2008 Softball Camp

June 29 - July 3
2008 camp itinerary

Our softball camps features two sessions each day, plus optional evening sessions for advanced players. Each session features two full hours of softball and is conducted at Cornell's Niemand-Robison Field on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. Campers learn the skills, techniques and strategies needed to become a successful softball player. Daily instruction focuses on the development of important skills including batting, fielding and base running. 

Campers receive individual instruction and play team games daily. Resident camp includes lodging and meals in one of our award-winning dining halls. Resident campers participate in evening recreation each day. Activities include recreational sports, swimming, miniature golf, bowling, movies, nature walks and go-carting. Commuter campers receive all of the same softball instruction as residents and a delicious hot lunch. All campers receive a FREE camp T-shirt.
Residents
Commuters
Early enrollment price
$499
$399
Late enrollment price
$529
$429

The early enrollment postmark deadline is June 6
Click HERE for details pertaining to early enrollment pricing.


FEATURING ONE OF THE FINEST
COACHING STAFFS IN THE COUNTRY
Dick Blood

Cornell University Head Coach 

Taking over a program in its infancy is never easy, but Dick Blood, a former assistant softball coach at Dartmouth College who has over 20 years of coaching experience, has done wonders since becoming Cornell University's softball coach in 1996. 

In just his fifth year at the helm of the Cornell softball program, Blood led the Big Red to its first Ivy League championship in 1999, compiling a school-record 41-11 slate in the process. Blood's squad went 11-1 in the Ivy League, improving on its second-place finish the previous year,while earning a berth to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. 

The Big Red finished the 1998 season with a 37-9 mark and earning its second straight berth to the Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament, only to have the championships canceled due to rain. Blood's squad finished in a tie for second place in the Ivy League with an 8-4 conference slate.  The Big Red ranked fourth in the nation in home runs (0.87 per game), fifth in slugging percentage (.512), sixth in winning percentage (.804), eighth in doubles (1.57 per game), 10th in batting (.328), 12th in scoring (6.15 runs per game) and 13th in triples (0.43 per game) in the process.

In just his second year at the helm of Cornell softball, Blood's 1997 team compiled a 35-15 record and won its first-ever ECAC championship. The team also finished seventh in the nation in home runs (0.64 per game) and 18th in slugging percentage (.428). 

Blood was named National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association New Hampshire Coach of the Year in 1995 for his many contributions to statewide clinics and was instrumental in the development of softball in the entire state of New Hampshire. He worked to establish an Amateur Softball Association for the state. In 1986, the Cornell mentor began coaching Dolls n Granite and New Hampshire Granite Junior Olympic teams and his squad won the regional championships and placed 13th at the national tournament in 1993. The following year, his team won the state championship and was a regional contender.

e-mail coach Blood at rb53@cornell.edu

Contact coach Blood by phone at: 607-255-8500


Julia Platt
Cornell University Assistant Coach 

Former Cornell softball standout Julie Platt was named the Big Red assistant softball coach this past fall. Platt, who holds the program’s all-time record for single season and career batting average, joins head coach Dick Blood after spending the past four seasons as a part-time assistant softball coach at the University of Rochester.

Platt was a two-time All-Ivy second-team selection during her career as a second baseman at Cornell and was a member of the 1997 ECAC championship team. In 1996, she posted a .423 batting average to become the first Cornellian to bat over .400 for a season. Her .375 career batting average and .419 on base percentage rank her at the top of both categories. She is tied for ninth in career runs and is seventh all-time in hits with 128.

e-mail coach Platt at jcp5@cornell.edu


Cornell's varsity softball players assist with instruction on the field
and with counseling in the camp dormitory.
Camp Information
Schedule
Registration will be held on the ground floor of Robert Purcell Community Center on the first day of camp. A camper orientation will be held following check in, after which camp counselors will take campers to the first instructional session. See 2007 camp itinerary for more details.
Facilities
The Niemand•Robison Field is a wonderful facility, featuring dual batting cages and bullpens. Concrete dugouts, seating for 200, a press box, sound system and electronic scoreboard surround the playing field.  The playing surface consists of a Jersey beam clay infield, Kentucky bluegrass outfield and a stone dust warning track. Tall Oaks, Shag Bark Hickories, Sugar Maples and White Pines encircle the ballpark.  Meals will be served in one of Cornell's world class dining halls.  Cornell also boasts the Friedman Center (a brand new strength and conditioning facility), a swimming pool and a full-time training staff.
What to Bring
Softball glove, and plenty of practice clothes.  Campers must bring sneakers.   Cleats and your own bat are optional.  All campers need a pillow, blankets, sheets, and towels.  It is also recommended you bring a fan for your room and a swimsuit.

Transportation
We will pick up campers at the Ithaca Airport or bus station. You MUST contact us in writing, with arrival mode, date and time, three weeks prior to camp. There is a $20 round trip fee for this service. Sorry, we do not offer pick up from the Syracuse or Binghamton airports.

You can request more information from the Cornell Summer Sports School by phone at: 

607.255.1200
by e-mail at: camps@cornell.edu
or by writing to:
Cornell Sports School
103 Bartels Hall, Campus Rd. 
Ithaca, NY 14853
To learn more about the
Cornell University softball team click HERE