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History of the Renegades
Chapter 1 - In the Beginning ....
The Renegades program was first initiated in the summer of 1998. During the softball season, several Elgin area coaches had informal discussions about the state of their softball programs, and the future of the sport in general. These discussions often lasted late into the summer night at various softball fields. The lights would be shut off, the players and fans long gone, but the idea of a new program began to take shape. The opinion of all was that there was both a need, and a desire, to form a new program for girls' fastpitch.
In August of 1998, a meeting was called with the purpose of developing a new fastpitch program. The people attending this initial meeting included George Ewert, Ray Fraser, Darrell Kennedy, Al Mueller, Matt Schacht, Dave Schumann, Dennis Wendt, and Brian Wiseman. Each of these individuals brought many years of experience from a wide variety of softball programs.
This initial meeting lasted for over three hours. Ideas were discussed, problems identified, and there were many unknowns. When the meeting was over, everyone knew there were some major tasks ahead. But one thing was known for sure: the name of the new program would be the Fox Valley Renegades.
Chapter 2 - Now the Work Begins
Selecting the program name was the easiest part. We had no players, no teams, no money, no equipment, and no field on which to play. It was decided, unlike many programs, that we would file for registration as a non-for-profit program with the Illinois Department of Revenue. This action would insure that sponsor donations would be legal IRS donations. Registration would also set the criteria for accurate finances in accordance with sound accounting practices.
In accordance with these legal requirements, a Board of Directors and organization by-laws were required. The second Renegades meeting was held in September of 1998. At this meeting, the first Renegades Board of Directors was elected. These founding board members included:
President - Al Mueller
Vice-President - Darrell Kennedy
Treasurer - Sharon Schacht
Neutral Party - Dennis Wendt
Coaching Director - George Ewert
16U Manager - Matt Schacht
16U Parent Rep - Ray Fraser
14U Manager - Brian Wiseman
12U Manager - Dave Schumann
12U Parent Rep - Dave Fehlman
The first task facing this new board was the development of a set of by-laws. Issues such as fundraising, finding a field, and buying uniforms and equipment all required immediate attention. The goal was to field teams at the 16U, 14U and 12U levels in 1999. The managers had the most difficult job ahead - finding players. Convincing players and parents to leave established programs for the Renegades would not be easy.
Chapter 3 - The First Teams
There were no tryouts held for the first year. The three managers went on intense recruiting missions to get the best players they could. Dozens upon dozens of telephone conversations, home visits with parents and former players, and scouring the recreational softball leagues for talent became almost daily routines. All the managers had to offer were their coaching philosophies and reputations, as well as the promise of a program with great potential. The process worked, and within several months the rosters for the 1999 season were set. The first year rosters included:
16U
Jaci Corn, Maria Doukas, Laurie Fraser, Brittany Graham, Katie Grens, Tristan Kennedy, Jen Martell, Tracy Mueller, Michelle Paetzold, Amanda Schacht, Natalie Smith, Ace Vigliarolo and Jessica Young.
14U
Margot DePaepe, Liz Erickson, Aimee Ewert, Courtney LaFerle, Lacy Lisula, Kim Ostrowski, Allison Schacht, Kari Schumann, Katie Smith, Stephanie Westerman, Natali Wiseman and Lisa Zaragoza.
12U
Carly Dillon, Lissa Fehlman, Stephanie Hernandez, Trisha Hernandez, Kelly Nega, Sam Parsons, Nikki Prokuski, Charlene Ruiz, Kelsey Schumann, Breeze Sherbondy, Alex Wiseman and Abby Young.
With the team rosters finalized, the Renegades began the process of handling the additional outstanding issues required for the program to move forward.
*Editorial note: Eight of the original Renegades' players are still with the program. These girls, and their team for 2003, include Aimee Ewert, Lissa Fehlman, Courtney LaFerle, and Allison Schacht (18U), Sam Parsons and Stephanie Westerman (16U), Alex Wiseman (14U) and Kelsey Schumann (12U).
