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2011 State Tournament – Here we come!

July 19, 2011 By admin

{2011 State Tournament – Barberton, OH}

The Butler County Challenger Baseball League will be bringing seven teams comprised of 68 players to this year’s State Tournament on July 23, 2011 at the Foundation Fields in Barberton, Ohio. This year’s tournament is expected to bring in over 1,000 children and their families from all over the state of Ohio. The Ohio State Troopers Coalition will be sponsoring this year’s event and will present each child with a medal at the end of the tournament.

Due to the hard work and dedication of the golf outing committee, Butler County Challenger Baseball League is pleased to announce that enough money was raised to fund $119.00 of each player’s hotel stay. Be sure to thank Beverly Fenton and others from the golf committee next time you see them around.

{Details}

The 68 players will be broken out to the following teams:

Nationals and Angels

Cardinals, Athletics and Cubs

Pirates and Diamondbacks

Braves

Marlins

Reds

Rockies

We will be playing at The Foundation Fields which are located at 841 Wooster Road, North Barberton, OH 44203. The hotel we are staying at this year will be the Akron Hilton Fairlawn located at 3180 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44333. Their phone number for questions with directions is 330.867.5000.

Marlins and some of the Nationals team will be staying at a different hotel – they will be staying at the Double Tree Fairlawn located at 3150 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44333. Their phone number for questions with directions is 330.869.9000. Our hotels will be sharing a parking lot.

For any questions regarding your hotel or general questions about the tournament, please call or email Carol Wenstrup at 513.226.8203 carolwenstrup@hotmail.com or Kenny Hubbard at 513.839.0383 pinpointutility@aol.com

{Schedule}

Saturday Schedule – Saturday Schedule_2011 State Tournament

Sunday Schedule – Sunday Schedule_2011 State Tournament

Good Luck Butler County Challenger Baseball League and have fun at the 2011 State Tournament!

Filed Under: State Tournament Info Tagged With: , ,

Awards Picnic at Monkeyland

July 6, 2011 By admin

The players and coaches LOVE Monkeyland!

Every year we come together as an entire league to celebrate our end of the year picnic. We have been so graciously hosted by the Monkeys at their park called Monkeyland and this year we are doing it again! Please join us on Sunday, July 17th – the day runs from 1pm to 5pm full of food, carnival games and prizes, friends and family, hay rides, a DJ for the dance party and of course the awards ceremony.

The Monkeys will be providing the hamburgers, hot dogs and water this year. They ask that each team bring the following:

  • Angels: Covered Dish
  • Athletics: Dessert
  • Braves: Covered Dish
  • Cardinals: Dessert
  • Cubs: Covered Dish
  • Diamond Backs: Dessert
  • Marlins: Covered Dish
  • Nationals: Dessert
  • Pirates: Covered Dish
  • Reds: Dessert
  • Rockies: Covered Dish

* If you would like to bring your own drink (water will be provided) please bring in cans or plastic only – NO GLASS ALLOWED!

What you can also expect at Monkeyland is the following information to be passed out:

  • State Tournament Packets
  • Walk-a-thon Information
  • Sign-ups for Fall Ball

Address and Directions:

Monkeyland is located at 1901 Trenton Oxford Road (this is also Route 73)

From Hight St in Hamilton, off 129 Hwy, keep going straight through Hamilton, pass the River, pass Meijer and Lowes and keep going on Route 177. You will pass through Darrtown and then turn right at the light – Route 73 (Can’t miss – there is road work going on). Two miles down on the right is Monkeyland (before Route 127) Look for the SIGN!

(You can also go Route 127, pass New Miami and Seven Mile then turn Left on 73 at the light. Monkeyland is about 1 mile down on the Left – again look for the sign)

Filed Under: Events

Spotlight on our President, Alan Lakamp

June 23, 2011 By admin

<Article originally written in the Springfield Township E-Newsletter>

Springfield Township Police are here to protect and serve our community. We regard our officers as heroes of our community – so we thought you would find it fascinating to see what makes them true heroes. In this newsletter and in following issues, we would like to introduce you to one of our own!

We are pleased to introduce you to….
Officer Alan Lakamp

Officer Lakamp has been an officer with Springfield Township since 1987. He grew up right here in Springfield Township, and was raised in the Finneytown school district. In his twenty-four years on the force, he says the best part of his job is in helping the residents. He enjoys working one-on-one with people, solving their issues and providing the help they are looking for.

Officer Lakamp has a special skill – one that is never taught in the academy, but can only come from real life experience. He has a real knack for communicating with children and adults with special needs.

Officer Lakamp’s 16 year old son Tyler has Down Syndrome. The disability, though, does not define Tyler or keep him from doing what he loves – playing baseball.

