Category: News

2023 Awards/Scholarship Fundaising Dinner tremendous success!

\Vauxhall, AB –

First of all thank you to everyone who traveled to attend the 17th Annual Awards night.   Also a special thank you to all the sponsors and donors for leading the way with first class auction items.

Shaun Haney led the evening as our MC and did an excellent job. His Q & A was very professional and made the event very memorable for our featured speaker.  Former Toronto Blue Jay ace and MLB allstar Ricky Romero did a tremendous job speaking telling stories and giving insight into his wonderful 10 year professional career.  Ricky walked the large audience through his career from high school to be an MLB allstar. Several Awards and Scholarships were handed out highlighted by the Reno Lizzi Scholarships presented by Barbara & Yukio Kitagawa.

The Award winners are listed below:

  • Reno Lizzi Scholarship – Cardel Dick
  • Reno Lizzi Underclassmen Award – Eric Reiling & Brett Getz
  • Coaches Award (newly named Blaine Burbank Coaches Award) – Kyle Yip
  • Sports Connection Scholarship – Raphael Ranger

We are also very excited to welcome our 8th & 9th inductees to the Vauxhall Academy Wall of Excellence.

President – Todd Ojala 

Ralph Alpin & Intact Insurance (accepting on his behalf Donna Brown)

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!

Ty Penner signs with the Phillies!

Vauxhall, AB – 

Vauxhall Academy Jets  alumni standout – 1B Ty Penner (Lethbridge, AB) signed a professional free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.  Ty was a 2 year standout for the Jets before moving onto the University of British Columbia.  Penner is coming off a monstor year at UBC and a proud alumni of both programs.  We are super proud of you Ty!  You are a true Jet.  Congrats Damiano!!


 

Below is a list of other Jets who have been drafted in previous seasons:

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 – currently attending Washington State University

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

2009 – Jordan Wong – Milwaukee Brewers – attended 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 – attended Eastern Michigan University

2011 – Brendan Hendriks – Philadelphia Phillies – attended University of San Fransico

2012 – Logan Seifrit – Seattle Mariners – signed

2013 – Adam Nelubowich – Houston Astros – signed

2013 – Chris Thibideau – San Diego Padres –  North Florida University

2014 – Ben Onyshko – Milwaukee Brewers –  Stetson University

2016- Josh Burgmann – St. Louis Cardinals – currently attending University of Washington

2018 – Damiano Palmegiani – Toronto Blue Jays – currently attending Cal State Northridge

2019 – Adam Macko – Seattle Mariners – signed

2019 – Josh Burgmann – Chicago Cubs – signed

2021 – Garrett Hawkins – San Diego Padres – signed

2021 – Damiano Palmegiani – Toronto Blue Jays – signed

Celebration of Acheivement a tremendous success!

Vauxhall, AB – 

It has become a tradition of the Jets to celebrate special achievements throughout the 2021/2022 season.  A great meal with several presentations and awards was highlighted by the 16th Annual Reno Lizzi scholarship & ring presentation.  .  In an annual tradition we moved forward with our 9th Annual Celebration of Achievement sponsored by Barbara & Yukio Kitagawa.  There were many achievements this year and even more great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. 2022 spring season was highlighted with a final record of 36-7-2.  The 2022 roster also broke the homerun record with 41 HR’s in 45 games.  Thank you so much to all our supporters for a tremendous season coming out of 2 challenging years.  We want to say an extra special to all our graduating seniors.  Your future is bright and thank you for making Vauxhall a better place than before you got here.  Once a Jet…Always a Jet.

