Category: News

Jets come out strong and cruise to a 10-0 victory over Chargers

Great Falls, Montana –

The Jets scored in 4 different innings including 5 runs in the 6th to cruise to a 10-0 victory over the Great Falls Chargers on a beautiful Friday night.  Game time temperature was 20 degrees and sunny.  Garrett Hawkins started on the mound going 4 innings allowing 2 hits with 2 BB’s and 1 K.  Reece Keller went 2 solid innings with 2 K’s.  Josh Tardif finished the shutout off going 1 inning allowing 1 hit with 2 K’s.

Offensively, the offense was spread out.  Liam Vulcano was 1 for 3 with a triple and an RBI.  Cooper Jones was 2 for 2 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Ty Penner was 1 for 2 with an RBI.  Owen Harms was 2 for 4.  Evan O’Toole was 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Levi Abbott was 1 for 3 and John Vulcano was 1 for 4 with 2 RBI’s.

Next action for the Jets is Saturday 11 am vs Great Falls and 1:30 pm vs Missoula.  Both game will be played at the White Sox pro stadium Centenne Stadium.

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 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.

Jets split in Kelowna!

 

 

 

Kelowna, BC – 

The VAB Jets split in Kelowna, BC vs Okanagan College losing 14-4 and winning against Okanagan A’s 13-5.  Both games were much tighter into the later innings.  The game was 5-3 thru 5 innings before ending lop sided.  In Game 1 Garrett Hawkings started going 3 innings allowing 5 hits, 5 runs with 4 BB’s and 1 K.  Matt Wiggins threw 2 1/3 innings allowing 3 hits, 4 runs with 2 BB’s and 1 K.  Evan O’Toole finished things off going 1 1/3 innings allowing 2 hits, 5 runs, 4 earned runs. Walks were certainly a major part in the loss. Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a double.  Owen Harms was 1 for 4.  Damiano Palmegiani was 1 for 4 with a 3 run HR.  Cooper Jones was 1 for 4 and Josh Malainey rounded out the offense going 2 for 2.

Game 2 saw the Jets win by a score of 13-5 over the Okanagan A’s.  The score was 6-5 thru 6 innings when the Jets scored 7 runs in the top of the 7th.  Chase Florendine started on the mound going 4 2/3 innings allowing 2 hits, 4 runs, 2 earned runs with 2 BB and 4 K’s.  Jared Arnold threw 1 1/3 innings allowing 0 hits, 1 run with 3 BB’s.  Owen Harms finished things off going 1 inning allowing 3 BB’s and 1 K.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 1 for 4 with 2 RBI’s and a double.  Damiano Palmegiani was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI’s.  Martin Vincelli-Simard was 1 for 3 with a solo HR.  Kaiden Cardoso was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI’s.  John Vulcano was 1 for 4 with an RBI.  Shane Campbell was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Evan O’Toole was 2 for 3 with an RBI.

The Jets will match up with the same 2 teams at 9 am Sunday.

 

Jets split again vs PBA!

 

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Jets split again with the PBA losing game 1 by the score of 6-5 and winning game 2 14-8 to finish the weekend off 2-2.

Chase Florendine started on the mound going 4 innings allowing 3 BB’s with 1 K and allowed 0 hits.  Jared Arnold threw 2 1/3 innings allowing 2 hits, 4 runs with 4 BB’s and 4 K’s.  Evan O’Toole finished things off going 2/3 of an inning allowing 2 hits, 2 runs with 1 BB and 2 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Cooper Jones who was 2 for 3 with a double.  Damiano Palmegiani was 1 for 2 with a double and an RBI.  Ty Penner was 1 for 4 with a 2 run HR.  Kaiden Cardoso was 3 for 4 with 2 RBI’s.  Dayton Peters rounded out the offense going 1 for 2.

Matt Wiggins started game 2 going 3 1/3 innings allowing 8 hit, 8 runs with 2 BB’s and 4 K’s for the no decision.  Reece Keller earned the victory going 1 2/3 innings allowing 2 BB’s with 1 K.  Kaiden Cardoso closed things out going 2 innings with 4 K’s.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Owen Harms who was 1 for 5 with 2 RBI’s.  Damiano Palmegiani was 3 for 5 with a double and 3 RBI’s.  Levi Abbott was 1 for 2 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Martin Vincelli-Simard was 1 for 3 with a solo HR.  Ty Penner was 1 for 4 with an RBI.  Cooper Jones was 2 for 2 with a double and an RBI.  Liam Vulcano was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Jordan Malainey was 2 for 4.  Evan O’Toole was 2 for 2 with a double and 2 RBI’s to round out the offense.

 

Jets start the fall with fast start!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The VAB Jets got off to a good start in 2017/2018 with a 12-4 victory over the PBA.  Garrett Hawkins started on the mound going 1 clean inning.  Thomas Little threw 1 inning allowing 2 hits and 1 run.  Adam Macko threw a clean inning with 2 K’s.  Chase Florendine threw 1 inning allowing 1 hit, 1 run with 1 BB.  Reese Keller threw 1 inning allowing 1 hit, 1 run and 1 BB.  Matt Wiggins threw 1 inning allowing 1 hit, 1 unearned run with 2 BB’s.  Jaden Griffin threw 1 inning allowing 2 hits with 3 K’s.  Kaiden Cardoso rounded things out on the mound throwing 1 clean inning.

Offensively, the Jets were led by Liam Vulcano who was 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI.  Owen Harms was 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s.  Damiano Palmegiani was 2 for 5 with a 2 run HR and 3 RBI’s.  Martin Vincelli-Simard was 2 for 3.  Ty Penner was 2 for 5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI’s . John Vulcano was 3 for 3.  Cooper Jones was 4 for 4 with a double and an RBI.  Evan O’Toole was 1 for 2 and Josh Malainey was 1 for 3 to round out the 17 hit attack.

The Jets will match up again on Saturday against the PBA with a 12 noon DH scheduled.