Practice Schedule Updated

The practice schedule has been updated. I am going to try and do something new. For the practices during the week I have marked most of them as optional. These practices will be for individual skill development. There will be no set agenda. Of course, I will always have something you can work on or you can dictate what you want to do.

The 3 hour practices are team practices and I would like to have great attendance like last Sunday. I think it was the first time in two years where we had the whole squad at practice at one time. I was very happy how hard the girls worked last Sunday. Keep it up!

On Oct 3rd and 4th is Illinois Collegiate Tourney at Champion Fields. There are nine teams coming to Champion to play. We have no practice this weekend so this would be something fun to go out and watch.

8/21 - Fall Tournament Status

We are registered for the following tournaments:
-- 9/13 NSA Tourney in Kankakee. This is a Sunday only tourney and will be 3 games.
-- 9/27 Fusion Round Robin at Champion Fields.
-- 10/23 - 10/25 Midland Magic Showcase in Springfield.

These have all been added to the schedule. The Kankakee Halloween Tourney is the same weekend as the Midland Magic Showcase so that one is off the radar.

The Dragon Dome has closed. Looking at this place in Indianapolis for a winter tourney if they will pitch from 43 feet. I have sent them an email to ask. Below are some dates:

16U -- Nov. 6-8 Nov. 20-22 Dec. 19-21 Jan. 15-17 Jan. 29-31 Feb. 5-7 Feb. 19-21
18U -- Nov. 6-8 Dec. 11-13 Jan. 8-10 Jan.22-24 Feb. 12-14 Feb. 26-28

Uniform Samples Have Arrived

I received the Nike uniform samples from softball sales today. They are sharp and according to one source, very comfortable. At this point we will do the sizing on Sunday at practice. Thinking of going with black top, white pants, royal socks and royal hemet. All numbers will be in royal. I will need to know the numbers Canella, Mychelle, Kyley and Shannon want. Already taken is: 4, 6, 9, 11, 14, 15, 27. If any of the veteran Fusion players want to change, now is the time.

8/19 - Practice and Game Scheduled Updated

The practice and game schedule has been updated. Practice the next two Sunday's from 3-6 on Champion Fields #7. The 3rd annual Fusion Round Robin is scheduled for Sunday 9/27. Looking at a Sunday only tourney in Kankakee on 9/13. and a Halloween tourney up there again the last weekend in October. Thought we would play 18U so we can play from 43 feet.

8/16 - Practice Moved to Carl's Ice Cream

Our 3:00 practice has been moved to Carl's Ice Cream on College Ave due to weather. We will cover expectations and look at uniform options.

Practice Sunday 8/16

Our first practice of the new season will be from 3:00 - 6:00 Sunday 8/16 at Champion Fields #7. Please come prepared to do base running drills.

On the Agenda: Player/Coach introductions, expectations, fundamental work and scrimmage. All in a short 3 hours. More later on other practice opportunities.

It Happened - IHSA moves pitching distance to 43 Feet

Impacts both Varsity and JV. I fully expect the ASA to follow suit and make the change for 16U and maybe at 14U at their fall/winter meetings. The Springfield tourney in October will be at 43'. Obviously, we will do all our practice at 43' from now on as well.

Media: Pantagraph -- IHSA Web Site

Four Intercity Players Added to Fusion Roster

After a grueling weekend of softball tryouts, we are pleased to announce four intercity softball players have been added to the BNGSA Fusion 16U-A roster for the fall 2009 and summer 2010 season. Joining the Fusion roster are:

1) Kyley McKeown - Sophomore - University High School (C, OF)
2) Shannon Stuart - Sophomore - University High School (3B, 2B)
3) Canella Ontiveros - Sophomore - Bloomington High School (OF)
4) Mychelle Stevens - Sophomore - Normal West High School (SS, OF)

All four girls had excellent tryouts on one of the hottest days of the summer so far. The coaching staff has also seen these girls play in High School and in summer ball. We are very fortunate to have these young ladies added to the team. Collectively, they bring much needed speed and defense to a core of solid returning players.

2010 BNGSA Fusion Tryouts

Tryouts for the BNGSA Fusion 16U-A team are Saturday August 8, 2009. Registration begins @ 1:30pm and Tryouts are from: 2:00pm to 4:30pm. If you attended JV tryouts and were not selected you are required to attend these tryouts. If you want to play 16U travel softball in the BNGSA program.

Please complete this registration packet and bring to registration.

Please review a summary of what is in store for the 2010 BNGSA Fusion -- TEAM CAPSULE

We are protecting SEVEN players, all with 1993 birthdays. List on the right. We are not opposed to adding a first year 16U player. The protected players are a dedicated core willing to work in the off season and compete on game day. This team is not for the player who makes excuses and will not support their teammates, win or lose.

In order of need, we are looking for help at C, OF, 3B, SS and 2B for 2010. Looking to add 4 players to roster. Each player needs a primary and secondary position and be available for tournaments.

For more information, please visit the BNGSA website