Reno Lizzi Scholarship/Ring Presentation – RHP – Karter Andersen – $2000 & Ring

Jet of Year – LHP – David Stewart –  $500 scholarship

Coaches Award – Hardest worker in the off season – Custom Rawlings Glove – RHP – Garret Smith

Inch by Inch presented by Yukio & Barbara Kitagawa – $1000 scholarship – RHP Drew Lenehan

Scott Hornstra Memorial Scholarship – Heart & Hustle – $500 scholarship – SS – Brennan McTavish

Wanda Stober Memorial Award – Volunteer of the Year $250 scholarship – Kayden Hluecka

Kalvin Odland Memorial Award – Leadership/Dedication $500 scholarship – LHP David Stewart

Brian Bauman Award –  Oakleys & New Balance provided by Sports Connection – SS – Jack Wheatley  (missing) & Anson McGorman (missing)

Jan Tolton Memorial Award – Best in the Dorms $500 – OF Raphael Ranger

 

McLeod Family Scholarship – Excellence everyday that doesn’t require talent – $1000 scholarship each – INF – Riley Pearce, INF – Jared Bendfeld

 

Reno Lizzi Underclassman Bursary – Adam Nelubowich – $1000 tuition credit – C – Cardel Dick (missing)

Reno Lizzi Underclassman Bursary  – $1000 tuition credit – OF Kyle Yip (missing)

 

ON SALE NOW – Spring 2022 Online 50/50!

We are excited to announce our 2nd Annual Online 50/50 raffle.  The draw date will be Sunday May 22nd at 8 pm following the Championship Game of the Haven Agencies Tournament.

Thank you to everyone for your support.

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/vauxhallacademy

Jets score early & often cruising to a big victory!

Lethbridge, AB – 

The snow has finally went away and the Jets officially kicked off our spring season.  Final score Jets 28 PBA JV 1.  The Jets ran out 9 pitchers to the mound who all threw well scattering only 4 hit in total.  PBA JV issued several free passes to the Jets eventually capitalizing on the mistakes with several extra base hits.  Next action for the Jets is Saturday in Lethbridge at Lloyd Nolan Yard with a DH scheduled vs Badlands & PBA JV.  11 am & 1:30 pm.  See the box score below for details on the game.

PBA JV vs Vauxhall Academy_Jets Varsity Mar 14 2022 – BOX SCORE

 

Amazing – VAB Ambassador Yukio Kitagawa’s 4th time cycling around the world!

Vauxhall, AB – 

Help us celebrate and support Yukio & Barbara Kitawgawa in their quest and vision to make a difference in our student-athletes.  We are incredibly greatful and honored to work with the Kitagawa’s.

Yukio and Barbara Kitagawa have been philanthropists for the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball sinces its inception 16 years ago. Yukio has intertwined his thirst for a healthy lifestyle with a goal to help young student-athletes achieve their dreams. Yukio launched a cycling campaign to help raise funds for an indoor multi-purpose training center for the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball. Our own indoor training facility has been a goal and dream for well over a decade. Yukio’s cycling journey started Sept 2014 and so far has logged over 160,000 kms. That is 4 times around the earth!!!!! Originally, Yukio was inspired by Clara Hughs’s cycling marathon but in the past 7 years his dedication and determination to cycle for the VAB has been inspiring to anyone lucky enough to meet him. Yukio’s quiet and unassuming ways has had a tremendous impact on every student-athlete who has stepped foot in our program. Over 175 players have had the pleasure to learn from his passion and tremendous work ethic. Ultimately, teaching these young men what can be accomplished when you put your heart and soul into a goal. Yukio and Barbara work together to accomplish so many great goals and we appreciate all they do for our program. This dynamic duo are a force to reckon with and their efforts to assist others to reach their goals and dreams is awe inspiring. To encourage Yukio in his fundraising endeavors for a new training facility in Vauxhall please contribute to this go fund me cause.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/yukios-4th-time-cycling-around-the-world?utm_source=customer&utm_m

edium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Jets finish fall off with 3 more victories!

Calgary, AB – 

The Jets finished the fall off in Calgary on a beautiful fall weekend with 3 games.

