While the Midwest and East Coast get buried under a white blanket of snow, the girls of sunny Southern California are preparing for the 2007 softball season. So it was no surprise to find the John Burroughs High School Indians going through their preseason paces at Olive Recreation Center. The season opener is just several weeks away - a scrimmage against Chaminade and Newbury Park high schools.
This softball season will be different, if not interesting, for the Indians. The team will be competing in the Pacific League (made up of teams from the old Foothill League) under the direction of new head coach
Nick Schepperle. Schepperle is not new to the Burbank sports scene as he can be found most evenings and weekends umpiring softball games for Burbank's Park and Recreation Department. Another change from recent seasons will be the lack of a freshman team, as the Pacific League does not compete at this level. This change has limited the JBHS softball program to 30 players, down from 45.
So what does it take to place a softball team on the diamond, ready for competition? Try $25,000 - $30,000, with the school funding only $2,000 - $5,000 and the league providing some funds for the coaching staff. Below is a sample of some of the costs associated with the program:
| | | |
Expenses | | | Revenue |
| Budget | | Budget |
Spirit Pack | | Car Wash | $ 1,000.00 |
Team Logo'd Items | $ 10,500.00 | Cash Donations | $ 500.00 |
Equipment - Minor | | Merchant Donations | $ 1,050.00 |
Helmets, bats, balls, etc | $ 850.00 | Major Fundraiser | $ 5,000.00 |
Equipment - Major | | Merchandise Sales | $ 3,500.00 |
Pitching machine, nets | $ 6,050.00 | Player Participation | $ 10,500.00 |
Transportation | | Program Funds | $ 2,000.00 |
Bus | $ 1,200.00 | Restaurant Support | $ 250.00 |
Uniforms | | Sponsor Donation | $ 3,500.00 |
One Set (top/bottom) | $ 2,250.00 | TV Show Tapings | $ 250.00 |
Official's Fees | | | $ - |
Umpires | $ 1,705.00 | | $ - |
Coaches | | | $ - |
Gifts, uniforms, etc | $ 3,500.00 | | |
Maintenance | | | |
Equipment Repairs | $ 1,200.00 | | |
| | | |
Grand Total | $ 27,255.00 | Grand Total | $ 27,550.00 |
| | | |
The players, coaches, and parents have been working hard (and will continue throughout the season) to raise the needed funds. The focus, however, is now on the players. Rehearsal time is almost over and they are getting ready to take center stage. The varsity team cast will include
Caiti Block, Katie Budrick, Brianna Casillas, Amanda Collard, Cassie Colón, Casey Reichelderfer, Elizabeth Hanna, Angela Parker, Lizzie Peters, Esmeralda Sandoval, Melanie Shelton, Brittni Spear, Jade Terry, and Kassy Uchida. Home games are played at Olive, on Field #3, around 3 PM. Come on out to cheer on the 2007 Indians. For exact dates and times, contact JBHS or check the calendar section of
Valleynews.com