SKYHAWK BASEBALL 2011

SPRING TEAMS

Skutt Catholic has 3 teams competing against Nebraska Class A & B high schools. The spring season begins with practice/tryouts on February 28th, and it continues through the middle of May.We are looking at possibly keeping 50-54 student/athletes for our SkyHawk baseball program. At present count we have have 66 students interested in baseball. The class breakdown consists of: 5 seniors, 13 juniors, 13 sophomores, and 35 freshmen.

RESERVE/FRESHMEN

This team is the beginning high school level of SkyHawk Baseball. It is designed to increase player’s knowledge and abilityof the games of baseball. Players will learn what it takes to compete at the high school level by participating in hard practices, improving basic fundamentals, and competing in games. The team will have 16-18 freshmen players on the roster.

Head Coach = David Emmanuel Assistant Coach = Dustin Rothe, Scott Heiman

JUNIOR VARSITY

This team is focused on the continued development of players at the sophomore and freshmen level. Preparation of players for the varsity level is a goal.Our philosophy concerning the promotion of younger players up to the next level is as follows: If a player has the skills to play at a higher level we will only move players up if they will receive appropriate playing time. We will not move players up to sit and lose playing time. The team will have from 16-18 players on the roster.

Head Coach = Brian Chladek Assistant Coach = Dan Nowak

VARSITY

This is our programs top competition level. Playing time is earned through hard work and performance. Players will have defined roles, and will need to work hard for the success of the team. Preparation for college baseball is also promoted.

Head Coach = Shawn Exner Assistant Coaches = Tim Lackovic, Bryan O’Flynn, Joe Servais

Due to the number of athletes trying out, some students will not make the teams. Team reductions are the toughest job of the coaching staff. There is no easy way to inform a player that they did not make the team. Coaches will have a sit down session with all players on Saturday, March 5th before noon to inform each player whether they made a team or not. We realize this is a toughsituation for the candidate and his family. The coaches understand that this is a sensitive and emotional situation for these players, and we are very concerned about their well-being whether they are baseball players or not. Players and their families have put in years of time, effort and love of the game so decisions are not taken lightly by the coaching staff. We don’t feel that we ever cut a bad player. In fact, most are good players and great kids. Coaches have to make tough decisions, and the coaching staff makes a group decision on which players will most benefit the SkyHawk Baseball program.

GUIDELINES & REGULATIONS

1. FORMS: Each player must have a physical form, participation form,and a blue card completed and

filed in the office before they can participate in try-outs.

2. ACADEMICS: Each player must put academics first. If they are struggling in a class, their focus needs to turn

from baseball to improving their grades. Players maybe suspended from practice until grades haveimproved. Our athletes need to know that they are student athletes. Academics will always come first!!

3. BEHAVIOR: Each player must exhibit good behavior in school and on the field. A high number of demerits

usually is an indicator of student’s poor behavior. Encourage your son to keep his total down.

4. SPORTSMANSHIP: Players must exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Failure to do so could result in

loss of playing time, suspension or expulsion from the team. Parents must also remember that you are a role model for our team. Proper conduct is expected.

5.ATTENDANCE: Practice is mandatory. Players should expect to practice Monday through Saturday.

Unexcused absences will result in a game suspension. The missing of practice or a game may causea player to miss game time. Practice times will be posted weekly.Let your coach know 3 days in advance if missing practice or games for a school related function or family situation.

6. CONCERNS: If players have important concerns they should be addressed with their coach or Coach

Exner.Parents, try to let your son handle the situation. If a parent has a concern with the coaching staff, it should be a scheduled meeting with all parties present. If the concern is urgent, example injury, call Coach Exner at 210-5134(c)

7. TRYOUTS: Please see attached sheet for scheduling. Times and locations will vary for different class. If weather cooperates, the coaching staff will revise times and use outdoor facilities. Tryouts are closed door to parents. Please make sure your son is at try-outs at least 15 minutes before it starts.

8. EQUIPMENT: Players provide their own equipment bag, shoes, glove, and practice clothing. Baseball pants, hats, and long sleeve shirts need worn at all practice. The team will provide helmets and uniforms. There will be an apparel salefor items needed for practice/games for players and parents. It is recommended that players havetheirown bat.

9. APPAREL : See attached sheet. Each player that makes the team will be asked to pay the $60.00 fee for the season. The $60.00 includes a performance cooling t-shirt, mesh shorts, baseball hat, 2 pairs black socks, and a Baseball Nebraska website season pass. The Baseball Nebraska website is good for 90 days, so the membership can be used for either the spring or summer season. Apparel sheets are due on March 7th.

10. SPAGHETTI FEED/RULES NIGHT: On Monday, March 7th will be a spaghetti feed hosted by the Varsity team and players and parents in the Skutt Catholic Commons area. After dinner, coaches will introduce teams and coaches, discuss team rules, SBA Booster Club, and other information regarding the spring baseball season

11. UNIFORMS: Players will be provided a uniform for the season. Uniform includes a jersey, pants, and belt.

Socks, T-shirts, and hats can be purchased during the apparel sale. A black long sleeve shirt is required for cold spring games, Long sleeve shirts are required at all times in the spring. Game spikes will be black. Other color spikes may be worn in practice. PrimeTime Sporting Goods is offering a deal for SkyHawk baseball players for $80.00 plus tax on their Mizuno spikes. Talk to Joe Burtzel at PrimeTime Sports or just let them know you are with Coach Exner and SkyHawk Baseball.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Coach Shawn Exner at 210-5134/ or

SkyHawk Baseball Coaching Staff