Softball clinic being offered for future Wildcats

Chris Osterman is giving students an early start on the road to becoming future Webutuck Wildcats by offering a softball clinic for those interested in kindergarten through eighth grade.

“My hope is we generate interest in the sport of softball, and we get more kids playing Little League or town softball, and more kids coming out for modified and varsity softball,” said Osterman, the varsity softball coach.

Osterman is hoping 2026 will mark the return of a modified softball program after a one-year hiatus.

The softball clinic is offered on Wednesday evenings. Coaches will work with young players on fundamental skills such as hitting, throwing and fielding every two weeks. Pitching lessons for students in grades 4 through 12 alternate with this fundamental skills program and are held every other Wednesday.

The clinics and pitching lessons will continue through March, and softball players are asked to bring a glove, sneakers and water.

“They’re enjoying it and at the same time improving their skills,” said Osterman. “They want to be here and are excited about it. There is so much room for growth in them and they are so eager to do it. I do thoroughly enjoy working with them.”

Lenore Dorrer and Kody Lawrence have been regular participants of the softball clinic. Lawrence, a lefty who pitches and plays first base, said she enjoys competing in all sports, especially soccer and softball.

“It helps me with my skills,” said Lawrence, a fifth grader, of the clinic. “I hope to improve my hitting skills in the next few clinics.”

Dorrer, a sixth grader who plays shortstop, said the clinic has helped her throwing, fielding and hitting skills – especially after Osterman adjusted her hitting stance.

 “I like hanging out with my friends and I enjoy playing softball,” she said.