Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Jason Murray takes
coaching post at Liberty University
Lynchburg, Va. — Liberty head baseball coach Jim Toman has announced the hiring of Jason Murray as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Murray replaces former Liberty coach Nick Schnabel, who accepted a similar position at East Carolina earlier this month. Murray will serve as the team’s infield coach and assist with the hitters.
“We are delighted that we were able to hire someone with Jason’s experience,” said Toman. “Not only has Jason worked with several outstanding coaches, but he has also been a head coach in the Big South Conference and was recently the recruiting coordinator at Michigan.”
“This opportunity is a true blessing for my wife, Mindy, and me,” stated Murray, who graduated from Bluffton High School in 1993.
Murray, 34, is no stranger in Big South baseball circles, having served two assistant coaching stints at Winthrop and leading the Charleston Southern program as its head coach for four years.
Last season, Murray returned to Winthrop to serve as an assistant coach for the second time under Hudak. The Eagles posted a 35-25 overall record, while finishing in second place in the Big South standings with an 18-9 mark.
In September 2004, after coaching at Michigan, Murray returned to the Big South as head coach at Charleston Southern. Over his four years at the helm of the Buccaneers, Murray recorded the fourth-most wins by a head coach in program history and had six of his players earn all-conference honors. His 2005 Buccaneer squad set a school record by posting a 14-game win streak—the longest in school history. In 2008, three of his freshman recruits earned All-American honors.
Murray is the son of Fred and Trudy Murray of Bluffton.

SW girls’ golf team to hold first practice
Girls interested in playing for the Southern Wells Raiders girls’ golf team should attend a meeting and practice on Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m. at the school. Bring clubs. For more information, call coach Charles Harris at 765-728-2769.

Raiders’ cross country to begin
The Southern Wells Raiders’ high school cross county teams will be opening their camp at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, continuing through noon Friday, Aug. 7. Phillip Rhodes is the varsity coach and may be contacted at 260-694-6453.

Raiders’ football to open practice
Southern Wells Raiders’ football players in grades 9-12 will begin practice on Monday, Aug. 3 from 8-11:00 a.m. Second practice of the day will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. New students in grades 9-12 or anyone wishing to play should call coach Mark Lefebvre at 260-273-2820.

Practice to begin for SW volleyball
Southern Wells girls’ high school volleyball practice will start Monday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a break for lunch and a second session from 2-4:30. Any girl in grades 9-12 is welcome. New students in grades 9-12 or anyone wanting to play should contact coach Melissa Northrop at 260-750-5329.

Norwell girls’ cross country to start
Norwell High School girls’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. For more information, contact Bob Dahl at bdahl@onlyinternet.net

Crusaders girls’ CC conditioning slated
Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country conditioning will be starting Monday, Aug. 3, 2009 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can begin conditioning. Any girl interested in conditioning should meet at the Norwell High School flag pole near the entrance to the high school gym. Girls should wear practice clothes, running shoes and bring a water bottle. Conditioning will end at approximately 9:30 a.m. Parents needing more information should contact Bob Dahl by e-mail at bdahl@onlyinternet.net or call 260-824-2766.

Norwell boys’ cross country to begin
Norwell High School boys’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. Any questions, contact Randy Hawkins at 341-3974 or randal.hawkins@nwcs.k12.in.us

Bluffton volleyball tryouts to be held
Bluffton Tigers girls’ volleyball tryouts will be Aug. 3 and 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

SW Jr. High cross country start set
Southern Wells Jr. High cross country practice will start Monday, Aug. 10 from 6-7 p.m. Runners should meet in front of the high school gym. All runners in grades 6-8 must have a completed physical turned in before they can practice.