April 24, 2002
Head softball coach Glenn Moore sat down Wednesday afternoon and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.
For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.
FRED: HOW MANY GAMES TO YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO WIN IN THE BIG TWELVE TOURNAMENT TO BE ABLE TO HOST A REGIONAL
Glenn Moore: We will not host this season because of a conflict with Baylor's graduation. We will correct that problem for the future.
FarAwayFan: What type of players did you recruit for next year? Do you expect any to contribute early on?
Glenn Moore: We have tremendous talent coming in to shore up the defense and to continue our quest for a more productive offense.
DON AUSTIN,TX: HI COACH FIRST,CONGRATS ON YOUR SEASON THUS FAR.SECOND,YOU HAVE RECRUITED SOME GOOD TALENT FOR NEXT SEASON,IS THERE ANY THING ELSE OUT THERE THAT MIGHT HELPYOUR PROGRAM FOR 2003.
Glenn Moore: Thanks Don, At this time we are not planning on adding any one else to our roster. we have signed 4 and only lose 2. With a tremendous senior class and quality under classmen we feel we have evened out our talent to decrease the impact of rebuilding.
sam (houston): on the stats page, why are some listed above and some below. at first glance, you would consider the top the "starters", but why April Luce above and Nan Wilkins below? It doesn't seem to make sense considering Nan's production.
Glenn Moore: The players have to average 2.5 at-bats per game to be above the line.
Brandi Stien: Coach Moore we have sent our daughters to several of your camps and have attend several camps at other schools as well. None compare to yours, thank you for conducting your Summer camps. We will see you in June.
Glenn Moore: Thank you, we'll see you this summer!
michael (ruth, ms): glenn, first i want to congratulate you on the great success you've made of yourself & the baylor program. i follow your team each week via your website & i'm proud to tell people i know you as a good friend. how does in feel to be in the position you're in having come from small schools such as a.s.c. & southwest miss. comm. college?
Glenn Moore: Hi Michael. I feel very fortunate to be at Baylor University and to have had the opportunities I've had. Thanks!
Brad (Mexia): Did you expect Kelly Levesque to have the impact she has had this year?
Glenn Moore: Kelly is a phenomenal athlete with tremendous talent. However, she has exceeded my expectations in her first year as a Lady Bear.
Sally - Robinson, Texas: How does the Big 12 compare to other conferences this season, esp. in regards to pitching?
Glenn Moore: We believe the Big 12 has the strongest pitching in the nation. Baylor is currently first in the Big 12 in ERA and 4th nationally. Along with pitchers like Cat Osterman, Peaches James, Lauren Bay and several others, there is no doubt that Big 12 pitching is the strongest in the nation.
George (Wichita Fals): What do you think our chances are of getting a regional bid? If we are not hosting, where do you think we will be sent?
Glenn Moore: We will definitely not host, because we were not able to bid because of a conflict with graduation. I do feel our chances are strong that we'll attend. Where we'll go is unsure at this time.
Lisa, Houston: I've noticed that Nan Wilkinshas really progressed over the 2nd half of thje season. To what do you attribute her progress?
Glenn Moore: Nan is the hardest worker on our team. What she lacks in talent, she makes up for with her work ethic.
Adam (Round Rock): How does this season's pitching staff compare to the pitching staffs you had at LSU?
Glenn Moore: This is a quality pitching staff, all the way around. Probably not as dominating as a couple of our staffs at LSU with all-America pitchers, but that could change within the next year or two. I'm very pleased with what this staff has accomplished.
Austin: How would you compare recruiting here at Baylor to when you were at LSU? Is it harder to draw top caliber players to Baylor, or do the distinct aspects of Baylor make it easier to sell?
Glenn Moore: For my staff, Baylor is easier to recruit to. We had an uneven playing field in regards to cost of education, but that is our only negative. Early signings and commitments are evidence of the fact that Baylor can recruit with anyone.
Austin: What are your goals for the program in the next 5 years?