Chapter 4 - The Work Continues
The first Board of Directors continued with resolving many of the outstanding issues. By-laws were written and approved, a newsletter was initiated, and the first fundraiser was held. This fundraiser was a raffle for a pair of tickets to a Notre Dame football game. A grand total of over $400 was raised. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Team colors were selected. After looking at numerous options, it was decided to go with purple and silver as the Renegades' team colors. In the first season, players had but one uniform set, purple jerseys with silver shorts. These were worn for every game.
Two sites were acquired for use as indoor practice facilities. These two high school facilities provided ample space for allowing team practices during the winter months.
One of the biggest breaks was the acquisition of a home field. George Ewert was able to make contact with some old teammates from his men's fastpitch softball days. George learned that Jockey Field in East Dundee was no longer being used, and could possibly be available for the Renegades' program. After further inquiry, the Renegades Board was able reach an agreement with the Jockey Club and the field's owner. The Renegades acquired the exclusive rights to use Jockey Field for all home games.
Although we were thrilled to have a home field we could call our own, the Renegades had to wait until early spring to determine how much work was needed at the neglected facility.
Chapter 5 - Jockey Field
In early April 1999, the Renegades sponsored a work day at Jockey Field. Over 50 players and parents showed up to pitch in on a monumental project. The field needed some major work, but no time was wasted. Fox Valley Renegades co- founder and longtime coach Matt Schacht remembers attempting to change the bulbs atop the light poles at historic Jockey Field in East Dundee.
"The first year we were there, we found the belt they used to wrap around the pole to climb up there and the spur things for your shoes," said Schacht. "I went up that pole and got up to where the foot pegs were and it started to creek. Dude, I got so scared I thought I was going to wet my pants."
The entire facility, including the building (interior and exterior), the dugouts and the fences were all painted. Several old fences were torn down and replaced. The playing field was leveled with additional materials,and the outfield was seeded. Dozens of old items were discarded from the main building, items that has accumulated for over 50 years. The more we did, the more it seemed we needed to do.
By the end of that day, Jockey Field was back on the road to looking as it did in it's heyday of the 1950's and 1960's.
Chapter 6 - Sponsor Day 1999
The inaugural season began with the Renegades' Sponsor Day. Sponsor Day, now a annual event, was held in the middle of May as a gesture to the many generous sponsors that had donated to our new program. A picnic was held at Jockey Field for all players and their families. All sponsors were invited. A brief opening day ceremony was held, and the sponsors that attended were introduced to the crowd.
On that day, for the first time, we were hit with the realization that it was for real. In the span of only nine months, we had gone from nothing to the start of a new program. It was an emotional moment for many as we looked at the girls, standing on the field in their new purple and silver uniforms. From an idea to a program, the Renegades were a reality.
Chapter 7 - The Inaugural Season- 1999
16U
Manager: Matt Schacht
Coaches: Al Mueller
Ted Doukas
Darrell Kennedy
Ray Fraser, scorebook
Season Highlights: Wins 40 Losses 18
NSA State Tournament - 5th place
AFA Midwest Regional - 2nd place
AFA Barb City Classic - 1st place
AFA Nationals - Shawnee, Kansas
Qualified: AFA Nationals
NSA Nationals
14U
Manager: Brian Wiseman
Coaches: George Ewert
Rich Lisula
Season Highlights: Lady Redwings Tournament - 3rd place
12U
Manager: Dave Schumann
Coaches: Greg Hernandez
Bill Nega
Season Highlights: Mt. Prospect Invitational - 1st place
Chapter 8 - The 2000 Season
As the Renegades entered their second season, the program was able to continue to progress. Finances improved, and the girls received a second uniform set, white jerseys with purple shorts. Two sets of uniforms, home and away, were a big improvement over the 1999 season. The program also grew with the addition of two additional teams, 10U and a second 14U team.
