Category: Featured

Jets off to Vegas for Annual Bishop Gorman Tournament!

Las Vegas, NV – 

The Jets pre-season ended as soon as it began with 2 game in Lethbridge.  The Jets travel to Las Vegas, NV for the 12th year in a row to participate in the Bishop Gorman Desert Classic.  The Jets workout at College of Southern Nevada at 2 pm on Monday.  10 am workout at Bishop Gorman HS on Tuesday.  Tournament schedule as follows:

Monday April 2nd

2-4 pm – Workout @ CSN

Tuesday April 3rd 

10-12 noon – Workout @ Bishop Gorman HS

Wednesday April 4th

3 pm vs Cottonwood HS (UT) @ Liberty HS

Thursday April 5th

12 noon vs Trinity Christian Academy (FL) @ Bishop Gorman HS

Friday April 6th 

9 am vs West Jordan HS (UT) @ Bishop Gorman HS

Saturday April 7th

TBD

Jets open 2018 with a couple of W’s

Lethbridge, AB – 

The spring season has certainly started later than expected with lots of snow and very cold conditions.  Mother nature allowed the PBA JV and Jets square off for a double header in Lethbridge on a windy Tuesday afternoon.

Game 1 – Jets 12 PBA JV 3.  Game 1 saw Garrett Hawkins start on the mound going 3 innings allowing 2 hits with 4 K’s and 1 BB.  Reece Keller had a nice clean inning with 2 K’s.  Matt Wiggins earned the victory going 2 innings allowing 1 hit, 1 run with 2 K’ and 2 BB’s.  Evan O’Toole finished things off going 1 inning allowing 1 hit, 2 runs with 2 K’ and 2 BB’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Cooper Jones who was 1 for 2.  Ty Penner was 1 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Owen Harms was 1 for 2.  Kaiden Cardoso was 1 for 3 with a HR and 3 RBI’s.  Evan O’Toole was 1 for 3 with a HR and 4 RBI’s and Josh Malainey rounded out the offense going 1 for 3.

Game 2 – Jets 17 PBA JV 10.  Game 2 saw Chase Florendine start on the mound going 2 innings allowing 5 hits, 5 runs, 4 earned runs with 2 K’s and 4 BB’s.  Thomas Little threw 2 innings with 2 K’s and 1 BB.  Jared Arnold finished things off throwing 1 inning allowing 3 hits, 5 runs with 3 BB’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 2 for 4 with a triple.  Owen Harms was 1 for 2 with a double.  Cooper Jones was 3 for 4 with 3 RBI’s.  Martin Vincelli-Simard was 2 for 4 with a double and 3 RBI’s . Kaiden Cardoso was 2 for 4 with 4 RBI’s.  Ty Penner was 1 for 4 with an RBI.  Evan O’Toole was 1 for 2 with an RBI.  Shaye Campbell was 1 for 3 with an RBI and John Vulcano was 1 for 3 with 2 RBI’s.

The Jets now focus their attention on getting ready for their annual trip to Las Vegas, Nevada and the Bishop Gorman Tournament.

12th Annual Awards/Scholarship Fundraiser a success!!

Vauxhall, AB –

First of all thank you to everyone who braved the weather and poor winter driving conditions to attend our 12th Annual event – presented by the Jets Alumni in honor of Scott Hornstra.  Also a special thank you to all the sponsors and donors for leading the way with first class auction items.  The night opened with Jets Alumni Tyson Ford remembering Scott Hornstra who tragically died in a snowboarding accident late in 2017.  There were tears and laughter remembering a truly remarkable soul with several members of the Hornstra Family in attendance.

Keith Miller led the evening again as our MC.  Former Blue Jay World Series Champ, MLB All-star and current colour anaylist for the Jays, Pat Tabler electrified the crowd with stories of the past and current Blue Jays. His humble and well spoken approach was very easy to follow and inspired young and old in attendance to wake up everyday with enthusiasm. Several Awards and Scholarships were handed out highlighted by the Reno Lizzi Scholarships.  Barbara & Yukio Kitagawa continued to inspire the entire Jets organization with a special tribute for the Pennies for K’s fundraiser.  Yukio’s accomplishments and drive are truly remarkable.

