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Cougar History
1995
The Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA) sponsored three all-star teams for the 8 year old group, participating in the Queen City Machine Pitch Tournament held at Matthews. The Matthews Blue team, managed by Holger Hill had Cougars Daniel Hill and Brett Alter on their roster. The Blue team won the tournament with an undefeated record. The Orange team was managed by Carter Smith and had Cougars Matt Smith and Christopher Semones on their roster. The team finished 4th in the tournament. The Navy team was managed by Mike Harper with assistance from Ken Heiliger and had Cougars Joey Savago, Chad Heiliger and Andy Hostutler on the roster.
This was the first taste of All-Star competition for these seven players.
RECORDS: Blue (5-0), Orange (2-2), Navy (1-2)
COMBINED: (8-4)
1996
As 9 year olds, MARA provided a minor league program of two divisions ( American & National ). The all-star teams for this age group participated in a District III Special Games Tournament at Mint Hill.
Matthews American was managed by John Welcker and assisted by Carter Smith. The American squad consisted of Cougars Matt Smith, Daniel Hill,David Scism and Christopher Semones. The team finished the tournament 2-2 and did not qualify for the medal round.
The National squad was managed by Ken Heiliger and consisted of Cougars Chad Heiliger, Joey Savago, Chris Saunders, Brett Alter and Andy Hostutler. The team won their pool with an undefeated record and placed 3rd in medal round play.
RECORDS: American (2-2), National (4-1)
COMBINED: (6-3)
1997
As 10 year olds, MARA assigned players to two divisions ( American & National ) for the remainder of their Little League years.
The American all-star team was managed by Greg Cesario and had Cougars Cory Dunning, Joey Savago, David Scism and Christopher Semones on the roster.
The National squad was managed by Ken Heiliger with assistance from Holger Hill. Cougars on the National squad were Brett Alter, Chad Heiliger, Daniel Hill and Matt Smith.
The two all-star teams played in the District III Special Games tournament at Steel Creek, with the American squad finishing 3rd in medal play.
The two teams then participated in the District III tournament at Mint Hill, with the American squad finishing runner-up.
RECORDS: American (7-4), National (3-4)
COMBINED: (10-8)
1998
As 11 year olds, MARA again entered two teams in All-star competition. The American team was managed by Greg Cesario with assistance from John Savago. Cougars on the squad were Cory Dunning, Joey Savago, David Scism, Christopher Semones and David Simon.
The National squad was managed by Holger Hill with assistance from Ken Heiliger and Carter Smith. Cougars on the team were Brett Alter, Mitch Besselievre, Chad Heiliger, Daniel Hill, Chris Saunders and Matt Smith.
The American squad placed 3rd at the District III Special Games tournament held at Dilworth Little League.
At the Matthews Invitational tournament, the National squad finished 1st in pool play and placed 3rd overall. The American squad, 3rd after pool play, won their medal round semi-final and placed 2nd overall.
RECORD: American (8-3), National (6-4)
COMBINED: (14-7)
1999
MARA again sponsored two All-star teams at the 12 year old age ( American & National ).
The American team was managed by Greg Cesario and assisted by John Savago. Cougars on the roster were Cory Dunning, Joey Savago, David Scism, Christopher Semones, David Simon and Andy Hostutler.
The National team was managed by Steve Hands and assisted by Holger Hill. Cougars on the National team were Brett Alter, Mitch Besselievre, Chad Heiliger, Daniel Hill, Zac Kennedy, Chris Saunders and Matt Smith.
The National team won the District III Special Games Championship held at Dilworth Little League, finishing with a 5-1 tournament record.
In the District III tournament, the American squad qualified for the Final Four by placing 2nd in the Matthews Area tournament. They finished 3rd overall in the District III tournament held at Dilworth.
The National squad participated in the Area tournament at Myers Park, finishing 3-2 in a very tough draw and narrowly missed qualifying for the Final Four.
RECORDS: American (5-4), National (8-3)
COMBINED: (13-7)
TOTALS: 5 years (51-29)
1999 Fall
The Cougars were formed in the Fall of 1999, beginning practices in November. The team was made up of members of both the American and National teams. The Cougars played their first scrimmage game in November versus the Cardinals and came out on top in a 6-3 contest. Good pitching from Brett Alter, Chad Heiliger and Daniel Hill ( 6 ip, 1 r ) paced the win. Geoffrey Haigler pitched the final inning to record the save. Chris Saunders was the hitting star with a triple and an RBI. Also contributing to the offense were Mitch Besselievre and Matt Smith with RBI's.
