By Cory Nidoh
Opinion Editor
The East Stroudsburg University Softball team will host an alumni game on Saturday, September 20, at Zimbar Field, which will include a number of alums that have played through the Warriors’ softball program.
Notable former players that are attending the event are Brittany Racek, Kara Darcey and Jamie Mingis.
Racek etched her name into the ESU’s record book during her playing career spanning from 2008-2011.
The Philadelphia native is in the top five all-time in eight offensive categories including fourth in slugging percentage, tied for third in hits (165), tied for third in home runs (11), and second in extra-base hits (57).
Racek ended her career as a three-time All-PSAC East selection. Jamie Mingis, a teammate of Racek, was also a decorated player for ESU from 2008-2011.
The Glen Mills native is in the top 20 for numerous offensive statistics such as total bases, runs and walks including tied for fifth in triples (7).
She also played in 159 games which is the tenth most in ESU history.
Darcey paces the record book in all-time games played with 189 games. As a freshman, the dual position player started in 54 games with 52 starts patrolling right field.
The Levittown, NY, native showed a keen eye in her playing days from 2007-2010, walking 52 times which is tied for fourth all-time.
There are current ESU Warriors who are also looking to climb the all-time ranks. Senior outfielder Kacie Killeen cracked the top 20 in walks with 29.
Senior infielder Jamie Smith is currently fourth in a record that many players might not want to have: hit by pitches. Smith has been bruised 15 times since joining the softball program in 2012.
ESU is coming off a 14-29 season where they went 9-19 in conference play, running into a tough stretch, where they dropped their last seven games.
This year, their schedule will open with a double header in West Virginia where they will take on Shepherd.
They return to East Stroudsburg for their home opener on March 1, against Goldey-Beacon.
Email Cory at:
cnidoh@live.esu.edu