The National Fastpitch Coaches Association continued its 2004 Convention at the Las Vegas Hilton Saturday, highlighted by the inductions of Jan Hutchinson and Elaine Sortino into the prestigious NFCA Hall of Fame. 

The Speedline/NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year/Hall of Fame Banquet capped off a busy day in Las Vegas. In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, over 40 coaching staffs were honored as regional or national staffs of the year. 

The day began with the Adams USA Continental Breakfast, where convention attendees had a chance to visit with three-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Fernandez. 

The NFCA National Convention Exhibit Show began Saturday morning, with nearly 100 companies showcasing their products. 

The All-American committees met on Saturday, as well as the Awards and Hall of Fame, Camp and Clinic, Education and Publications and Nominating Committees. 

The University of Michigan coaching staff began the day’s featured speakers, as they presented “The Team Within the Team: Building Dynamics within the Coaching Staff.” 

Alabama head coach Pat Murphy and USA Junior National team coach Pam Newton presented a seminar on hitting the outside pitch, while Kathy DeBour spoke on improving the competitiveness of teams. 

Jeff Janssen, a convention regular, presented a seminar entitled “Developing the Team Leaders You Need to Succeed.” Stacey Nuveman entertained a crowd with a presentation on catcher’s drills while the Palm Beach Community College staff spoke about hitting the inside pitch. 

National Pro Fastpitch held a reception prior to the Speedline/NFCA Hall of Fame Banquet. The convention continues Sunday, highlighted by the individual group caucuses.