A New Beginning
October 26, 2009
- Now with the new vision for 2010 Westchase Express program vision and the leadership of the new Board of Directors in place, the new look Express Programs are looking to begin a new for 2009 and beyond. It is indeed an exciting time to be associated with the Express. As we move forward the Westchase Express are about more than bringing quality baseball to the great city of Houston. We are an organization dedicated to character building through competition and community service.
WHAT'S NEW IN 2010? WELL LOOK -
- In 2010 the Express program will evolve into a full player development program beginning with the youth and our 10 & Under program and stretching into 2 collegiate level development programs. Through the help of sponsorships, affiliate fundraising programs and various fundraisers the Westchase Express will be looking to expand the organization into programs that look to compete throughout the nation. This includes programs for 10 & Under, 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under, Express Black (High School Graduates & Redshirt Freshmen), Express Red (Elite Collegiate & High School Players), and a Adult program.
10 & Under Express Program
Looks to bring young players (10 years and younger) from the community to learn the game of baseball. The coaching staff will be made up of current collegiate players who will be overseen by the Director of Youth Development. These players will learn the basics of the game that will be used for building the foundation of future regional standouts. Each player that joins the program will particpate in development programs focused on hitting, fielding, running, throwing, and personal responsibilities associated with being a player and community citizen. In addition to normal baseball practices and club special events, will receive one-on-one private training sessions that includes personalized training exercise programs to be followed at home.
12 & Under Express Program
The 12 & Under programs will continue to build on existing skills already instilled into the players and look to expand their understanding of the strategies of the game while building the player's body into proper playing condition. Most players at this age lack the strength and endurance required of most programs, but here we stress strength and conditioning programs that are focused on insuring that players are not hit with injuries from over work or improper techniques. The coaching staffs and personal training staff will contain former professional and collegiate players who understand youth development. Each player will receive one-on-one training and be invite to participate in various elite level clinics throughout the year.
14 & Under Express Program
Our 14 & Under programs will be focused on development of the player both as a player and as a community citizen. Since this is where most youth are first seen by the potential college and professional scouts, we look to ensure that the players are prepared to handle all aspects associated with elite competition while reaffirming their social understanding of fellowship. Sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work are committed values taught to the youth by our experienced coaching staffs. Each player will receive one-on-one training with emphasis placed on physical development along with mental preparation.
16 & Under Express Program
The 16 & Under program will be for players in the ages of 16 to 13 and a half. These young men and women will have already begun to attract potential interests from collegiate programs, so our goal here is to mentor them into community leaders as much as players. Reaffirming scholastic education just as the same as field education will ensure that these players not only can play but can become accademically eligible for D1 programs. Our coaching staffs will educate the players and parents on the Collegiate Clearing House and work to get the players in front of potential opportunities. Our 16 & Under programs will come with one-on-one training programs along with offer one-on-one tutoring programs per parental or player requests.
18 & Under Express Program
Current plans have the Westchase Express offering an 18 & Under Summer Program during the 2011 Summer session. This program will be focused on collegiate showcases and clinics to bring our players to the college coaches. We will stress education and physical development. The coaching staff will use every means they are capable of getting the players the chance of playing in a collegiate program.
Express Collegiate Teams (Red & Black)
This program is only for players that have either graduated from high school, currently participating in a collegiate program, or looking to the next level of competition. This program is broken down into two competitive programs the Red and the Black team.
- The Black Team will have all the same opportunities as the Red Team but will play on a weekend schedule with doubleheaders being played each weekend in the Coastal NBC Summer League. This season typically runs from the 2nd weekend in May to the 2nd weekend of August (typical reporting time for college players). This team will mostly be comprised of graduated high school players and redshirt freshmen looking to develop into full scholarship players. Some players may be asked to participate with the Red Team, when ready, during touranments where the team is travelling. Each player will have private sessions with pitching and hitting coaches as deemed necessary for development.
- The Red Team will be made up of current and former collegiate players who are looking to be showcased nationally. This team is the elite collegiate players, who are either looking to move up in college divisions, change schools, or potentially looking to workout while awaiting professional opportunities. The Red team will play a weekday schedule Mon-Thurs and travel on weekends for tournaments. Starting in summer of 2010 season the Express "Red" Team will look to join the Texas Coastal Stan Musial League of the AABC. This is the elite of the elite leagues in the Houston market and the players are current or past draft candidates.
Express Adult (18+) Team
The Westchase Express began with the Adult team and will continue its operation by participating in the more competitive city wide adult leagues. The Adult Program will work with young adults to encourage fellowship and citizenship within the greater Houston communities. This program is open to all level of experience and runs year round.
This coming year looks to see a lot of changes and opportunities for young players here in the greater Houston area. And it will be only through the support of sponsors and support programs that connects with the Westchase Express members that will allow for a successful 2010 campaign. SO ALL ABOARD!!! Do not get left behind when the EXPRESS train leaves the station.
