Category: Press Release

13th Annual Awards/Scholarship Dinner!

13th Annual Awards/Scholarship Banquet  

Vauxhall, AB –

The VAB is excited for the 13th annual Awards/Scholarship Fundraising Banquet March 2nd, 2019 at the Vauxhall Community Hall (5 pm cocktails and 5:45 pm program begins).  We are very excited to announce former Toronto Blue Jays coach – Tim Leiper will be our featured speaker.  Leiper played 12 seasons in the minor leagues before moving over to the coaching side of the game.  He has coached and/or managed for 22 professional seasons with the last 5 seasons coaching 1st base for the Toronto Blue Jays.  Leiper has also coached Team Canada at every World Baseball Classic event (2006, 2009, 2013, 2017).

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!

5 Jets commit to US schools!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Vauxhall Academy is very proud to announce 5 Jets have committed to college baseball programs on scholarship for the 2019-2020 season.  All 5 players will finish up their spring in Vauxhall and will join their respective college programs in the fall of 2019.  We are very proud of all of these young men and look forward to following their careers.  Stay tuned for additional Jets signing over the winter months.

The following is a list of Jets who signed:

LHP – Adam Macko – Stony Plain, AB  – has accepted an NCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  The Boilermakers play in the very competitive Power 5 Big 10 Conference.  For more details on the Purdue Boilermakers: https://purduesports.com/index.aspx?path=baseball

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

OF/RHP – Evan O’Toole – Bridgewater, NS  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Iowa Western College in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  The Reivers play in the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.  The Reivers finished in 6th place in the 2018 NJCAA World Series. For more details on Iowa Western: http://www.goreivers.com/sports/bsb/index

 

LHP – Thomas Little – Lethbridge, AB  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Northern Oklahoma Enid College in Enid, Oklahoma .  The Jets play in the NJCAA Region 2.  The Jets finished in 3rd place in the 2018 NJCAA Division 2 World Series. For more details on Northern Oklahoma Enid: http://www.nocjets.com/sports/bsb/index

C – Shayne Campbell – Winnipeg, MB – has accepted an athletic scholarship to attend NCAA Division 2 University of Mary Marauders in Bismark, North Dakota.  The Marauders play in a very challenging Northern Sun Conference.  For more details on the University of Mary Baseball: http://www.goumary.com/index.aspx?path=baseball&&tab=0

Jets play good baseball and split with PBA!

Lethbridge, AB –

The Jets came out and played good overall baseball on a cool but sunny Sunday afternoon in Lethbridge.  Game 1 saw the Jets come out on top by a score of 8-3.

Ben Adams started on the mound going 3 1/3 innings allowing 1 hit, 3 BB’s with 2 K’s to earn the victory.  Maddux Mateychuk threw 1 2/3 solid innings allowing 1 run with 2 BB’s.  Chase Florendine finished things off going 2 innings allowing 3 hits with 0 earned runs and 1 K.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Josh Malainey who was 2 for 4.  Max Grant was 2 for 3 with an RBI.  Evan O’Toole was 2 for 4 with an RBI.  Carlin Dick was 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Shayne Campbell was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Jackson Clemett was 1 for 2 with an RBI.  Ty Wevers was 2 for 3 with an RBI.  Logan Domanski was 1 for 3 with an RBI and Nick Gravel was 1 for 3 to round out a solid offensive game.

Game 2 saw the Jets get walked off on in the bottom of the 9th with a ball lost in the sun in an otherwise good overall baseball game.

Thomas Little started on the mound going 3 2/3 good innings allowing 2 hits, 2 runs with 6 K’s.  Justin Adamoski threw 3 solid innings allowing 1 hit with 2 BB’s and 4 K’s.  Nick Gravel allowed a couple of runs in relief before Carlin Dick finished things off going 2 innings allowing 1 hit, 1 run with 2 BB’s and 1 K to finish off the pitching.  Offensively, the Jets were led by Josh Malainey was 1 for 4.  Johnny Vulcano was 1 for 4.  Max Grant was 1 for 4.  Evan O’Toole was 2 for 4.  Ty Wevers 1 for 2.  Nick Gravel rounded out the offense going 1 for 2.

Next action for the Jets is in Edmonton vs the Prospect Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Damiano Palmegiani drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays!

 

Vauxhall, AB – 

The VAB is very proud to announce that 3 year Jets standout Damiano Palmegiani was drafted in the 35th round by the Toronto Blue Jays, 1046th overall in the 2018 MLB 1st year player draft.  Damiano has also spent the last 2 years with the Canadian Junior National Team and his college commitment is NCAA Division 1 Cal State Northridge in Northridge, CA.  Congrats Damiano on a tremendous accomplishment.

Jets alumni (2012/2014) Ben Onyshko was also drafted in the 2018 MLB 1st year player draft out of Stetson University. Former Jet LHP Ben Onyshko (Winnipeg, MB) was drafted in the 24th round, 718th overall by the Seattle Mariners.  Ben was a standout for the Jets for 2 years and has had a very successful career at Stetson University.  They are in the NCAA Super Regionals this weekend.  Congrats Benny!!

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 Jets heading to college!

Vauxhall, AB – 

The Vauxhall Academy is very proud to announce 9 Jets have committed to college baseball programs on scholarship for the 2018-2019 season.  All 8 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 following their careers.  We look forward to announcing our final commitment soon.

The following is a list of Jets who signed:

INF – Owen Harms – Winnipeg, MB  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas.  The Trojans play in the very competitive Jayhawk Conference.  For more details on the Colby Trojans: http://www.colbycc.edu/athletics/teams/baseball/index

C – Kaiden Cardoso  – Abbotsford, BC – has accepted an NJCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas.  The Bulldogs play in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference which is home to some of the top junior college baseball programs in Texas.  For more details on Clarendon Baseball: http://athletics.clarendoncollege.edu/Baseball

C – Martin Vincelli-Simard  – Boisbriand, QC – has accepted an NJCAA Division 1 athletic scholarship to attend Midland College Chaps in Midland, TX.  The Chaps play in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference which is home to some of the top junior college baseball programs in Texas.  For more details on Midland College: http://www.gochaps.com/baseball/index.php

 

INF – Liam Vulcano – Cloverdale, BC  – 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

OF – Cooper Jones – Ponoka,AB  – has accepted an NJCAA  athletic scholarship to attend Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa.  The Blackhawks play in the very competitive ICCAC Conference.  For more details on the Southeastern Baseball: http://www.sccblackhawks.com/sports/bsb/index

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.

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

Displaying HORNSTRA_POSTER1 copy (2).jpg

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.

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.