Free clinic offered to area youth baseball, softball coaches
Area youth baseball and softball coaches are encouraged to attend a free coaches clinic hosted by the Kane County Cougars on Saturday, Feb. 27. The instructional clinic begins at 9:30 a.m. inside Elfstrom Stadium's upper deck level. Attendees interested in attending are asked to RSVP by calling the Cougars at (630) 232-8811 or e-mailing clinic coordinator Dave Edison at dedison@kanecountycougars.com.
Although open to the public, the clinic's purpose is to specifically instruct coaches and therefore, is intended for adult coaches rather than youth players.
Coaches can learn pointers in specific areas of on-field execution, practice techniques and coaching style. Participants will be divided into small groups and visit each station throughout the morning session. Guests are encouraged to bring notepads or video recorders for their convenience.
A preliminary list of clinic instructors includes:
Aaron Nieckula, Cougars manager: Nieckula holds six years of minor league coaching experience and five seasons as a minor league player, reaching Triple-A as a catcher. Nieckula, who helmed the Cougars from 2006-08, returns to the Cougars' managerial post in 2010 after spending last season as skipper of the Stockton Ports. Upon graduating from the University of Illinois, Nieckula was drafted after a collegiate career as catcher and spent five seasons as a player in the A's and Giants minor league systems.
Matt Winters, former Cougars hitting coach: Winters makes a homecoming to Elfstrom Stadium, as the former Major Leaguer was hitting coach at Kane County from 1996 through 2001. That stretch included Winters mentoring former Cougars and future sluggers such as Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Willingham during their early professional careers. Winters was a former 1st round draft choice of the Yankees in 1978 and patiently made his way through the minor league system, recording five seasons of 20 or more home runs. An outfielder and first baseman, Winters made his big league debut with Kansas City in 1989 and closed his professional career playing in Japan.
Shaun Neitzel - Head Baseball Coach, Aurora University: Neitzel was named head baseball coach at Aurora University in 2002 and within three years' time, had led the Spartans to a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championships. Neitzel was a three-sport athlete at Oswego High School and played at William Penn College.
"With a great lineup of instructors, this clinic is a fantastic opportunity for area coaches to fully prepare for their upcoming seasons," said clinic coordinator Dave Edison. "We encourage all adults who are interested to attend our free clinic and learn how to become the best youth coaches they can be."
The clinic is provided for free to participants as a community service from the Kane County Cougars. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided for attendees.