The Genesee Community College softball program recently held its first four-week all-skills clinic in the new state-of-the-art GCC Richard C. Call Arena located on the Batavia campus of GCC.

The clinic was well attended with 40-plus registrants and was open to girls of all skill levels ranging in ages from 8-16 years old.

Matt Landers and Stan Kaus of Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball were prominent in the success of this initial clinic in many capacities that also included gathering participation from more than a half-dozen local school districts that included Pembroke, Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Oakfield, Elba, and Chili.

The clinic was held weekly on Sundays during the entire month of February and was instructed by GCC softball coaches and players and led by GCC head softball coach Taylor Maurer and assistant coach Kenneth Maurer.

The players included incoming 2018 prospects, former players, and last year's National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Player of the Year, Mackenzie Weber.

"It was a great opportunity for our players to serve as role models and coach drills they are used to performing," the GCC head softball coach said.

"The participants were exposed to topics such as hitting, pitching, defensive plays, throwing and catching, as well as improving their knowledge of the game, " Maurer added in describing a comprehensive overview of information and skills.

"With early softball revolving around weather at this time of year practices must be held indoors. There aren't many places locally that offer the kind of space the Richard C. Call Arena offers. It is great to see the younger generation take advantage of such an amazing venue. From utilizing the college's new, high-end athletic facilities-to-working with coaches and players, it's our hope that everyone left having a positive experience. We will most definitely be hosting another clinic this summer."