Game 1 Jets 18 Bucks 1. Matt MacKenzie started on the mound going 4 IP allowing 2 hits with 6 K’s.  Mason DeRuyck threw 3 IP allowing 3 hits with 1 run and 4 K’s.  Karter Andersen threw the final 2 innings without allowing a hit.  Offensively, the Jets had a big day with Demitri Shakotko who was 4 for 7 with 3 – 2B’s and 2 RBI’s. Kyle Yip went 4 for 7 with a triple and an RBI.  Cardel Dick was 2 for 2 with 2 RBI’s. Eric Reiling was 1 for 3 with an RBI. Kayden Hleucka was 2 for 4 with an RBI.  Jared Bendfeld was 2 for 5 with 3 RBI’s. Keegan McNeil was 2 for 5.  Brennan McTavish was 1 for 5. Riley Pearce was 1 for 3 and Carsen Boyko was 2 for 5 with 3 RBI’s.

Game 2 Jets 8 Bucks 1. Drew Lenehan started on the mound going 4 IP allowing 2 hits with 5 K’s. David Stewart threw 2 IP allowing 0 hits with 1 BB and 4 K’s. Demitri Shakotko threw 1 IP allowing 1 hit with 1 K.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Demitri Shakotko who was 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Kyle Yip was 1 for 3.  Cardel Dick was 1 for 3 with 2 RBI’s. Kayden Hleucka was 3 for 3 with RBI’s. Brennan McTavish was 2 for 4 .  Keegan McNeil was 1 for 4. Carsen Boyko was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Ty Clemett was 1 for 3.

Game 3 Jets 4 Badlands 3. Brett Getz started on the mound going 3 IP allowing 1 hit with 1 BB and 4 K’s. Garrett Smith threw the final 4 IP allowing 4 hits, 3 unearned runs with 2 BB’s and 2 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Demitri Shakotko who was 1 for 2 with an RBI.  Cardel Dick was 1 for 3 with a double and RBI.  Kayden Hleucka was 1 for 3.  Colin Fisher was 1 for 3.  Riley Pearce was 2 for 2 to round out the offense.

The Jets finished up the fall with a 18-5-2 record.  The annual 100 Marathon Game is Saturday Oct. 23 to finish up the fall season.

Palmegiani goes in the 14th round to the Blue Jays

 

Vauxhall, AB – 

Vauxhall Academy Jets  alumni standout – 3B/OF Damiano Palmegiani (Cloverdale, BC) was drafted in the 14th round, 422nd overall by the Toronto Blue Jays.  Damiano was a 3 year standout for the Jets before moving onto Cal State Northridge and College of Southern Nevada.  Palmegiani is coming off a monstor year at CSN earning himself NJCAA 1st team All American.  We are super proud of you Damiano!  You are a true Jet.  Congrats Damiano!!


Vauxhall Academy Jets  alumni standout – RHP Garrett Hawkins (Biggar, SK) was drafted in the 9th round, 280th overall by the San Diego Padres.  Garrett is a 2 year standout for the Jets before moving onto the University of British Columbia.  Hawkins had a challenging couple of years with Covid 19 and UBC being unable to cross the border for game.  We are super proud of G-Hawk!  He is a true Jet.  Congrats Hawk!!

Below is a list of other Jets who have been drafted in previous seasons:

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 – currently attending Washington State University

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

2009 – Jordan Wong – Milwaukee Brewers – attended 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 – attended Eastern Michigan University

2011 – Brendan Hendriks – Philadelphia Phillies – attended University of San Fransico

2012 – Logan Seifrit – Seattle Mariners – signed

2013 – Adam Nelubowich – Houston Astros – signed

2013 – Chris Thibideau – San Diego Padres –  North Florida University

2014 – Ben Onyshko – Milwaukee Brewers –  Stetson University

2016- Josh Burgmann – St. Louis Cardinals – currently attending University of Washington

2018 – Damiano Palmegiani – Toronto Blue Jays – currently attending Cal State Northridge

2019 – Adam Macko – Seattle Mariners – signed

2019 – Josh Burgmann – Chicago Cubs – signed

Hawkins selected in the 9th round by the Padres!

