JULY 2001

President's Message

News & Information

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS

Another successful diamond sports season is quickly coming to a close. As of this printing, we have three all-star baseball teams poised to make a serious run at PONY state tournament bids. Several of our baseball teams were very competitive during the regular season, and players chosen from those teams will lead our all-star teams through the post-season. This is the strongest set of teams we’ve sent to districts since we had two state qualifiers in 1998.

Our 10 and Under softball team finished with a 2-2 record in their league tournament, and they received an automatic bid to their state tournament this month. Although we didn’t field teams in the oldest three age brackets for softball, our three younger age groups are strong and hold promise for a bright future.

You can keep up with all the post-season action by visiting our web site. Whatever information we get from coaches will be published there.

I’m proud of the efforts of all the players, coaches and parents who represent S.Y.A.A. from tee ball on up. Pat yourself on the back for another fine job this season. You’ve taught the players, shuttled kids to practices and games, and sat through some cold spring evenings to watch games. But that’s what we do when it’s all about the kids. And our kids are getting better and more competitive because of all of you.

The next thing we can and should do to support our kids is help upgrade facilities. We raised $3,615 during our diamond sports fund raising campaign in April and May, thanks to the 27 businesses, families and friends who contributed. In the last newsletter I expressed my hope that every family would contribute something - $5 or $5,000. We fell considerably short of that lofty goal, but it’s my hope all of you who haven’t contributed will still do so yet this season. It’s never too late to do something for our kids, like provide them with top notch facilities, equipment and coaching. Your generous contributions will help us get a fence and lights up at City Park, and make much-needed improvements to other fields we use. Additional details are available on our web site.

Sometime this year you’ll also be asked to consider a bond issue currently in the works to fund the construction of a multi-purpose building addition to Platteview High School. This facility will support athletic as well as performing arts programs. I won’t share my opinion on this effort, or suggest how you should vote, in this forum. But if you pull me aside sometime, or give me a call, I’ll gladly share my thoughts on this important issue.

I will ask each of you to educate yourselves on the proposed building addition and the bond issue. Be diligent about gathering all details and facts you need to make an informed decision. Attend any "town hall" meetings that may be held, and get in touch with key people leading this effort. And most importantly, show up at the polls when it comes time to vote.

These are exciting times for the kids in our community, on the field and off. As parents and supporters of our youth athletic programs, let’s make sure we’re doing everything we can to maintain the excitement and provide our kids with the very best opportunities we can. And remember, it’s all about the kids.

Have a great summer!

Frank Staskiewicz, Jr.

President