Following is an overview of the 2000 season:
16U
Manager: Matt Schacht
Coaches: Al Mueller
Ted Doukas
Ray Fraser,scorebook
Roster: Jaci Corn Maria Doukas Laurie Fraser
Brittany Graham Stephanie Massheimer
Kim Nix Michelle Paetzold
Melanie SanMiguel Amanda Schacht
Natalie Smith Danielle Steinway
Jessica Young Brittany Broederdorf
Season Highlights: Wins 42 Losses 16
Elgin Heat NSA Shoot-Out - 1st place
AFA Midwest Regional - 4th place
Rockford USSSA Qualifier - 4th place
AFA Nationals, Shawnee, Kansas
13th place
Qualified: AFA Nationals
USSSA Nationals
NSA Nationals
14U Silver
Manager: Brian Wiseman
Coaches: George Ewert
Rich Lisula
Roster: Aimee Corn Liz Erickson Aimee Ewert
Lissa Fehlman Courtney LaFerle Lacy Lisula
Kim Ostrowski Allison Schacht Katie Smith
Ace Vigliarolo Stephanie Westerman
Natali Wiseman
Season Highlights: NSA State Tournament - 5th place
Rockford USSSA Qualifier - 2nd place
NSA Nationals - Columbus, Ohio
Qualified: USSSA Nationals
NSA Nationals
14U Purple
Manager: Greg Hernandez
Roster: Allison Bielski Kristen Catherine
Margot DePaepe Joan Dufelmeier Emily Frey
Trisha Hernandez Mallory Love Michelle Mumme
Jillian O'Brien Sam Parsons Katelynn Rynders
Sarah Swanson
12U
Manager: Dave Schumann
Coaches: Bill Nega
Glenn Smith
Roster: Kristy Doukas Sara Frey Stephanie Hernandez
Kelly Nega Nikki Prokuski Niki Schulty
Kaileen Shanahan Breeze Sherbondy Ashley Smith
Emily Steinway Alex Wiseman Abby Young
10U
Manager: Randy Pozezinski
Coaches: LaBrian Carrington
Jay Richmond
Roster: Crystal Carrington Amanda DeBrocke
Lauren Galassini Ellis Hatchett
Nicole Mattoon Vanessa Pishotta
Megan Pozezinski Jen Repp Maddie Richmond
Kelsey Schumann Megan Smith Molly Termini
Season Highlights: Schaumburg Slugfest - 3rd place (tie)
Palatine Invitational - 4th place
The 2001 Season!
The 2001 season was the third season for the Fox Valley Renegades. Following is an overview:
18U
Manager: Matt Schacht
Coaches: Ted Doukas
Al Mueller
Ray Fraser,scorebook
Roster: Amanda Schacht Maria Doukas
Laurie Fraser Brittany Graham
Sara Becker Michelle Fischer
Courtney LaFerle Tracy Mueller
Stephanie Massheimer Natlie Smith
Stephanie Rasmusen Jessica Young
Elissa Wisniewski
Season Highlights: Wins 40 Losses 17
AFA Midwest Regional - 3rd place
Rockford USSSA Qualifier - 3rd place
AFA Nationals - Beaumont, Texas 33rd place
Qualified: AFA Nationals
USSSA Nationals
16U
Manager: George Ewert
Coaches: Steve Westerman
Roster: Aimee Ewert Lissa Fehlman
Jamie Garman Christine Kazlauskas
Kristen Lisa BrieAnna Nowak
Kim Ostrowski Allison Schacht
Danielle Steinway Stephenie Westerman
Natali Wiseman
14U
Manager: Glenn Smith
Coaches: Rick Lisa
Roster: Allison Bielski Kristen Catherine
Emily Frey Lisa Gradishar
Lisa Brittany Lacy Lisula
Mallory Love Niki Schulty
Madelyn Srajer Ashley Smith
Ashley Tremaine Abby Young
Sam Parsons
Season Highlights: USSSA Dudley Tournament - 4th place
Lady Redwing Tournament - 2nd place
USSSA World Series - Shawnee, Kansas
9th place
Qualified: USSSA Nationals
12U
Manager: Randy Pozezinski
Coaches; Jay Richmond
Dale Frey
Roster: Samantha Barone Danielle Bowen
Kristy Doukas Sara Frey
Lizzy Jacobson Vanessa Pishotta
Megan Pozezinski Nikki Prokuski
Maddie Richmond Emily Steinway
Alex Wiseman
10U
Manager: Dave Schumann
Coaches: Greg Galassini
LaBrian Carrington
Roster: Crystal Carrington Megan Fielman
Lauren Galassini Heather Gradishar
Ellis Hatchett Nicole Mattoon
Taylor Nottke Jennifer Repp
Taylor Schulty Kelsey Schumann
Megan Smith
Season Highlights: Rockford AFA Qualifier - 3rd place
Sycamore Storm Dayz - 2nd place
USSSA Dudley Tournament - 2nd place
AFA Nationals - St. Louis, MO
13th place
Qualified: AFA Nationals
USSSA Nationals
The 2002 Season
In 2002 the Renegades continued to have success in our fourth year as a program.