The team continued indoor practices at Grand Slam USA and completed a 4 week camp in November and December with Mike Shildt, former UNCC assistant at Charlotte Knights Stadium.
2000 Middle School
Six Cougars were members of the Crestdale Middle School baseball team as 7th graders playing for Coach Greg Lair. All six contributed to the team's 2nd place conference finish. Cougars participating were Chad Heiliger OF-P-1B, Daniel Hill OF-SS, Adam Kelly C-OF, Cory Dunning OF, Chip Smith 3B-2B-1B and Dane Arneson P-3B.
CRESTDALE RECORD: (8-1)
2000 AAU (Spring)
The Cougars finished their 13 year old AAU season with a 12-12 record and qualified for the State Tournament by finishing 2nd in pool play at the State Qualifier in Kinston, NC. The Cougars finished in a tie for 5th in State Tournament competition at Concord, NC.
The Cougars defeated the top three ranked teams in the state in their first year, defeating # 1 Catawba Valley Storm, # 2 East Lenoir Cobras and # 3 Piedmont Knights twice.
RECORD: (12-12)
2000 Babe Ruth All Stars
Ten Cougars participated on the 13 year old Babe Ruth All-Star team from Matthews coached by Carter Smith, Ken Heiliger, John Savago and Bob Dunning. Cougars named to the team were Mitch Besselievre, Cory Dunning, Daniel Hill, Joey Savago, Chip Smith, Chad Heiliger, David Simon, Chris Saunders, Zac Kennedy and Chris Semones. The team claimed the District 6 Babe Ruth Championship and advanced to the Western North Carolina State Tournament held in Statesville, NC. At the State Championships the team finished in 3rd place missing out on a chance to advance to the Southeast Regional.
RECORD: (7-3)
2000 AAU (Fall)
The Cougars entered 14 under AAU fall play by adding Adam Kelly, a teammate at Crestdale Middle School. Other Cougars partcipating on the fall team were Brett Alter, Mitch Besselievre, Cory Dunning, Daniel Hill, Chad Heiliger, David Scism, David Simon, Chris Saunders, Joey Savago and Chip Smith. The Cougars also added Bob Dunning to the fall coaching staff. The team claimed their first AAU championship by winning the New Year Challenge in Concord, NC, finishing the tournament 4-0. They defeated # 1 Catawba Valley Storm in the semi-finals and the Foothills Flames in the championship game.
FALL RECORD: (9-3-1)
2000 RECORD: (28-18-1)
2001 AAU & AABC (Spring)
The Cougars entered 6 AAU tournaments in 2001, finishing 2nd in both the Spring Shootout and the Grand Slam tournaments. They also completed the season as the 5th place team in the state based on total points and qualified for the AAU State Tournament. The Cougars were also members of the first year AABC of the Carolinas League in 2001. They finshed the regular season with a 17-2 record and the League Championship and capped that off by winning the AABC State Championship. This championship allowed them to advance to the Southeast Regional in Rex, Ga.
RECORD: (34-15)
2001 AABC (Fall)
The Cougars captured the Fall AABC League championship with a 9-1 record. The Cougars placed 2nd in the post season tournament, losing the championship game to the Wildcats.
RECORD: (11-3)
FINAL 2001 RECORD: (45-18)
2002 USSSA & AABC (Spring)
The Cougars finished the 2002 spring season with a 23-12 record and qualified for the USSSA World Series in Winter Haven, Fl. The Cougars entered 4 tournaments, winning the championship of the Awards Express USSSA National Invitational. They also finished undefeated in the AABC State Tournament and placed 4th in the USSSA State Tournament. The Cougars finished in a tie for 1st place in the North Carolina USSSA points championship. In league play, the Cougars finished 2nd with a 14-7 record.
RECORD: (23-12)
2002 AABC (Fall)
The Cougars played in the Charlotte Select/ AABC Fall Baseball league as a 16 year old team. The team competed in the 16-18 year old age group and played against only 17 & 18 year old teams. The fall Cougars were made up primarily of East Mecklenburg High School JV players and finished the season with a 6-5-1 record. The highlight of the fall was defeating the East Mecklenburg varsity squad and defeating the 17 year old On Deck Cardinals, a team that fared very well in the AAU Nationals this summer. The fall season closed out the Cougars as a team and they finished their 4 years of play with a 102-53-2 record and 8 championships, including 2 state championships.
