Donna Newberry Award, Hall of Fame Highlight Day Three of NFCA Convention

ATLANTA, Ga. – The presentation of the Donna Newberry Perseverance Award and the induction of three Hall of Famers highlighted day three of the NFCA National Convention.

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In a touching tribute, the late John Keyes, head coach at North Fort Myers High School, was recognized as the 2015 recipient of the Donna Newberry Perseverance Award. Following Past President Patrick Murphy’s (right) recount of Keyes’ life, his wife Marcia Keyes (center) and daughter Hollie Nyholm (left) accepted on his behalf to a rousing standing ovation.

The evening concluded with a trio of head coaches – Jo Evans of Texas A&M, Anita Kubicka of Montclair State and Auburn’s Clint Myers getting inducted into the Hall of Fame in a ceremony held in the Atrium Ballroom.

Also included in the day’s program were Travel Ball, High School and Cal JC caucuses as well as the continuation of the Division I and III caucuses. In addition, several jam-packed speaker presentations, the conclusion of the exhibit hall, the Emeriti Group and the softball summit filled everyone’s bucket on Friday.

In addition to the summit and the Hall of Fame, the morning featured three speakers– Cheryl Milligan, head of coach of three-time defending DIII National Champion Tufts, LSU Assistant Coach Howard Dobson and Corey Myers, assistant coach at Auburn University.

Prior to the Keyes recognition at the Softball Summit, each NFCA Board of Director’s representative presented what their respective groups discussed in their caucuses. Following the presentations, coaches in the room brought to the table several ideas, which brought some friendly debate amongst peers.

In the afternoon following the summit, UCLA assistant Coach Kirk Walker presented on pitching and Ryan Harrison focused on SlowTheGameDown. In addition to the afternoon speakers, current and former members of USSSA Pride did chalk talks on catching, infield, outfield, pitching and hitting.

The final day of the convention begins with the Coaching Staff of the Year Brunch and features “Drills, Drills, Drills” segments, roundtable topics, the Travel Curriculum, speakers Emily Allard (Slapping), Lew Porchiazzo (Strength & Conditioning) and lawyer Sam Ekstrand.

For a detailed schedule click HERE.