Category: Featured

6th Annual Scotiabank/VAB Golf Tournament combined with U of C Series!

Vauxhall, AB –

The fall baseball season in Vauxhall is an exciting time as the newcomers get their first look at what Southern Alberta has to offer.

The fall opens up on Tuesday September 6th vs PBA at 1:30 pm celebrating VHS and VES Spirit week.  A crowd of well over 400 people took in the event last year.   Come out and support the Jets and both the Vauxhall High School and Elementary school.

The VAB Golf Weekend will be exciting for all supporters of the Academy.  The weekend schedule is as follows:

Friday September 16th – Scotiabank/VAB Golf Tournament

Where: Vauxhall Golf Course

12 noon – Registration/Lunch

1 pm – Tee Off Time

4:30 pm – All golfers travel to Jets Stadium for a Steak Supper and enjoy the University of Calgary vs Jets 9 inning tilt.

5 pm – U of C vs Jets

**Cost for the golf tournament is $75.00/golfer.  To register please email VAB secretary Shannon Mossey at [email protected] or call VHS at 403-654-2145.

Saturday September 17th

11 am – U of C vs Jets

1:30 pm – U of C vs Jets

See you at the course and Jets Stadium!!

The the Jets on twitter at VABjets.

2011/2012 Roster Announced!

Vauxhall, AB –

The 2011/2012 roster has been announced by Head Coach & Director of Baseball Operations, Les McTavish.  The roster consists of 22 student-athletes from 6 provinces.  The new crop of promising Jets report to Vauxhall on August 28th with several days of meetings, conditioning and practicing prior to their opening game during VHS Spirit Week September 6th at 1:30 pm. 

Below is the 2011/2012 roster:

Benn Matthew (Sr.) RF/3B Teulon  MB
Borden Jesse (Soph.) RHP Dartmouth NS
Calderon Jose (Jr.) INF Medicine Hat AB
Field Jason (Sr.) OF Calgary AB
Gingras Guillaume (Sr.) INF Levis QB
Hebert Luc (Jr.) RHP Cocagne NB
Lutz Konner (Sr.) C/OF Medicine Hat AB
Mayo Zach (Sr.) LHP Mather MB
McGeein Mitchell (Sr.) INF Calgary AB
McKinley Anthony (Sr.) RHP Dartmouth NS
Moro Dan (Sr.) OF Calgary AB
Radmacher Brandon (Jr.) LHP White City SK
Seifrit Logan (Sr.) RHP Spruce Grove AB
Spencer Tanner (Sr.) RHP Craik  SK
Stobbe Nicholas (Jr.) RHP Saskatoon SK 
Thibideau Chris (Jr.) INF Dartmouth NS
Toffan Jager (Jr.) OF Regina  SK
Thomas Devan (Sr.) OF/1B Saint John NB
Wallace Travis (Sr.) 1B/OF Calgary AB
Weeks JG (Jr.) C/INF Dartmouth NS
Whelpton Luke (Sr.) LHP Brandon  MB
Yandeau Zac (Sr.) RHP Plumas  MB

The coaching staff will return for the 6th year Head Coach & Director of Baseball Operations – Les McTavish and  Associate Head Coach – Jim Kotkas as well as support staff members Strength and Conditioning Coach – Jeff Krushell, Sport Psychologist – Christie Gialloreto,  Secretary – Shannon Mossey and Athletic Therapist – Gord Watt.  The VAB is very proud to announce 3 new staff members to the program – former 2006/2007 alumni – Zane Anderson as Assistant Coach/Fund Development, former 2006/2007 alumni – Josh Hoetmer as Mental Training Coach as well as Tina Mazutinec – Residence Manger.  Welcome to the VAB Family to all the new staff member.

See you at Jets Stadium

Hendriks gets drafted by Philadelphia Phillies!

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB is very proud to announce that the 2nd Jet was drafted in the 1st year player draft –  3B/1B – Brendan Hendriks – Cochrane, Alberta was drafted today by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 40th round – 1231 pick overall.  Hendriks has committed to attend NCAA Division 1 University of San Fransico in the fall.  The Phillies will follow Hendriks progression throughout the summer.   

