Brandon youngsters learn basics at camps

The school year has recently concluded, but several Brandon-area students are getting an education in their favorite sports.
The Brandon High School Athletic Department conducted four camps last week: volleyball, coed basketball, coed tennis and softball. The camps were held at Brandon High School and Brandon Middle School, and largely geared toward elementary and middle school students.
In some cases, the students had to beat the heat to make it through their camps, as was the case with the softball camp, held at Brandon’s home softball field. About 20 students in grades 1-9 turned out to learn the basics of softball from Brandon coach Don Peters and assistants Krista Peters and Cheri Venturino.
‘We’re teaching them everything ? sliding, throwing, hitting inside and outside pitches, bunting and drag bunting ? as well as some fun things,? Peters said.
A couple of 11-year-olds from Ortonville, Natalie Kusza and Molly Pappas, took part in the activities.
Kusza said she’s learning about fundamentals of softball, such as how to hold the bat, throwing the ball, running the bases, and other exercises. She also said her favorite part of the camp is the games the campers play at the end of the day.
Meanwhile, Pappas said she is also learning how to hold the bat and throw the ball correctly. She said her favorite part of the camp is the batting exercises..