As a parent, Alan Lakamp knew the importance of providing a balance of recreational activities in his son’s life. He tries to integrate Tyler with team sports and has found the competition level higher than what was best for his son. He searched high and low and with the help of a teacher’s aid, came across the Butler County Challenger Program. The baseball league coaches 5 – 22 year olds with any I.E.P. (independent educational program).

Lakamp and his family have found a camaraderie with the players and with their parents. Over the years, Officer Lakamp has increased his commitment to the organization, first coaching, later serving on the board and currently serving as president of the organization. Busy as ever, the Challengers are in the planning stages of creating another wheel chair accessible field.

“By working with these kids, I am a better person. They have taught me just as much as I have taught them” explains Lakamp. In the field, Lakamp’s communication skills have served him well and he is a more understanding person because of it.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Thank you to EVERYONE who supported our Golf Outing!

June 1, 2011 By admin
A Note from Beverly Fenton, Golf Committee Chair:
Thanks to EVERYONE who supported our 7th Annual Butler County Challenger Golf Outing and Silent Auction. Despite the rain, all I could see were smiling faces and all I heard were cheerful attitudes. You continue to demonstrate the heart and spirit of this organization…with the right attitude all things are possible.
On behalf of our committee and the Butler County Challenger Baseball League, I sincerely thank you for your support. We acknowledge the tireless work of our Board and our faithful committee members and volunteers who secured sponsorships and guaranteed that everyone had a terrific time during our golf outing. Please take a moment to express your gratitude to Chris Ball, Denis Boylson, Stephanie Bush, Kathy Chambers, Heather Davis, Jen Grimes, Jesy Herron, Nancy Lakamp, Steve Powell, Pete Scudder, Lisa Simpson, Kim Sroufe , Sue Schindler and Donna Wood.
We had a great group of players representing Challenger on the day of the tournament and we really appreciate them coming out to help us pass out water, award prizes and just hang out with us. High Fives to Allison Wood, Landon Molesky, Tyler Simpson, Tyler Lakamp, Sarah Phillips, Andrew Schwind and Michael Chambers! Conner Fenton and Dawson Davis made a valiant effort but were late-doggone that rain!
Together just over $9400.00 was raised! We are forever grateful for everything you, your friends and family have helped us achieve. Next year’s Golf Outing is already in the planning stages and we hope that you will plan to be a part of the fun.
As I said at the tournament, it is an honor to serve alongside a group of people that are so passionate about their children. It is because of them that we do what we do!
Warm Regards,
Beverly Fenton
Filed Under: Uncategorized

Calling all Golfers and Sponsors!

May 9, 2011 By admin
The 7th Annual Butler County Challenger Baseball Golf Outing is getting here quick! We are still working hard to collect sponsorships and get the remaining golfers signed up. We are always enthusiastic about a new sponsor and new group of golfers. If you are wondering how you could possibly help out, we’ll guide you to that answer quickly. But first, let us explain how your donation will impact our league.
Butler County Challenger Baseball runs on donations, we are a non-profit organization that is striving to reach every child with special needs who wants to participate in the sport of baseball. Right now we are wanting to build a new field to help accommodate our ever growing league. Your donation to our auction, signing up a 4-some or sponsoring a hole will help us reach our goals. Thank you for your interest in Challenger Baseball, we hope to see you on the golf course.
Please click here to learn more about our Sponsorship opportunities.
Please click here to sign up to golf in our 7th annual outing (only 46 spots are left!)

All proceeds go to Butler County Challenger Baseball League. We serve kids and young adults with special needs, giving them the opportunity to play the great American game of baseball.

We are a nonprofit organization, chartered under the National Little League Association. Tax ID #26-4537630

*If you have any questions regarding the Golf Outing please contact Bev Fenton via email beverlyfenton@gmail.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

2011 State Tournament Held in July

April 18, 2011 By admin

2008 State Tournament

If there is one thing that is a must in the Challenger Baseball league, it would have to be the annual State Tournament. Every year the tournament is held in a different location and this year we will be traveling to Barberton, OH for the weekend of July 22nd – 24th. The tournament draws nearly 500 players each year from all over the state of Ohio, including our very own Butler County Challenger league.

A typical tournament schedule includes the following:

Friday – Travel day and get settled in the hotel

Saturday – The kids will play two games with lunch provided by the hosting city. After the games there are normally activities that are geared towards the kids such as a dance, then families head back to the hotel for relaxation and time to get to know each other.

Sunday – The kids will play one game then receive their tournament medal given to them by the State Troopers.