Hendriks being drafted makes 10 draft picks in the past 5 years:

2007 – Cody Phipps – Houston Astros – signed

2008 – Lionel Morrill – Minnesota Twins – attended College of Southern Idaho

2009 – Steven Inch – Philadelphia Phillies – signed

2009 – Adam Nelubowich – Seattle Mariners – attended Washington State University

2009 – Brandon Petite – Houston Astros – attended Texas Tech University

2009 – Jordan Wong – Milwaukee Brewers – attend Hill College

2009 – Dale Anderson – Texas Rangers – attended College of Southern Idaho

2009 – Jay Johnson – Baltimore Orioles – attended Texas Tech University

2010 – Jay Johnson – Toronto Blue Jays

2011 – Jay Johnson – Philadelphia Phillies – signed

2011 – Ben Dartnell – Boston Red Sox – TBD

2011 – Brendan Hendriks – Philadelphia Phillies – TBD

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Dartnell drafted by the Boston Red Sox!

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB is very proud to announce that LHP – Ben Dartnell – East St. Paul, Manitoba was drafted today by the Boston Red Sox in the 34th round – 1042 pick overall.  Dartnell has committed to attend NCAA Division 1 Eastern Michigan University in the fall and will now have the decision to sign a professional contract with the Red Sox or attend University. 

Dartnell being drafted makes 9 draft picks in the past 5 years:

2007 – Cody Phipps – Houston Astros – signed

2008 – Lionel Morrill – Minnesota Twins – attended College of Southern Idaho

2009 – Steven Inch – Philadelphia Phillies – signed

2009 – Adam Nelubowich – Seattle Mariners – attended Washington State University

2009 – Brandon Petite – Houston Astros – attended Texas Tech University

2009 – Jordan Wong – Milwaukee Brewers – attend Hill College

2009 – Dale Anderson – Texas Rangers – attended College of Southern Idaho

2009 – Jay Johnson – Baltimore Orioles – attended Texas Tech University

2010 – Jay Johnson – Toronto Blue Jays

2011 – Jay Johnson – Philadelphia Phillies – signed

2011 – Ben Dartnell – Boston Red Sox – TBD

Jets blank PBF 10-0!

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB Jets got back on the winning track behind some great pitching by Zach Mayo and timely hitting.  Mayo threw a 4 inning no-hitter with 1 BB and 4 K’s.  The game was called after 4 innings due to rain.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Travis Wallace who was 2 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Brendan Hendriks returned from Team Canada with a big 2 run HR.  Konner Lutz, Mitch McGeein and Curtis Mazurkewich rounded out the offense with 1 hit each and an RBI.

Next action is slated for 5 pm vs Butte Miners.   The win puts the Jets record to 1-1 in the tournament and 20-10-1 overall.

Jets lose a tight one to Great Falls!

Great Falls, Montana –

The VAB got down early 5-2 and could not climb back standing runners on 1st and 2nd in the 7th.   McKinley started and battled threw 4 2/3 innings allowing 11 hits, with 6 runs and only 3 earned runs, 4 K’s and 2 BB’s.  Archie Davis was dominate in relief allowing 0 runs, 1 K in 1 1/3 inning pitched. 

Offensively, the Jets were led by Jeremie Fagnan who was 2 for 3 with a BB, Greg Adams who was 1 for 4 with a 2B and an RBI, Curtis Mazurkewich who was 1 for 4 with a double and RBI, Tyson Zarowny was 2 for 4 with a run scored, Konner Lutz was 1 for 3, Travis was 1 for 3 with a run scored. 

Next action for the Jets is tomorrow at 11:30 am vs PBF Redbirds and 2 pm vs Butte Miners.

Balog committs to Taft, California!

