As Most of You Know by Now, There Will Be a 7Th and 8Th Grade Baseball Team Representing

Dear Parents,

As most of you know by now, there will be a 7th and 8th grade baseball team representing James Hart starting in the fall next year. As coaches, we are very excited about the upcoming season and we look forward to helping these athletes develop their game. Both of us have a strong amount of experience, including coaching at the high school level. We look forward to sharing our experience with the student athletes.

Our Principal, Dr. McAlister, along with our Athletic Directors, John Ugo and Jack Gaham (with Carey Sullivan stepping in next year), have been very dedicated to helping set up the program. They have not only shown a dedication but an excitement about it as well. Their support, as well as that of many others in the James Hart community, has been very encouraging, and will help in establishing a strong program from the beginning.

While we are not sure the exact number of students coming out for the team, we are anticipating that there will be more interest than available spots. Because of this, we will need to conduct try-outs. These try-outs will begin on August 3rd. Please know that if it were possible, we would want to give everyone a chance to play and be on the team. However, I am sure you understand that this will not be feasible. We will look at many variables when deciding who to keep, though mainly it will come down to attitude and ability. Also, baseball is not a one size fits all game, so significant consideration will also be made in regards to how many athletes per position we can keep as well.

In the packet is a copy of the game schedule, concussion signature form, and extracurricular permission slip. Also, your child will need to be present at try-outs to have a chance of being on the team, so consider this when planning trips and vacations. Try-outs will be held at the Lion’s Club baseball field located behind James Hart and next to the tennis courts. There will be a cost associated with the uniform if your child makes the team. Although the exact amount has not been determined at this time, it should not exceed $100 per player.

In addition to being present at try-outs, the following items will need to be turned in to either coach before the school year ends.

 Signed extracurricular permission slip

 Updated physical on file in the nurse’s office (good for one year)

 Signed concussion form

 Parent contact information form

Sincerely,

Matt Somodi – Email: [email protected] Grant Sikkema – Email: [email protected] PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION Please fill out this form and have your child return it to either Coach Sikkema or Coach Somodi if they are interested in trying out for the 2015 James Hart baseball team in the fall.

STUDENT NAME:______

PARENT NAME:______

PARENT EMAIL:______(Please print clearly)

PARENT PHONE:______

*This information will be important to us so that we can send updates on try-outs that approach. We will also need to reach you in case the weather changes our initial plans or in case of an emergency. Thank you! Coach Sikkema and Coach Somodi Game & Try-out Schedule

Date Day Event Time 8/3/15-8/7/15 Monday-Friday Try-outs 9 - 11:00 AM

8/17/2015 Monday at Washington 3:30 PM 8/19/2015 Wednesday vs. Beacher 4:30 PM 8/20/2015 Thursday vs. Lockport 4:00 PM 8/21/2015 Friday at Columbia 10:00 AM Central 8/25/2015 Tuesday vs. Washington 3:30 PM 8/27/2015 Thursday vs. Parker 3:30 PM 8/29/2015 Saturday at Memorial 10AM and 12 NOON 8/31/2015 Monday vs. Hickory Creek 4:00 PM 9/1/2015 Tuesday at Summit Hill 4:00 PM 9/3/2015 Thursday at Parker 3:30 PM 9/8/2015 Tuesday vs. Mokena 4:00 PM 9/10/2015 Thursday vs. Columbia 3:30 PM