Technology gives lacrosse players virtual learning option

Current and aspiring lacrosse players have a new resource to help improve their skills with the introduction of an instructional CD-ROM that uses 3D animation technology.

Official NCAA lacrosse ball licensee Brine Inc., Immersion Media and lacrosse standouts Casey and Mikey Powell have teamed up to create the “Virtual Lacrosse Academy,” which features games and tutorials showing the Powell brothers demonstrating skills, drills and tricks.

Casey Powell was a four-time all-American and a two-time national player of the year at Syracuse, where he helped the Orange claim the 1995 NCAA Division I national title. Younger brother Mikey Powell also made his mark at Syracuse as a four-time national player of the year and as a key member of the Orange’s 2002 and 2004 championship teams.

The cost of the CD-ROM is $19.99. To purchase or for more information, go to www.

imsports.com/virtuallax.

Immersion Media is based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and specializes in sports training and fan-based media.

Missouri football coaches toss frosh a charity pass

University of Missouri, Columbia, offensive lineman Kurtis Gregory is entering his freshman season for the Tigers looking to flatten his opponents. But it was Gregory who was knocked off balance last month when the Tigers coaching staff pooled resources to assist Gregory’s sister after a tornado destroyed her home.

Gregory’s sister, Stephanie Keller, lost the home she shared with her husband and two daughters in a March 12 twister that ripped through the small town of Arrow Rock, Missouri. Although no one sustained injuries, the family of four was left only with a few of their possessions — some stuffed animals, their marriage license and some winter coats.

That’s when head football coach Gary Pinkel and his assistant coaches huddled together to produce a $1,000 donation toward a credit line at a local Target store. The Kellers were able to replace needed items such as a vacuum cleaner, a microwave and other appliances. Gregory, who was moved to tears at the generosity of the gift, said others assisted in the family’s recovery efforts by donating clothing.

Diamonds are the place for magical milestones

The game in which Mount Olive College head baseball coach Carl Lancaster notched his 600th career victory was made extra special when his son, freshman hurler Jesse Lancaster, picked up his first collegiate complete game to give the veteran coach the milestone win.

Mount Olive downed Erskine College, 11-1, in the second game of a March 18 doubleheader to move Carl Lancaster’s career record to 600-328. Jesse Lancaster, 3-1 on the season, tossed a five-hitter, struck out four and retired nine of the final 10 batters he faced.

One of the leaders in career wins and career winning percentage among active NCAA Division II baseball coaches, the elder Lancaster, who earned win No. 599 the previous day, had a chance to capture his 600th victory in the first game of the doubleheader. Mount Olive held a 3-2 lead in the top of the second inning but eventually fell, 12-5.

Said Carl, “Things happen for a reason. I guess Jesse being on the mound was meant to be.”

“That’s why I came to Mount Olive, to have days like this,” said Jesse Lancaster. “Hopefully, we’ll have more of them.”

While Carl Lancaster reached a coaching benchmark, University of Missouri-Rolla softball student-athlete Holly Weinberg used her bat to make a mark of a different sort. The sophomore smashed solo, one-run, two-run, three-run and grand-slam home runs in a doubleheader against Lincoln University (Missouri) last month.

The first baseman hit a two-run shot and a grand slam in successive at-bats during the first game. To complete the cycle, in the second contest, Weinberg followed a ground out in her first plate appearance with solo and three-run homers in her last two at-bats on the day.

Weinberg is a business major who earned honorable mention all-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 2005.