 
Vauxhall, AB –
 
2B – Blair Balog – Lethbridge, AB –  becomes the 10th 2010/2011 VAB Jet to committ to a college baseball program.   Balog has committed to attend Taft College Cougars in Taft, California.  The Cougars play in the Northern California Junior College Conference and supported a 22-14 record and 14-10 Conference record .   For more information on the Cougars:  http://web.taftcollege.edu/athletics/baseball/index.shtml
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Other Jets who have signed to US colleges
LHP – Ben Dartnell – St. Paul, MB –  becomes the 9th 2010/2011 VAB Jet to committ to a college baseball program.   Dartnell has received an Athletic and Academic Scholarship to attend the NCAA Division 1 Eastern Michigan University Eagles in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  The Eagles play in the MAC Conference and support an impressive 33-18 record overall.   For more information on the Eagles: http://www.emueagles.com/index.aspx?path=baseball. 
RHP – Tyler Vavra – Calgary, AB (2007-2009) – will also be joing Dartnell at Eastern Michigan.  Vavra spent the last 2 seasons at College of Southern Idaho. 
This makes 11 current of former Jets to play NCAA Division 1 baseball in the last 5 seasons.
 
1B – Greg Adams – Medicine Hat, AB –  becomes the 8th 2010/2011 VAB Jet to committ to a college baseball program.   Adams has received an Athletic scholarship to attend the NJCAA Division 1 Hill College Rebels in Hillsboro, Texas .  The Rebels play in the pretigious North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference.   For more information on the Rebels: http://www.hillcollege.edu/athletics/?aid=1&dept=15. 

3B – Brendan Hendriks – Cochrane, AB– earlier in 2010 committed to NJCAA Division 1 Midland, Texas has received a NCAA Division 1 scholarship to play for the University of San Fransico Dons.  The Dons play in the West Coast Conference with the likes of Pepperdine, Gonzaga, Santa Clara and San Diego among others.  The last Canadian to sign with USF was Minnesota Twins star Justin Morneau.  For more information on the Dons:  http://www.usfdons.com/sports/m-basebl/index  

 OF – Marc St. Jean – Okotoks, AB –  becomes the 7th 2010/2011 VAB Jet to committ to a college baseball program.  St. Jean has received a scholarship to attend the NCAA Division 3 Loras College Duhawks in Dubuque, Iowa .  The Duhawks play in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.   For more information on the Duhawks: http://www.duhawks.com/sport/7/3.php.     

SS/2B – Tyler Kendall – Estevan, SK –  becomes the 6th 2010/2011 VAB Jet to committ to a college baseball program.  Kendall has committed to attend the California JC – Monterey Peninsula Lobos in Monterey, California.  The Lobos play in the Coast Conference and are currently 10-3 overall and 1-0 in Conference play.   For more information on the Lobos: http://www.mpc.edu/athletics/baseball/Pages/default.aspx.   

3B – Brendan Hendriks – Cochrane, AB –  becomes the 5th 2010/2011 VAB Jet to accept a scholarship.  Hendriks has accepted a scholarship to attend the NJCAA Division 1 – Midland College Chaps in Midland, Texas.  The Chaps play in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference.   For more information on the Chaps: http://www.midland.edu/athletics/baseball/.  Hendriks will also be attending the second tryout camp with the Canadian Naitonal Junior Team in St. Pete, Florida February 24th – March 6th. 

Hendriks joins teammate Jeremie Fagnan as a Chap and becomes the 3rd player in Jets history to attend Midland College.  (Levi Westerlund 2009/2010).  (Adam Nelubowich 2007/2009 and Steven Inch 2007/2009 also committed to the Chaps but Nelubowich choose to attend Washington State University and Steven Inch choose to committ to the University of Kentucky and later signed with the Phillies)

OF – Jeremie Fagnan – Calgary, AB –  becomes the 4th 2010/2011 VAB Jet to accept a scholarship.  Fagnan has accepted a scholarship to attend the NJCAA Division 1 – Midland College Chaps in Midland, Texas.  The Chaps play in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference.   For more information on the Chaps: http://www.midland.edu/athletics/baseball/

Fagnan becomes the 2nd player in Jets history to attend Midland College.  (Levi Westerlund 2009/2010).  (Adam Nelubowich 2007/2009 and Steven Inch 2007/2009 also committed to the Chaps but Nelubowich choose to attend Washington State University and Steven Inch choose to committ to the University of Kentucky and later signed with the Phillies)

RHP – Justin Davies – Hammonds Plains, NS  becomes the 3rd 2010/2011 VAB Jet to accept a scholarship.  Davies has committed to attend the NJCAA Division 1 – Volunteer State Community College Pioneers in Gallatin, Tennessee.  The Pioneers play in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA).  The Pioneers finished last season with a 27-13 record. 