18U
Manager: Matt Schacht
Coaches: George Ewert
Mike Noll
Jim Stephen
Roster: Katie Stephen Stephanie Rasmusen
Amanda Schacht Kaylee Noll
Elissa Wisniewski Michelle Fischer
Courtney LaFerle Mindy Niemet
Tiffany Reid Aimee Ewert
Allison Schacht Ana Antonetti
Janette Ceisel Sarah Lobue
Season Highlights: Wins 50 Losses 20
Rockford ASA Qualifier - 3rd place
Cincinnati Slugfest - 17th (tie)
Glen Ellyn Invitational - 1st place
Barrington AFA Qualifier - 1st place
AFA Nationals - Beaumont, Texas
Qualified: AFA Nationals
ASA Nationals
16U
Manager: Glenn Smith
Coaches: Steve Westerman
Rick Lisa
Roster: Kaycee Danna Courtney Baumann
Lissa Fehlman Lisa Gradishar
Katie Grossman Brittany Lisa
BrieAnna Nowak Kim Ostrowski
Sam Parsons Niki Schulty
Ashley Smith Ashley Tremaine
Stephanie Westerman
Season Highlights: NSA Elgin Heat Shoot-out- 1st place consolation
Crete USSSA Qualifier - 3rd place
Sycamore Storm Dayz - 1st place consolation
Glen Ellyn Invitational - 2nd place
USSSA Nationals-Canton, Michigan
11th place (tie)
12U
Manager: Dave Schumann
Coaches: Greg Galassini
LaBrian Carrington
Roster: Kaileigh Bobb Kristin Bauer
Crystal Carrington Amanda DeBrocke
Meghan Fielman Lauren Galassini
Heather Gradishar Ellis Hatchett
Kelly Knott Chelsea Mayer
Rachel Nissen Megan Pozezinski
Jennifer Repp Kelsey Schumann
Season Highlights: Elgin AFA Qualifier - 3rd place
Springfield ASA Shoot-out - 4th place
Glen Ellyn Invitational - 3rd place (tie)
Lemont AFA Qualifier - 2nd place
AFA Nationals - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
33rd place (tie)
The 2003 Season
2003 was the best season yet as all five Renegades teams qualified for post-season play. In July, the program sponsored it's first tournament - the 18U USSSA Independence Day Bash.
