Justin Small to Coach Jr. RiverHawks
Published on July 7, 2011 under Frontier League (FL)
Rockford RiverHawks News Release
LOVES PARK, Ill. - The Jr. RiverHawks 15U team is adding former Mendota High School head varsity coach Justin Small to its coaching staff. Small is no stranger to the RiverHawks, as he has been working with the team since the beginning of spring training.
Small pitches batting practice, and helps the coaching staff both on the field and in the clubhouse. Now he is also a part of the Jr. RiverHawks youth baseball program, which competes throughout the Stateline region and southern Wisconsin. The Jr. RiverHawks also host tournaments at Road Ranger Stadium.
Director of operations Chris Daleo approached Small about coaching the Jr. RiverHawks during the winter, and Small was enthusiastic about the opportunity. Small was excited to get the chance to work with players who are a bit younger than those he coaches at the high school level.
"The more successful youth baseball programs have their players start playing together at a younger age, and that is what the Jr. RiverHawks are doing," Small said.
Small hopes that by working with younger kids, he and the other Jr. RiverHawks coaches can mold them into players who can make the next step up to collegiate baseball.
"Our ultimate goal is to get the kids into college ball, and hopefully get them to play at the next level," Small said.
Small's coaching tenure begins with the Jr. RiverHawks tryouts next week. Tryouts will take place at Road Ranger Stadium at 5:30 p.m. on July 11 and again on July 18.
"I am looking for a 13-man roster of 14-year olds to play through the fall, practice during the winter, and then hit the ground running as 15-year olds next summer," Small said. "We play throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, and compete in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the Midwest."
This season the RiverHawks have re-committed themselves to the local youth baseball community by hosting tournaments, high school games and clinics. Small's involvement with the Jr. RiverHawks builds upon that foundation.
"It's great there is new ownership here that's getting the RiverHawks more involved in youth baseball," Small said.
The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, a 12-team independent professional baseball league playing its 19th season. For tickets call (815) 885-2255 or visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.
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