I'm pleased to announce that the Central Illinois Outlaws have decided to expand their operations in 2008 and field two eams: one at the 18-U level and one at the 16-U level. Both teams will be comprised of the best players at their age levels and face the toughest competition in the Midwest.
The 18-U team will be made up of 17 and 18-year olds or players who just completed their junior or senior seasons of high school.
The 16-U team will be made up of 15 and 16-year olds or players who just completed their freshman and sophomore seasons.
The 18-U squad will be coached by Bob Schlemmer. For those who don't know Bob, he won nearly 400 games in 20 season as a head coach at East Peoria and Metamora High School. He currently serves as a bird-dog for the Arizona Diamondbacks, runs the Peoria-based Power Alley Academy and hosts the Central Illinois Showcase Day, which drew more than 120 players from across the state this year.
The 16-U team will be coached by Illinois Central College head coach Brett Kelley. For those who don't know Brett, he was a two-sport athlete (football, baseball) at Western Illinois. In 10 years as a head coach, he was already amassed more than 300 wins. He also served as the head coach of our 15-U squad this year.
Tryouts for next year's squads will be held on Sept. 15 and 16th, starting at 2 p.m. both days, at Illinois Central College in East Peoria. Players need only attend one of the sessions to try out, but can come to both if they feel they can improve upon their performance. We were simply trying to be as accommodating as possible for as many kids. The cost is $30 and those trying out will receive a free Outlaws t-shirt.
We are seeking position players, two-way players (pitcher-fielders) and pitchers-only.
The tryouts will be a pro-style showcase. All players will run the 60-yard dash. Outfielders will make 5 throws from right field. Infielders will take 5 ground balls. Pitchers will be clocked on the radar guns and catchers will be clocked for their pop times. After all that is done, the players will then get to showcase their skills in the batting cage.
For more information on the Outlaws and the tryouts, go to www.htosports.com/cioutlaws. You may also call (309) 678-1463.
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