An overview of the 2003 season:
18U
Manager - Matt Schacht
Coaches - George Ewert
Mike Noll
Jim Stephen
Scorekeeper - Jim Wisniewski
Roster: Lissa Fehlman Allison Schacht
Kaylee Noll Courtney LaFerle
Elisa Wisniewski Katie Stephen
Michelle Fischer Mindy Niemet
Janette Ceisel Aimee Ewert
Kelly Wiggins Kelly Arndt
Tiffany Reid
Season Highlights: 42 wins 17 losses
Qualfied for USSSA and NSA Nationals
USSSA State Tournament - 1st place
USSSA Independence Day Bash - 2nd place
Barrington AFA Qualifier - 5th place
Rockford AFA Qualifier - 5th place (tie)
USSSA World Series - Shawnee, Kansas
3 wins 3 losses
Winner of the USSSA World Series
Sportsmanship Award
16U
Manager: Glenn Smith
Coaches: Rick Lisa
Steve Westerman
Roster: Ashley Smith Brittany Lisa
Carrie Enot Stephanie Westerman
Lisa Gradishar Sam Parsons
Nikki Schulty Candice Warren
Lisa Poznanski Kayce Danna
Ashley Tremaine Kiley Holtz
Lindsey Knott
Season Highlights: 43 wins 20 losses
Qualified for USSSA Nationals
USSSA State Tournament - 1st place
Mid-Summer Freeze Tournament - 2nd place
USSSA Worth Invitational - 3rd place
USSSA Nationals - Michigan
2 wins 4 losses
14U
Manager: Brian Wiseman
Coaches: Ted Doukas
Mike Termini
Roster: Kelly Knott Megan Pozezinski
Kaileigh Bobb Kristy Doukas
Alex Wiseman Molly Termini
Sara Frey Rachel Nissen
Lizzie Jacobson Sarah Tjaden
Ashley Warren
Season Highlights: 32 wins 31 losses
Qualified for USSSA Nationals
Aurora USSSA Qualifier - 2nd place
Skokie Splash Tournament - 3rd place
Rockford AFA Qualifier - 4th place
Decatur AFA Qualifier - 4th place
12U Silver
Manager: Dave Schumann
Coaches: LaBrian Carrington
Greg Galassini
Amanda Schacht
Bob Heller
Roster: Ashley Blunt Crystal Carrington
Meghan Fielmann Lauren Galassini
Heather Gradishar Shauna Heller
Kelsey Schumann Chelsea Mayer
Stefanie Jackson Skylar Smith
Shannon Stipek
Season Highlights: 55 wins 17 losses 2 ties
Qualified for AFA and USSSA Nationals
USSSA Mattoon Tournament - 1st place
USSSA Worth Invitational - 1st place
Rockford AFA Qualifier - 2nd place
ASA SSGS Crunch Tournament - 2nd place
Sycamore ASA Qualifier - 2nd place
Mid-Summer Freeze Tournament - 2nd place
Woodstock 14U Tournament - 5th place
USSSA 12U Nationals - Indianapolis, Indiana
4 wins 2 losses
16th place
12U Purple
Manager: Pat Knott
Coaches: Jay Richmond
Jim Martin
Roster: Kelly Patchett Jennifer Repp
Leah Tednes Kendall Martin
Kelsey Richmond Megan Smith
Katie Yohn Taylor Schulty
Kristy Knott Rose Danielek
Season Hightlights: 23 wins 22 losses
Winfield Memorial Tournament - 2nd place
Lady Redwings Tournament - 4th place
Renegades 2004
In 2004, the Renegades fielded teams at the 18U, 14U and 12U levels.
