Above) OSU standout Reagan Milliken demonstrates the batting form that led her to a school record in home runs to Ada all-district infielder Reese Jordan.

By Cort Reynolds

ADA__Several members of the Bulldog softball program survived the mid-90s heat and sun to participate in the first-ever Ada softball camp Monday, June 23 at the War Memorial Park’s varsity diamond.

Recent Ohio State first team All-Big 10 selections Kami Kortokrax of Kalida and Reagan Milliken from Pittsburgh served as the main instructors at the camp. 

Ohio Northern University head softball coach Summer Collins also assisted in coaching the campers. She also gave a brief speech to the campers.

Ada assistant coach Rob Overs and Bulldog head coach Jeff Bassitt organized the event. Ada won a school-record 22 games and advanced to the Div. VI regional finals in 2025.

Overs had run three previous such camps at Hardin Northern in recent years, but this was the first one at Ada.

Bulldog varsity standouts Reese Jordan, Emily Shanks and Abbey Johnston, as well as promising incoming freshmen Aubrey Jordan and Shay Smith, were among the Adaites competing at the heated camp.

Six players from Waynesfield-Goshen’s first-ever Northwest Central Conference title team, which advanced to the Div. VII regional semifinals this spring, also competed. 

About 30 players participated in drills for infield grounders, catching and tracking fly balls, hitting off a tee and against live pitching. The groups then played informal scrimmages to cap the three-hour event in the searing heat and sun.