2018 marked the 3rd Annual induction into the “Wall of Excellence.” Brian Bauman former owner of Sports Connection Source for Sports in Medicine Hat was inducted into the Wall of Excellence.  His son Matt accepted the award in an emotional and touching acceptance speech.

The official announcement of the Schwartz Insurance Group Assistance Program.  This program will offer $15,000 annually to current and future Jets athletes.

The Award winners are listed below:

  • Reno Lizzi Scholarship – Garrett Hawkins
  • Reno Lizzi Underclassman – Adam Macko & Chase Florendine
  • Coaches Award (newly named Blaine Burbank Coaches Award) – Jaden Griffen
  • Sports Connection Scholarships – Ty Penner & Owen Harms
  • Schwartz Insurance Group Assistance Program – Dayton Peters

The Jets are also excited about taking our Celebration in Achievement Dinner in June to the next level with several awards and scholarships presented at the event.  Date will be announced soon.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated and sponsored the Banquet.  All donations go along way in assisting our student-athletes to Live Their Dreams.  Once a Jet….Always a Jet!

12th ANNUAL AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET-UPDATED!

12th Annual Awards/Scholarship Banquet is presented by the VAB Alumni – in honour of a truly great Jet – Scott Hornstra – RIP Horns.  The Hornstra family along with several alumni will enjoy lunch with our featured speaker – Pat Tabler before taking in the evening festivities. 

“Once a Jet…Always a Jet!” 

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB is excited for the 12th annual Awards/Scholarship Fundraising Banquet March 3rd, 2018 at the Vauxhall Community Hall (5 pm cocktails and 5:45 pm program begins).  Pat Tabler who currently working with the Blue Jays and Sportsnet as a broadcaster.  Tabler played 13 years of the MLB winning a World Series with the Blue Jays and was also an All-star in 1987

The evening will once again be highlighted by the Reno Lizzi Scholarships as well as several other Awards and Scholarship presentations. A silent auction, live auction and raffles will be going on throughout the evening

Some of the highlight auction items will be posted prior to the banquet.

Please contact Lynda Unruh at [email protected] for tickets.  Tickets cost is $60/ticket or $450/table of 8

We look forward to celebrating with the past, current and future Jets!

It is with deep sadness we say goodbye to a great Jet – Scott Hornstra

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Vauxhall, AB – 

It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to a former Jet – Scott Hornstra (Rocky Mountain House, AB). Scott was tragically killed in a snowboarding accident on December 31st in Whitefish, Montana.  Scott is survived by his mom Rhonda, father Robert, brother Mark and sister Carly. In lieu of flowers the Hornstra family has asked donations be made to the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball where a scholarship will be awarded in his honor.

Scott played for the Jets in our inaugural year before moving on to a have a tremendous college career at Colby CC in Colby, Kansas then Mississippi Valley State.  Hornstra was a huge part of the Jets success in 2006/2007 as a standout shortstop and closer.  At Colby Scott was a 1st Team All JayHawk, 2nd Team All JayHawk, First Team All Region VI and Freshman of the year.  He was also a star basketball player that helped lead Vauxhall High School to the provincial championships.

Scott will forever be remembered as a loyal and passionate competitor who thought of others before himself.  RIP Horns (Mr. Clutch).

Mark Clauson (former Jets teammate, Colby teammate and best friend of Horn’s had this to share of facebook):

My hearts heavy writing this but I wanted to say some words about Scott. Im going to do my best to define who this man was and what he stood for. Keep in mind, words always fall short when it comes to matters of the soul.

