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Druzin hired as St. John Academy softball coach

BELLAIRE – St. John Central Academy is in its first year of existence. With that, comes its initial head softball coach.

The Fighting Irish administration has named one with much experience and much success. Collin Druzin is that individual.

The Martins Ferry resident brings years of travel-ball coaching to his new challenge. Moreover, the 42-year-old has coached at basically all levels of softball, all steeped in winning.

“I am looking forward to starting a program at a brand new school. It is a great opportunity for the kids,” Druzin said. “I want to build a first-class program from the outset and make it competitive very quickly. We have a lot of new equipment and I have quality coaches coming on board.

“We have a lot of young kids, many of whom haven’t ever played softball,” he added. “But we will get them moving and teach them the fundamentals. We will work hard.”

The Fighting Irish have a full schedule in place for the coming season. They will play their home games at the J.B. Chambers I-470 Complex in Elm Grove.

“I started coaching rec ball for many years, then travel ball and into coaching high school,” Druzin said. “We want to get this program off its feet in a positive way and getting the girls headed in the right direction. We will work hard to make that happen and we are hoping for a good season.”

Druzin will be assisted by Paul Newell.

Druzin and his wife, Debbie, have an daughter, Bellaire, age 8. The Academy’s new softball coach is a 1997 Shadyside High grad and a coal miner by trade.

In addition to leading the high school program, Druzin is also holding a softball camp at St. John Central Academy, focusing on fundamentals. The camp began yesterday and will also be held on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23. It will be conducted in the high school gym.

The camp will be split into two sessions. Grades 1-4 will go from noon to 2 p.m. while grades 5-8 will go from 3-5 p.m. Cost of the camp is $20 which includes an awards ceremony and t-shirt.

In addition to fundamentals, the camp will feature practice with pitchers and batting practice. For more information or to register, call 740-921-9220.

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