By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Beth Alms insisted on Tuesday withdrawal pains haven’t been a problem so far this summer.
“I don’t go into the softball mode until August, anyway,” Alms said with a laugh.
Who’s she trying to kid?
You know even now she thinks frequently about softball.
Specifically, Neosho High School softball.
Alms, who’s nearing 20 years as a teacher, stepped down after 11 seasons guiding the Wildcats. She believes they were 187-71 overall in that span with seven district titles in Class 4, three trips to the quarterfinals and two Southwest Conference championships.
Alms, who has four years of experience coaching softball and volleyball at Mars Hill (N.C.) College, said she didn’t look around for another position in softball.
She’s content currently, she said, with teaching physical education and helping Harry Lineberry in track. She oversees the girls and works with high jumpers.
“I’ve been coaching my entire life,” she said. “Sports is part of my life.”
Alms competed in basketball, volleyball and track — few Missouri schools then offered softball — at Joplin Memorial High School.
She played volleyball at Missouri Southern while securing her undergraduate degree and added a master’s from Pittsburg State.
Alms admitted this summer certainly is different without softball looming in the fall.
Alms, as the majority of softball coaches, probably earned most of her stipend with toil in the summer that included weekly participation in a summer league in May and June, oodles of planning and administrative duties as well as mental preparation.
“That league was a fun thing,” Alms said. “Most of the girls were playing on traveling teams, anyway. But those Wednesday nights allowed you to keep in touch with them.”
Girls basketball coach Grant Young, who’ll be assisted by Missy Clark, has added softball to his resume for the coming season.
“I wish them luck,” Alms said of the Wildcats. “Sincerely, I hope they continue their success.”
