Hello 11U Heat Family,

Our season is fast coming to an end. This past weekend was tough for all of us. Our high hopes were dashed on Saturday as we played close games but failed to win any of them. We gained some respect by beating the Ankeny Crimson Tide 8-2. As I mentioned after Sunday’s game I think our season has been a success. Our record is 24 wins 17 losses and 2 ties. We won one major tournament, finished second in another and third in yet another. For most of the season we carried a USSSA power rating in the top five. For many teams the State Tournament marks the end of the season. We have two more events; the Round Robin on July 12 and the Batavia Tournament on July 18-19-20.

I am very proud of the players on this 11U team. For many of them this was their first season playing real competitive baseball and even participating in tournaments. We had some huge obstacles to overcome and I think overall we did quite well. We made a good name for the QC Heat Organization this season and many teams respect us for it. Of course, I could not have done any of this without the support of my wife Chris, the coaches Mike, Sean and Ray, and especially all of you parents who were tremendous this season. Thank you for everything. I truly hope you enjoyed being a part of this team. I think these kids had a lot of fun and made new friends. I would also like to thank The Heat Organization, The Lingle Family in particular, for all of their support and hard work in making this a reality for coaches, players and families like us to participate in competitive youth baseball.

If you are interested in returning for next season it would appreciate it if you would discuss your plans right away as I intend on filling our roster fast for the 2009 season. Several quality players and parents from throughout the QCA have been approaching me to find out when our tryouts will be held so don’t wait for the last minute. I am looking to put the strongest possible team together to win tournaments and State. Next season I plan on attending tougher tournaments in potential venues like Omaha, Chicago, La Crosse, St. Louis or Des Moines. I also want to finish the season with a World Series or Major Tournament. We will also look at Burlington in April, Iowa City and Rock Island in May, Muscatine in June, and Cedar Rapids in July.

Let’s finish the season strong. GO HEAT!!!