First Workouts, Team Meeting Gets Softball Back to Business

Aug. 25, 2010

HOUSTON - The University of Houston softball team returned to the weight room after summer vacation before getting down to business in the first team meeting of the season Wednesday afternoon.

Strength and conditioning coach Dale Jones went through weight training orientation with the team's six newcomers before allowing them to participate in the first scheduled team workout on Thursday.

The returning Cougars began to see the payoff from their individual summer workouts as Jones gave them lifting and repetition assignments to work through the soreness the veterans felt after surviving functional testing the previous day.

"It was awesome to get back with the team in there," senior Jennifer Klinkert said. "There is so much energy on this team. We don't have to do this - we get to."

As soon as the team finished workouts, the Cougars headed to the first team meeting of the school year.

Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades, Senior Women's Administrator DeJuena Chizer, Associate Athletics Trainer John Houston, Associate A.D. for Compliance Kevin Klotz and academic support supervisor Lori Selzer were all in attendance to welcome the team back for the new season and discuss several important issues.

Rhoades explained the athletic department's expectations of the team, including academic excellence, each player improving her game and his emphasis on teamwork and accountability.

"We expect you to be great teammates," Rhoades said. "You win together, you lose together."

Klotz thoroughly explained details from the compliance office, including ethical conduct, eligibility and financial aid. The women also heard from Houston and team trainer Ryota Higuchi about sports medicine needs and nutrition.

Individual practices, as well as team conditioning, begin Thursday as the team prepares for the SK College Classic on Oct. 2-3.

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