Category: Press Release

Tanner Craswell and Mitch MacLean Memorial Fund!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Lethbridge Bulls, the Prairie Baseball Academy, and the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball have come together to establish the “Tanner Craswell and Mitch MacLean Memorial Fund.” The fund has been established for anyone wishing to donate. All donations will go to help the families of Tanner and Mitch. Any remaining proceeds will go towards a legacy scholarship fund for Tanner’s and Mitch’s former teammates and future players of the 3 organizations the players have been members of. A representative from each organization along with the families will organize the disbursement of all funds donated. The entire Southern Alberta Baseball Community thanks you for your support.

There are 3 ways the public can donate:

1.       The fund will be established at the Bank of Nova Scotia, and anyone that wishes donate can go to any Scotiabank branch in Canada to donate.

Account Name: Tanner Craswell and Mitch McLean Memorial Fund

Account Number: 00059 0157317

2.       By email money transfer to [email protected]

3.       Or by cheque, the 3 organizations will also be accepting cheques made payable to the Tanner Craswell and Mitch McLean Memorial Fund and can be mailed to:

The Lethbridge Bulls

2425 North Parkside Dr.

Lethbridge, AB Canada

T1J 4W3

 

Prairie Baseball Academy

545 6th Avenue North

Lethbridge, AB Canada

T1H 6N8

 

The Vauxhall Academy of Baseball

Box 618

Vauxhall, AB Canada

T0K 2K0

 

Tragedy strikes the Vauxhall Academy

Vauxhall, AB –

The Vauxhall Academy would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tanner Craswell (Jets alumni 2007-2008) of Charlottetown, PEI.  The Jets family is grieving the loss our former alumni.   Tanner just turned 22 years old and will be sadly and deeply missed by many.

Tanner was a stand out shortstop for the Jets (2007-2008) leading the team in many categories.  Tanner, an infielder, participated in the Fall Instructional League and Extended Spring Training with the Junior National Team in 2007 and also represented PEI at the Baseball Canada Cup (2004, 2005, 2006).

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Craswell family, his former teammates, coaches, classmates, billets and so many he touched.

Lutz follows Mayo to another NCAA Division 1 program!

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB is very proud to announce the first collegiate signing of the year.  Lutz is the 13th Jet to sign at an NCAA Division 1 program in the past 5 1/2 years.

C – Konner Lutz – Medicine Hat, AB –  has accepted an athletic/academic scholarship and signed a National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA Division 1 powerhouse Stetson University Hatters.  The Hatters play in the Atlantic Sun Conference and are the defending conference champions.  Stetson was ranked as high as #15 in the country last season and played in the NCAA Tournament in 2010.   Lutz is the second of 2 Jets to sign early this season.  For more information on the Hatters: http://www.gohatters.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14600&SPID=6736&SPSID=69238

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Other Jets to sign this season

LHP – Zach Mayo – Mather, MB –  has accepted a scholarship and signed a National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA Division 1 North Dakota State University Bisons.  The Bisons play in the Summit Conference with the likes of South Dakota State, Oral Roberts and South Utah to name a few.  Mayo is the first of 2 Jets to sign early this season.  For more information on the Bisons: http://www.gobison.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=2400&SPID=706&SPSID=12103

 

Mayo committs to NCAA Division 1 program!

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB is very proud to announce the first collegiate signing of the year.  Mayo is the 12th Jet to sign at an NCAA Division 1 program in the past 5 1/2 years.

LHP – Zach Mayo – Mather, MB –  has accepted a scholarship and signed a National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA Division 1 North Dakota State University Bisons.  The Bisons play in the Summit Conference with the likes of South Dakota State, Oral Roberts and South Utah to name a few.  Mayo is the first of 2 Jets to sign early this season.  For more information on the Bisons: http://www.gobison.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=2400&SPID=706&SPSID=12103

Schedule Update – Special Birthday wishes to a special Jet – Yukio!

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB weekend schedule has changed slightly.  The games on Saturday @ PBA have been changed from a DH to a single 9 inning contest starting at 2 pm.  The Jets will then take on the Badlands Academy Sunday @ 1pm DH in Vauxhall. 

The entire Jets organization, Vauxhall community members, VAB supporters and VHS staff were treated to a special event.  #1 Jets supporter Yukio Kitagawa and his wife Barbara were in Vauxhall to celebrate his 75th birthday.  Yukio treated the crowd to a special power lifting demonstration in the new weight room.  Yukio is a former Canadian weightlifting champion and thrilled the large crowd with his passion, dedication and athletic ability in the weight room.  Yukio was complemented by one of his first students dating back to 1960.  Lorne put his true strength on display and truely impressed everyone in attendance.  Yukio and his wife Barbara are true inspirations to our entire organization and we look forward to many more years as partners in developing our student-athletes on and off the field of play. In a special ceremony the weight room was officially named “Kitagawa Fitness Center!”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUKIO!!!

Sept. 23-25th schedule update!

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB again would like to thank the Scotiabank and all volunteers at our Annual Golf Tournament this past weekend.

Below is the update Edmonton Tournament Schedule:

ST. FX. 2011 Fall Baseball Showcase EventSeptember 23-25, 2011

Friday September 23rd

Game 6 – 8:30p Okotoks vs Vauxhall Telus Field

Saturday September 24th

Game 9 – 1:00p Vauxhall vs FX Black CP9 – Sher. Pk.

Game 12 – 4:00p Vauxhall vs U of C CP9 – Sher. Pk.

Sunday September 25th

Game 18 – 12:00p PBA vs Vauxhall Telus Field

 

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

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.