18U
Manager: Glenn Smith
Coaches: George Ewert
Rick Lisa
Roster: Lissa Fehlman Aimee Ewert
Lisa Poznanski Ashley Smith
Kayce Dana Carrie Enot
Candace Warren Missy Lloyd
Ashley Tremaine Kim Ostrowski
Andrea Hundertmark Brittany Lisa
Season Highlights: Wins Losses
14U
Manager: Matt Schacht
Head Coach: Dave Schumann
Coach: Greg Galassini
Coach: LaBrian Carrington
Roster:
Kelsey Schumann Crystal Carrington
Chelsea Mayer Heather Gradishar
Sarah Gonzales Megan Pozezinski
Kaleigh Bobb Lauren Galassini
Danielle Ebbole Kelly Knott
Shannon Stipek Meghan Fielmann
Season Highlights: Wins: 64 Losses: 22
AFA Fall Classic 1st
Renegades Round Robin 1st
Heat Shoot-Out
AFA Rockford 4th
ASA Slugfest 3rd
ASA Disney Pines and Palms 3rd
ASA Woodstock Tournament 1st
ASA Glen Ellyn 3rd
AFA Nationals 17th
Qualified for AFA Nationals
ASA Nationals
2005 Season
14U
Manager: Matt Schacht
Head Coach: Dave Schumann
Coach: Greg Galassini
Coach: LaBrian Carrington
Roster:
Kelsey Schumann Crystal Carrington
Chelsea Mayer Heather Gradishar
Stephanie Wieland Stephanie Ganster
Annie Wcislo Lauren Galassini
Danielle Ebbole Anna Petropoulos
Shannon Stipek Meghan Fielmann
Kaitlin Coari
Season Highlights: Wins: 68 Losses: 18
AFA Fall Classic - Tournament Champions
Father's Follies ASA - Tournament Champions
Streamwood 16U USSSA Qualifier - Tournament Champions
Glen Ellyn Invitational - Tournament Champions
AFA Pre-National Tournament - 2nd Place
Wasco Diamonds 16U Classic - 3rd Place
SUA Bluesfest - 3rd Place
AFA Nationals Team Relay- 2nd Place
AFA Nationals 25th
Qualified for AFA Nationals
ASA Nationals
USSSA Nationals
USF Nationals
2006 Season
16U
Manager: Matt Schacht
Head Coach: Dave Schumann
Coach: Greg Galassini
Coach: LaBrian Carrington
Roster: Kelsey Schumann Crystal Carrington
Megan Pozezinski Heather Gradishar
Stephanie Wieland Amanda Omiatek
Annie Wcislo Lauren Galassini
Amber Hane Jessica Weel
Shannon Stipek Ellis Hatchett
Kaitlin Coari Kaileigh Bobb
Season Highlights: Wins: Losses:
AFA Fall Festival- Tournament Champions
Qualified for AFA Nationals
14U
Manager: Glenn Smith
Coach: Frank Walsh
Roster: Caitlin Becker, Alyssa Clements, Amanda Geller, April Harwood, Brittany Hill, Layla Ismajlaj, Stephanie Maday, Sarah McGinn, Amanda Milkin, Taelor Pipkin, Megan Smith, Kaitlin Walsh
Season Highlights: Qualified for USSSA Nationals, Orlando, FL
2007 Season
18U
Manager: Dave Schumann
Coaches: Greg Galassini
LaBrian Carrington
Randy Voss
Roster: Crystal Carrington, Kaitlin Coari, Deana DeBosschere, Lauren Galassini, Heather Gradishar, Ellis Hatchett, Lizzy Jacobson, Nicki Leden, Amanda Omiatek, Megan Pozezinski, Kelsey Schumann, Shannon Stipek, Amanda Voss, Annie Wcislo
Season Highlights: Wins 30 Losses: 13 Ties 2
1st Place - AFA Round-Robin Qualifier / Rockford
1st Place - Lockinger Memorial ASA Tournament / Rockford
1st Place / B Division - Woodstock Annual Fastpitch Tournament
1st Place - Mean Machine ASA End of Summer Classic / Rockford
16U
Manager: Glenn Smith
Coach: Frank Walsh
Asst. Coach: Walter Harwood
Asst. Coach: Theresa Curry
Roster: Caitlin Becker, Alyssa Clements, April Harwood, Brittany Hill, Layla Ismajlaj, Jenni Kayser, Ariel Loza, Stephanie Maday, Sarah McGinn, Megan Smith, Avery Vivian, Kaitlin Walsh
Season Highlights: 1st Place - USSSA Illinois "A" State Tournament
2nd Place - Bartlett Bash Tournament
3rd Place - the KV Storm Dayz Tournament
3rd Place - Elgin Heat Fast Pitch Tournament
3rd Place - PlayUSF Blues Fest
Qualified for USSSA Nationals, Shawnee, KS
14U
Manager: Wayne Smith
Roster: Krista Besser, Nicole DeMarco, Charlene Dudley, Brittany Ehmann, Elaine Heflin, Katie Kirker, Taylor Larson, Ashley Morales, Marley Pinon, Ophie Rosales, Courtney Smith, Emily Watts
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