FALL RECORD: (6-5-1)
FINAL 2002 RECORD: (29-17-1)
ALL-TIME COUGARS RECORD: (102-53-2)
2003 CHARLOTTE RHINOS
In 2003, 11 former Cougars joined the newly formed Charlotte Rhinos 18 under select team. Gerald Kennedy managed the Rhinos with assistance from Carter Smith and Ken Heiliger. The Rhinos won the AABC regular season championship and finished 2nd in the rain shortened AABC State Tournament. The Rhinos finished 4th at the Citadel Classic in Charleston, SC and had a strong showing at the Big South Classic in Jefferson City, Tn. Former Cougars playing with the Rhinos were Brett Alter, Taylor Bryant, Ross Davidson, Chad Heiliger, Adam Kelly, Zac Kennedy, Griffin McGuirt, Matt McNichol, Chris Saunders, Joey Savago and Chip Smith.
Two former Cougars (Chip Smith & Chris Saunders) also played with the Matthews Mudcats after the Rhinos season concluded. They helped the Mudcats win the USA Wood Bat Tournament (4-0 record) in Jefferson City, TN and finish 2nd in the Rocky Top Fall Showcase (3-0 record) in Jefferson City, TN.
FINAL 2003 RECORD: (11-13-1)
2004 SHOWCASE (Summer)
The Matthews Cougars re-formed for the 2004 season, playing showcase tournaments in Jefferson City, Tn, Elon University, etc. The team consisted of the returning East Mecklenburg High School varsity plus a couple of private school players. The Cougars finished 5-0 to capture the Tennessee Baseball Classic Championship in Jefferson City.
SUMMER RECORD: 11-6
2004 SHOWCASE (Fall)
The Cougars added three new players and played showcase events in the fall season, concentrating on getting their senior players seen. Several players have attracted attention from scouts. Chip Smith has had contacts from UNC Pembroke, Appalachian State and North Carolina Wesleyan. Ross Davidson is being watched by Methodist College, Brevard College and Emory & Henry. Taylor Bryant has received interest from UNC Pembroke and North Carolina Wesleyan. Chris Saunders has been contacted by Spartenburg Methodist and Greensboro College. Joey Savago received interest from North Carolina Wesleyan.
FALL RECORD: 4-8
FINAL 2004 RECORD: (15-14)
COUGARS ALL TIME RECORD: (128-80-3)
MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS & MOST OUTSTANDING PITCHERS
2000-
Most Valuable Player-
Cory Dunning .333, 23 sb, 23 rbi
Most Outstanding Pitcher-
Chris Saunders 7 W- 1 L 1.70 era
2001-
Most Valuable Players-
Zac Kennedy .424, 67 r, 56 sb
David Scism .421, 48 rbi, 50 sb
Adam Kelly .417, 44 rbi, 36 sb
Most Outstanding Pitchers-
Chad Heiliger 12 W- 3 L, 1 save 3.12 era
David Simon 7 W- 1 L, 5 saves 2.40 era
2002-
Most Valuable Players-
Zac Kennedy .432, 35 r, 22 sb
Jamar Brooks .468, 28 rbi, 2 hr, 25 sb
Matt McNichol .370, 37 r, 34 sb
Most Outstanding Pitchers-
Brett Alter 7 W- 2 L, 2 saves, 1.62 era
Chris Saunders 6 W- 5 L, 3 saves 1.33 era
2003-
Most Valuable Players-
Zac Kennedy .418, 17 r, 15 sb
Chip Smith .342, 10 r, 15 sb
Most Outstanding Pitchers-
Taylor Bryant 4 W- 2 L, 3.23 era
Brett Alter 3 W- 2 L, 3.37 era
2004-
Most Valuable Players-
Chip Smith .369, 26 r, 13 rbi, 18 sb
Chris Saunders .383, 22 r, 25 rbi, 10 sb
Most Outstanding Pitchers-
Taylor Bryant 4 W- 1 L, 2.21 era
Jake Rayner 4 W, 2 L, 1 save, 2.37 era
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