Yorkregion.com - Sports - Richmond Green team on field of dreams
Richmond Green team on field of dreams
Sports
May 10, 2008 10:58 PM
By: Mike Hayakawa, Staff Writer
When Andy Stoikos taught at Stouffville District Secondary School, he began a baseball program in 2002.
Arriving at Richmond Green Secondary School when it first opened its doors in 2005, he wanted to create a baseball team there, too.
When the York Region Athletic Association commences its spring sports schedule, Stoikos will get that opportunity with the unveiling of the Richmond Green Secondary School Rattlers varsity baseball team.
“When we had an information meeting a couple of weeks ago to see what interest there was to start up a baseball team we had about 35 kids come out,” Stoikos said. “I always wanted to promote as many athletic possibilities as possible for the students.”
After gauging interest in the sport, Stoikos went to principal Susan Logue to get some money to buy equipment.
Logue did not hesitate to grant Stoikos’ request.
“She’s been fully supportive of what we’re trying to do,” Stoikos said.
In comparing the start-up of the team at Richmond Green to the time when he was at Stouffville Secondary, Stoikos feels he has a bit of a head start based largely on what facilities he has at his disposal with the Richmond Green ball diamonds.
The team will be comprised of students ranging from Grades 9 to 12. Stoikos acknowledged there’s not a wealth of experience on the team. Two strengths Stoikos hopes to build the team around were Grade 9 pitcher Ben Arbon and Grade 10 shortstop Travis Roberts.
Because they are a first-year entry, Stoikos said they will compete as a Tier 2 entry in a seven-team East Division.
The Rattlers opened their season Thursday and fell 11-3 to Bayview Secondary School.
Despite the loss, Stoikos remained optimistic his club will only continue to show improvement.
“We have a lot of enthusiastic kids. We’re looking forward to making this happen,” he said of the new team.
The Rattlers resume league play Monday against Markville Secondary School (Markham) at Benjamin Vaughan Park at 3 p.m.