More Details:

Interested in going to the tournament this year? It is such a great time, I can’ imagine why you would want to miss out on all the fun. We will be asking that each family turn in a $50.00 deposit per room that will be due on Picture Day (check your time on the schedule). Everyone (including coaches) will have to put down a $50.00 deposit this year to secure and commit to their spot in the tournament. If you have any questions please be sure to contact Carol Wenstrup at carolwenstrup@hotmail.com or via phone at 513.226.8203.

We hope to see you in Barberton this summer, don’t forget to mark your calendar for July 22nd – 24th.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Let the Madness begin

March 15, 2011 By admin

NCAA March Madness time is a fun time of the year. What else is going on in March? We are in the in-between stages of winter and hints of spring plus its really dark in the mornings. Not much good….except….March Madness and Basketball.

But why does Butler County Challenger BASEBALL care about basketball? We care because the NCAA March Madness basketball  brackets is the start of our 2011 FUNdraising. This spring we are introducing our new March Madness program and we invite you, your friends, family and neighbors to join the fun and help our great cause.

How it works:

  • Donate a $10.00 entry fee for every bracket you choose to complete and submit *payment options below
  • Make your picks on-line after “Selection Sunday” before the tip-off of the first game
  • There are three chances to WIN
  • Follow progress of your bracket online

The pay-off:

  • Challenger Baseball receives 50% of the total pot
  • 1st place winner receives 25% of the total pot
  • 2nd place winner receives 15% of the total pot
  • 3rd place winner receives 10% of the total pot

Increase your chances to win by creating multiple brackets at $10.00 a bracket

Get Started:

Join the Challenger Baseball Yahoo! NCAA March Madness tournament:

  • Go to http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/
  • Click on “Join an existing group”
  • 2nd page – Click on Accept an Invitation to Join a Group “Join Group Box”
  • 3rd page – Click on “Sign In” or create “New Account” (no charge)
  • 4th page – enter group ID number “11512″ and password “kids”
  • 5th page – “Create as many brackets as you want” (limit of 5 – pay through Paypal below at $10.00 a bracket)
  • Don’t forget your payment of $10.00 per bracket (check or credit card payment information below)
  • Lastly, email John Hilston (john@waronsma.com) with the following information: Your Name, Email Address, and Number of Brackets that you are submitting to play.

Payment of Donation:

1. Send in a check payable to “Challenger Baseball” mailed to:

John Hilston
3941 Top Flite Lane
Mason, OH 45050

Other Instructions:

When completing your brackets be sure to fill in the boxes for the score of the Championship Game as this will determine a winner in the case of a tie. Your goal is to accumulate as many points as possible by correctly picking the winning team in each of the games played during the tournament. Each correct pick earns points based on the tournament round and the player finishing with the highest total wins in each group.  You can make and change your picks as often as you like, but your final bracket must be submitted after Selection Sunday, March 13 and before tip-off of the first game in the 2011 tournament on Thursday March 18.

Filed Under: Seasonal Information Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Registration For 2011 Is Now Closed.

March 10, 2011 By admin
Registration for the 2011 season is now closed. Registration for the 2012 season will begin on January 1, 2012. For all new players: you should be contacted by your child’s coach/manager by March 25th. If you are not contacted by that time, please email us a bcchallengerbaseball@gmail.com or contact our league president, Alan Lakamp at 513-623-4120.
Filed Under: Registration

Challenger Players in the News

February 16, 2011 By admin

Recently there have been great stories featuring some of our Challenger baseball players including Aaron Ringeisen and Joey Huff from the Rockies team. Both Aaron and Joey have been attending a program run by former Bengal players, Richard Carey and Robert Jackson, that focus on strength training, exercise and above all, boosting their self esteem. Aaron and Joey attend a physical fitness program called, Fit One, as in fit one more child back into the community. Check out the story and video posted by WLWT.com.

Aaron and Joey at Fit One

Joey is working on his movie star status because he was again just recently featured for his manager skills on the Lakota East Basketball team. Joey Huff is getting the team water and towels but more importantly the team has accepted Joey and really look after him at school. With so much talk about bullying in our schools it was enlightening to hear how many of the boys on the basketball team have taken Joey under their wing and really pay attention to him. Joey isn’t just a kid with Cerebral Palsy, he is a part of their community and family. Check out the story and video posted by WLWT.com.

Joey Huff – Lakota East Basketball Manager

*We are proud of all of our players and we will continue to look for them as they make headline news in our community. If we missed a story about your child and you would like us to feature it on our website or Facebook page, please let us know.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Welcome Bev Fenton

January 4, 2011 By admin

Little League now requires all leagues to have an officer in charge of fundraising. Bev Fenton has been named to be Butler County Challenger’s Fundraising Officer. She’s had a lot of experience in this area, and she has a lot of great ideas to raise money for us.

If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer, Bev can be reached by email at beverlyfenton@gmail.com.

Filed Under: News
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