Scott had a diverse list of interests and an equally long list of aspirations.
He loved to travel and explore, go to concerts and sporting events.
He loved to play sports, among them was baseball, where he made many life long friends.
He loved to snowboard and gallivant through the backcountry during the winter and he recently enjoyed a love for the open water.
He found joy in spending time with friends and family and was always willing to crack a cold one to good times.
I think his heart was always in Alberta but that didn’t stop him from travelling all over the world.
He was a fierce friend who showed loyalty regardless of the situation.
I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Scott and witnessed first hand his endearing love and enthusiasm for life.

Scott was snowboarding in whitefish on Saturday where they received a foot of fresh over 24 hours. I know he was with friends, it was a beautiful day, and that he was without question getting his fill of face shots. I can hear him hootin’ and hollerin’ on his way down.

I took this photo of Scott a few years back on top of Parker’s ridge. This is how I picture him leaving us, with arms wide open, soaking up the warmth of what’s going to be a new adventure. Cheers to you my friend ❤️

Barbara and Yukio Kitagawa shared this memory of Scott:

Sorry to hear – sad that Scott Hornstra, the second of our VAB Alumni had suddenly/unexpectedly passed away.  We, Barbara and me, really only have a scant memory of him, however, Scott being a dominant figure on an athletic stage, we recall how he played the shortstop position on the inaugural roster of the VAB in-on short, like a “Vacuum Cleaner“.  In 2006, we went especially to Coaldale to watch the Vauxhall Basketball team during their playoff run.  Scott impressed us by his play on the floor, seeming to be the Quarterback directing the offensive play.  Understand the entire Vauxhall Basketball team stayed at the Hornstras Rocky Mountain house, during their provincial playoff run.  Again illustrating what a “Team Guy“ he was on the Baseball diamond, Basketball court and off the playing surface.

Rest in Peace Scott!

Barbara and Yukio Kitagawa, VAB Ambassadors

A Celebration of Scott’s life will be held at 2 pm at the First Christian Reformed Church in Rocky Mountain House, AB.

12th Annual Christmas Celebration!

Calgary, AB –

Calgary Theatre and the 31st running of “The Christmas Carol” live theatre production has become an annual holiday tradition for the Jets. 2017 marks the 12th consecutive year that Yukio and Barbara Kitagawa have treated current Jets as well as many Academy supporters to a great day of holiday celebration and cheer. In total 47 Jets supporters enjoyed the holiday tradition.

On behalf of the entire Jets organization we would like to thank Barbara and Yukio Kitagawa, Carl Ringdahl, Ken and Susan Scott as well as Shirley from Theatre Calgary for the great day.  We would also like to thank Donna Brown from Intact Insurance for the special gift for each of the boys.

4 Jets commit to college baseball programs!

The Vauxhall Academy is proud to announce 4 Jets have committed to 4 year schools on scholarship for the 2018-2019 season.  All 4 players will finish up their spring in Vauxhall and will join their respective college programs in the fall of 2018.  We are very proud of all of these young men and look forward to sharing additional college commitments soon.

The following is a list of Jets who signed:

3B – Damiano Palmegiani – Surrey, BC  – has accepted an NCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend California State University Northridge in Northridge, California.  The Matadors play in a very challenging  Big West Conference.  Palmegiani will be joining former Jets Nolan Bumstead, Wesley Moore and Victor Cerny with the Matadors. For more details on Cal State Northridge Baseball: http://www.gomatadors.com/sports/m-basebl/index

RHP – Garrett Hawkins – Biggar, SK  – has accepted an NAIA Scholarship to attend the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in Vancouver, BC .  The Thunderbirds play in the competitive Cascade Collegiate Conference and compete for the title every season.  For more details on UBC Baseball: http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/index.aspx?path=baseball

1B/OF – Ty Penner  – Lethbridge, AB – has accepted an NAIA Scholarship to attend the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in Vancouver, BC .  The Thunderbirds play in the competitive Cascade Collegiate Conference and compete for the title every season.  For more details on UBC Baseball: http://www.gothunderbirds.ca/index.aspx?path=baseball

LHP – Jaden Griffin – Lower Sackville, NS  – has accepted an NCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend Virginia Commonwealth University Rams in Richmond, VA .  The Rams play in the very competitive Atlantic 10 conference and compete for the Championship year in and year out.  For more details on VCU Baseball:http://www.vcuathletics.com/sports/bsb/index

The entire VAB organization is very proud of all 4 Jets and we look forward to following their very bright futures moving forward.  Stay tuned for additional signings throughout the winter and spring months.