Glenn Moore: Goals for the next five years: to develop a top-10 program and sustain the reputation of being a national power. With a little bit of luck, to have attended a WCWS.
Bert: How do you feel about your walk-ons of this year?
Glenn Moore: Kim Wilmoth has definitely been a blessing, and the other walkons have played their role as well. They are all great kids, and a pleasure to coach.
Grady(Waco): Coach Moore, congratulations on a wonderful year. What are some of the ways we can support softball? And how can we spread the word about your excellent team?
Glenn Moore: This year, we are going to be in the top 10 nationally in attendance. Our booster club exceeds over 100 members. Season ticket sales are at an all-time high. Joining the booster club and attending the games, along with verbal support in the community, are all ways in which we benefit. Thank you for your support.
gary: What are your thoughts about Nebraska?
Glenn Moore: I'm proud to be in the same conference with a national power, and we feel fortunate to have been able to compete with them, having won 1 of 2 games. Our desire as a program is to get to the level of Nebraska softball.
freak: Why do u coach womens softball and not baseball?
Glenn Moore: I played men's softball since I was 12 years old, and fell in love with the sport. Baseball is a great sport, but softball was my first love.
Ray (Austin): How good is Cat Ostermann from Texas?
Glenn Moore: Ostermann may be the best pitcher I've ever seen, man or woman. She's not overpowering with her speed, but has tremendous ball movement. She's a hard worker and deserves the credit.
Grady (Waco): I am very impressed with Vitek's pitching. What do you think of her this year and what about her pitching in the years to come?
Glenn Moore: When we recruited Cristin, we felt she was a year away. She has proven that she can compete with the best in the nation and exceeded our expectations. She will be an all-American before she leaves Baylor.
Vinny: Do you enjoy life at baylor?
Glenn Moore: Life is good.
Grady (Waco: What do we need to do in order to beat Cat's pitching and Texas? I can't stand any of our teams losing to Texas :)
Glenn Moore: Ostermann can be beat. We have to play great defense and have great pitching. We had three opportunities to score in our last meeting, and were unable to get runs across the plate. While she's not unbeatable, she makes you play to the top of your game to beat her.
Grad man: Do you think there is a chance to win the big XII tournament?
Glenn Moore: Yes. There is a lot of parity in this conference, and the tournament could be won by any 1 of the 8 teams.
Grady (Waco): As a local business owner around Baylor,alumni, and softball fan, is there a way I can get an autographed team photo to hang in our store. We would display it proudly. Thank you for your time.
Glenn Moore: Sure, e-mail Coach Jennings at Maryann_Jennings@baylor.edu with your address and request.
Grady(Waco): Are you suprised about how well Texas has done this year?
Glenn Moore: Yes, I'm surprised. I didn't think one pitcher would take a team from the bottom all the way to the top, but I have to give credit to the Texas coaching staff and the rest of the team as well.
Geoff (Argyle, TX): Why does ESPN.com have so many Baylor coaches as chat guests?
Moderator: Baylor (and all the schools in the Official College Sports Network) have an agreement with ESPN.com to host chats with coaches.
Grady(Waco): What should we look out for on Oklahoma this weekend? I know they're good, but Texas did sweep them this past weekend, so they have weaknesses. How can we use that to our advantage?
Glenn Moore: Oklahoma is very sound defensively, and they swing the bats very well. They are not the OU of previous years. We have to keep their hitters in check, and play great defense. I expect our hitters to put the ball in play, so we have to find ways to manufacture runs.
Austin: How highly do you value offense is softball? It seems that defense and pitching are the primary focus.
Glenn Moore: I'm a big believer in the short game, because pitching is so dominant in our conference. The short game allows us to force the defense to make mistakes. I think the great teams have the full package.
Grady (Waco): Why can fans keep the foul balls in softball like you can in baseball? just curious
Glenn Moore: Baseball has more sponsors who are willing to pay for those foul balls. Unfortunately right now, we do not.
Glenn Moore: Well, I've gotta go do some recruiting now. Hope to see you guys at Getterman Stadium on Saturday and Sunday!
