increase. Increasing the participation almost five times certainly makes the argument for Title IX. Then you site the men's increase from 172,447 to 3,921,069 for a 22.7 increase. Is there a typo on the number of men in 2001? That number is huge. Thanks for any clarification.

Congratulations to both coaches! Coach Davis, you have been a great inspiration to Megan from the very first pitching lesson years ago to the present. Words cannot begin to repay what you have done for her. Glad we could be there for the win Friday afternoon. You, Coach Knott and Coach Swang have meant so much to countless girls over the years. Thanks for all you do. Now, for the next 500 games......!!!! Steve Rhodes

Abbott being "an even bigger national talent" is an understatement. She is 6"3" and gets in the mind of the batters very quickly. When you are 5"7" it is hard to intimidate anyone!

Bleacherbum, Of the six fall signees at UT for next year four are from Tennessee - Vaughn from Lenoir City, Hammond from GPS, Fulmer from Maryville, and Peroni from Goodpasture. Currently there are seven Tennessee girls on the UT squad. So there are some Tennessee girls getting noticed. Deadeye, Glad your daughter is enjoying a great year at her JUCO. I think I know who she is, and she is a very fine pitcher. I'm not surprised at her success. I noted also from your post that she is opting to move up to DI next year instead of playing out her option at the JUCO. On the other hand, regarding Megan "riding the pine," she was very much aware of what her playing time would be when she chose UT. Her reasons for choosing Tennessee were the coaches, players (she has really enjoyed her teammates), and a particular academic degree that she is interested in which is not offered at many schools. She also wants to see if she can be successful at that level of play. She knew going in that she would pitch behind an All American and she was fine with that. The most important thing is for each girl to find the situation that is best for her.

The Lady Vols play four teams in this week's top 25: 8. Washington 11. Michigan 15. Baylor 22. Nebraska

Academic aid comes from a student's grades, ACT or SAT score, rank in class, etc. It is awarded by the university independent of any athletic money a student receives. The more academic aid a student receives, the less the athletic department has to spend on that student. A coach can spread out the 11.5 scholarships out at his/her disgression - some full, some partial. The more lottery and academic money a recruit receives, that frees up more money for someone else.

Two other factors are in-state or out-of-state tuition, and the lottery. A "full ride" for an in-state player is totally different than a "full ride" for an out-of-state player, presuming that their is no out-of-state tuition waiver. Out of state is going to cost a coach at least double the tuition, if not more. If you are in-state, the lottery, plus some academic scholarship money, helps a coach put a decent package together.

Thanks Shari21, If we can get everybody healthy and playing at 100% we ought to be able to make a pretty good run.

32 innings.... I wonder if it was with or without tie breaker.