Davies becomes the 1st player in Jets history to attend Volunteer State.

C – Curtis Mazurkewich – Red Deer, AB becomes the 2nd 2010/2011 VAB Jet to accept a scholarship.  Mazurkewich has committed to attend the NJCAA Division 1 – Colby Community College Trojans in Colby, Kansas.  The Trojans play in the Kansas Jayhawk conference.  The Trojans finished in 5th place in the Western Division with a record of 29-27 overall. 

Mazurkewich becomes the 5th player in Jets history to attend Colby.

RHP – Chad Hodges – Medicine Hat, Albertabecomes the first 2010/2011 VAB Jet to accept a scholarship.  Hodges has committed to attend the NCAA Division 1 – South Dakota State University Jack Rabbits in Brookings, SD.  The Jack Rabbits play in the Summitt Conference with the likes of national powerhouse Oral Roberts University.  The Jack Rabbits finished the 2010 campaign with a 39-21 record overall and 19-9 in the Summitt Conference good for a tie for 1st place with Oral Roberts.

Hodges becomes the 8th Jet to sign at an NCAA Division 1 program in the last 4 1/2 years.

Jets/Bulls game has been cancelled!

Vauxhall, AB –

The exhibition game vs WMBL power Lethbridge Bulls has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions in Southern Alberta.  The Jets next action is this coming weekend at the Great Falls Chargers Tournament.  The first game of the tournament is set to begin at 8 pm on Friday vs the Great Falls Chargers.

Great Falls Wins the Final!

Vauxhall, AB –

Today wasn’t the Jets day as they would lose the final of the 5th Annual Haven Agencies Invitational Tournament to a very deserving Great Falls Chargers team by a final score of 3-2. This marks the first time in five years that the Vauxhall Academy Jets have not won the tournament. The game was a tight contest through and through with both teams pitching exceptionally well. Great Falls’ starter would pitch the complete game allowing only 5 hits and 2 runs.

 The Chargers would open the scoring in the 2nd inning and would score on a flyball error. They would add single runs in the 3rd (wild pitch) and in the 6th (fielding error). The Jets pitchers pitched brilliantly today with starter Tanner Spencer throwing 4 strong innings and Ben Dartnell following by throwing 3 of his best innings ever in Jets uniform. It was to no avail however, as defense would seal the Jets fate today as all runs would be unearned and a total of 4 errors would be charged to the Jets. Down 3-0 in the bottom of the 6th, Jeremie Fagnan would provide the Jets their only offense with a 2-run home run to rightfield but that would be as close as they get. The 7th would see the Jets put two runners on base with 1 out but would be left there as the Great Falls pitcher induced a groundball double play to end the game.

The Jets get a chance at redemption next weekend when they travel to Great Falls and play the Chargers at 8pm Friday night at beautiful Centene Stadium as part of the tournament in Great Falls. The games in Great Falls will be the final games for the Jets in the 2011 Spring Season as they look to improve on their 19-9-1 record.

Note: Game time and date of the scheduled game against the WMBL Lethbridge Bulls will be confirmed as soon as possible as the whereabouts and time of the game has yet to be determined. Stay updated on Twitter @VABjets and right here on the website.

Great Falls 3 VAB 2
Spencer: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Dartnell: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

Zarowny 1-2 BB; Kendall 1-2 BB; Adams 1-3; Fagnan 1-3 HR, 2 RBI; McGeein 0-3; Balog 0-3; Benn 0-2 HBP; Mazurkewich 1-3; St Jean 0-3

Jets Roll With Three Wins!

Vauxhall, AB –

The Jets continued their success in the Haven Agencies Invitational Tournament the past two days with three victories. The final scores in these games would read: VAB 11 PBF 6, VAB 10 Medicine Hat 2, VAB 6 Great Falls 1. With those three victories the Jets will play in the tournament final at 4pm Sunday against a yet to be determined opponent.