 

Vauxhall, AB – 

Vauxhall Academy Jets  alumni standout – RHP Garrett Hawkins (Biggar, SK) was drafted in the 9th round, 280th overall by the San Diego Padres.  Garrett is a 2 year standout for the Jets before moving onto the University of British Columbia.  Hawkins had a challenging couple of years with Covid 19 and UBC being unable to cross the border for game.  We are super proud of G-Hawk!  He is a true Jet.  Congrats Hawk!!

Below is a list of other Jets who have been drafted in previous seasons:

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 – currently attending Washington State University

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

2009 – Jordan Wong – Milwaukee Brewers – attended 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 – attended Eastern Michigan University

2011 – Brendan Hendriks – Philadelphia Phillies – attended University of San Fransico

2012 – Logan Seifrit – Seattle Mariners – signed

2013 – Adam Nelubowich – Houston Astros – signed

2013 – Chris Thibideau – San Diego Padres –  North Florida University

2014 – Ben Onyshko – Milwaukee Brewers –  Stetson University

2016- Josh Burgmann – St. Louis Cardinals – currently attending University of Washington

2018 – Damiano Palmegiani – Toronto Blue Jays – currently attending Cal State Northridge

2019 – Adam Macko – Seattle Mariners – signed

2019 – Josh Burgmann – Chicago Cubs – signed

9th Annual Celebration of Acheivement!

Vauxhall, AB – 

It has became a tradition of the Jets to celebrate special achievements throughout the 2020/2021 season.  A great meal with several presentations and awards was highlighted by the 15th Annual Reno Lizzi scholarship & ring presentation.  It certainly has been a difficult and challenging year to say the least.  We do feel fortunate and lucky that the Jets student-athletes have had very little interuptions to their daily schedules at the Academy.  Unfortunately we were unable to play outside competition over the last 3 months but we have been able to build 2-3 games internally each week.  In an annual tradition we moved forward with our 9th Annual Celebration of Acheivement sponsored by Barbara & Yukio Kitagawa.  There was many acheivements this year and even more great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Barbara & Yukio donated $1000 in a “Covid” scholarship to the program.  We had a random draw for $250 cash each for 4 players.  Kalem Haney, Aaron Vulcano, Jared Bendfeld & Dallas Cummins took home the cash.  The players really appreciated the kind gesture.

Reno Lizzi Scholarship/Ring Presentation – OF Jackson Clemett – $2000 & Ring

Jet of Year presented by Don Groves – OF/1B – Hunter Porter $500 scholarship

Coaches Award – Hardest worker in the off season – Custom Rawlings Glove – SS Kalem Haney

Inch by Inch presented by Yukio & Barbara Kitagawa – $1000 scholarship – RHP Cole Alguire

Scott Hornstra Memorial Scholarship – Heart & Hustle – $500 scholarship – OF – Dallas Cummins

Wanda Stober Memorial Award – Volunteers of the Year $500 scholarship – RHP Tyler Boudreau

Kalvin Odland Memorial Award – Leadership/Dedication $500 scholarship – C – Aaron Vulcano

Brian Bauman Award – “All in”  “Voted by the players” Oakleys & New Balance provided by Sports Connection – C – Cardel Dick

Jan Tolton Memorial Award – Best in the Dorms $500 – RHP Drew Lenehan

 

McLeod Family Scholarship – Excellence everyday that doesn’t require talent – $1000 scholarship each – INF/RHP Shaye McTavish, INF/RHP – Nick Backstrom

Reno Lizzi Underclassman Bursary – Adam Nelubowich – $1000 tuition credit – RHP – Karter Andersen

Reno Lizzi Underclassman Bursary  – $1000 tuition credit – C – Cardel Dick

Sports Connection Award – Oakleys & New Balance production – RHP Anson McGorman