Okies' softball team gets off to slow start

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mark Hybers
  • 507 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The Okies softball season got off to a rough start June 26 with a drubbing at the hands of the Navy's VQ-7 Roughnecks on Champ Field at Tinker AFB.

After weeks of rain cancellations, the Okies took the field with a new coach at the helm and few returning starters. The lack of playing time as a team showed as the Okies were quickly disposed of in the first of a twin bill, 14-0.

The nightcap resulted in the same score, however, new skipper Tech. Sgt. Dustin Staude said they played better as a team despite the score.

"The first game we knocked a lot of rust off and got the jitters out," Staude said. "I think as a first time coach I have a lot to learn about the non-player side of the game."

The Roughnecks are not the Okies' biggest rival; however, Staude said they always play tough and have really stepped up their game this year. As for the Okies, Staude said just getting back to the basics and practice time should help a great deal.

"We just need some softball 101," he said. "We have two weeks between games which gives us plenty of time to practice and get more familiar with each other on the field."

Staude said the veterans all played well as expected. The newcomer, Senior Master Sgt. Richard Stull, came ready to play and pitched a very good game despite the score.

The first two weeks of the season have been pushed back due to rainouts - including a double header against the Okies' main rival, the 513th Air Control Group's Thumpers. The double header is rescheduled for mid-August.

Despite the 0 and 2 start, the Okies are only two games out of first place with a lot of ball yet to play.

"I think we will put together a much better game against Contracting," Staude said.

That game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on July 10.