Jets split in Calgary to finish up the fall game season!

 

Calgary, AB –

The split on a cool and windy day in Calgary versus the University of Calgary Dino’s.  Game 1 saw the Jets fall behind 5-0 in the bottom of the 1st inning without recording an out and allowing 3 errors.  The Jets regrouped falling 6-0 to the Dino’s.

Garrett Hawkins started on the mound going allowing 4 hits, 1 earned run with 2 BB’s and 3 K’s.  Reece Keller threw 2 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 earned run with 2 BB’s and 1 K.  Jared Arnold finished things off going 2 innings allowing 1 hit with 1 BB and 3 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 1 for 2.  Levi Abbott was 2 for 3 and Evan O’Toole was 1 for 3 to round out the offense.

Game 2 saw the Jets win by a score of 6-5.  The score was tied at 0-0 after 5 innings then with the teams trading runs into the 9th before the Jets hung on.  Chase Floredine started on the mound going 4 innings allowing 1 hit with 1 run allowing 4 BB’s and 4 K’s.  Thomas Little threw 3 very good innings allowing 1 hit with 2’s.  Levi Abbott threw 1 inning allowing 4 hits, 2 runs with 1 earned run and 1 BB.  Kaiden Cardoso finished things off going 1 inning allowing 2 hits, allowing 2 runs, 1 earned run.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 2 for 5 with an RBI.  Cooper Jones was 2 for 5 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Damiano Palmegiani was 1 for 5.  Martin Vincelli-Simard was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI’s to round out the offense.

The Jets will have a final week of practice followed by the 12 Annual Marathon game before moving indoors.

Jets finish off a good weekend in Lethbridge!

 

Lethbridge, AB – 

Jets played a complete ball game in game 1 Saturday.  Adam Macko started going 4 innings allowing 2 hits with 4 K’s.  Matt Wiggins threw 2 innings allowing 1 hit with 1 K and 1 BB.  John Vulcano threw the final inning allowing 1 hit.  Offensively the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 1/4 with 1 RBI.  Dayton Peters was 2/4 with a solo HR.  Cooper Jones was 2/4 with an RBI.  Ty Penner was 2/4 with 2 bombs and 5 RBI’s.  Kaiden Cardoso was 2/3.  Levi Abbott was 2/4.  Evan O’Otoole was 1/4 with a double and Shayne Campbell rounded out the offensive going 1/4.

Game 2 saw the Jets score 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th before winning the game in extras 5-4.  Thomas Little started on the mound going 3 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 unearned run, with 2 BB’s with 1 K.  Reece Keller got back on the mound going 1 inning with 1 hit, 1 unearned run with 1 K.  Kaiden Cardoso went 2 innings allowing 3 hits allowing 1 run with 2 BB’s with 1 K.  Evan O’Toole got the win going 2 innings allowing 1 hit, 1 unearned run with 2 BB’s.  Offensively the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 2/4.  Josh Malainey was 2/4.  Dayton Peters was 2/4.  Kaiden Cardoso was 1/2.  John Vulcano 2/4.  Evan O’Toole was 1/2.  Cooper Jones was 1/2 with an RBI.  Owen Harms was 1/1 with the game winning RBI’s.

The Jets will now come back to Lethbridge and also stay in Vauxhall for the 1st Annual Keith Jorgensen Tournament.  The Jets play 2 games Thursday, 2 games Friday and 2 game Saturday.