VAB 11 PBF 6
Baigent: 4 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Davis: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Zarowny 2-4 2B, RBI; Kendall 1-4 2B, RBI; Fagnan 1-4 RBI; Adams 0-4; McGeein 2-4; Mazurkewich 1-4 RBI; Benn 1-3 2 RBI, HBP; Balog 1-2 2B, RBI, 2 BB; St Jean 2-4 RBI, BB

The Jets Friday night contest against Pro Baseball Force (Calgary, AB) was an up and down affair. PBF would jump out to an early 5-0 in the 1st inning aided by three consecutive Jets errors. The Jets would continue to trail until the bottom of the 3rd inning when they would manage to push across 9 runs in the inning anchored by run scoring doubles from Tyler Kendall, Matt Benn, and Blair Balog. In all the Jets would have 8 hits in the inning, 6 of which would score at least a run. The Jets would add 2 more in the following inning and that would be all for the ballgame as starting pitcher Mark Baigent would settle in nicely and make it through 4 innings to take the win. Archie Davis would follow Baigent and work a clean three innings for the save.

VAB 10 Medicine Hat 2
Mayo: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 4 K
Adams: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Zarowny 0-3 HBP; Kendall 3-4 RBI; Adams 2-4 2B, 3B, 2RBI; Fagnan 2-4 2 HR, 4 RBI; McGeein 3-4 3 2B; Balog 1-3 BB; Benn 0-3; Wallace 0-2 HBP; St Jean 0-2 BB, RBI

The Jets Saturday morning game against the Medicine Hat Moose Monarchs was never in doubt as the Jets would score early and often on their way to a 10-2 victory. Highlights of the game were Jeremie Fagnan and the middle of the Jets lineup putting up big numbers, Zach Mayo pitching quickly and effectively for 5 strong innings, and the Jets defense playing solid throughout the game making only a single error. The Jets 2-3-4-5 hitters in the game would combine to go 10-16 in the game with a total of 7 extra base hits and 7 RBI’s. Jeremie Fagnan would have a big game going 2-4 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI’s. Zach Mayo threw a solid 5 innings pitching ahead in the count and getting outs early in the count as well. It was one of his better starts of the year and a great way to rebound from a tough outing last weekend against Okotoks. Greg Adams threw 2 innings in relief against his summer ball team to wrap it up.

VAB 6 Great Falls 1
Hodges: 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

St Jean 0-2 2 BB; Kendall 1-4 RBI; Adams 2-4 2B; Fagnan 0-3 BB; McGeein 1-4 2B; Balog 1-3 2 RBI, HBP; Benn 2-4 2 2B; Wallace 1-3 RBI, BB; Mazurkewich 1-2 RBI, 2 BB

The Jets and Great Falls Chargers have turned into a bit of a rivalry over the years due to the Vauxhall tournament and tonight’s game had a buzz around it with numerous VAB alumni in the stands. It was a pitcher’s duel for the most part with the first run of the game not coming until the bottom of the 3rd inning when the Chargers would score their only run. The Chargers starter stifled the Jets with good command, and two solid pitches until the top of 5 when the Jets would push 3 runs across and take the lead for good. Another run in the 6th, and two more in the 7th would allow the Jets to win the ball game 6-1. The story of the night was Chad Hodges as he threw a complete game victory for the second consecutive weekend. This time around he only would walk 2 and strike out 7 as he constantly kept the ball low in the zone and got outs early in the count . He would leave 9 runners stranded making big pitches when it mattered and finishing the ballgame with a bang by striking out the final two hitters he would face. The win leaves the Jets at 4-0 for the weekend and a chance to win it all Sunday afternoon, 4pm at Jets Stadium.

With three more victories the Jets record is now 19 wins, 8 losses, and a tie. The final will be held today at 4pm. Check back later tonight for a full recap of the final and full scores from other games throughout the weekend. Also, you can follow on Twitter @VABjets for other game scores and Jets play by play during games.