--About the NH Comets Junior
Olympic
Softball Organization--
The
NH Comets is an independent softball organization consisting of as many
as 5 teams (12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, and 23U), based in Bow, NH, whose
primary purpose is to provide a supportive environment for female
athletes to improve their softball skills, and participate in quality
tournament play. 2008 will be our 10th year of existence. We create
teams that can compete at a high level, made up of players from Bow,
surrounding towns, and all over NE. We charter ASA, NSA, and PONY as
A-level select/travel teams, and play 25-40 games primarily in June and
July tournaments.
Our
14U’s were the NHASA Champs in 2002. We sent our 16U team to
the ASA National Championships in Sioux Falls, SD in 2002. Our 16U team
was
the NHASA Runnerup in 2003, and the 2004 16U NHASA Champs, attending
the ASA National Championships in Bloomington, Indiana. Our 18U team
was the NHASA Runnerup in 2004, attending the ASA Eastern National
Championships in York, Pa. In 2005 they were 3rd in NH. Our 12U and 18U
teams attended the 2005 NEASA Tournament, and the 12U attended the 2005
ASA National Championships in Aurora, CO as well. In 2006 our 18U team
attended ASA Nationals in Kentucky.
Our 2nd mission is to promote qualified women coaches in softball. All
of our teams have college or former college players coaching at some
capacity. Players moving up through our organization, to the college
level have first consideration. All of these coaches are paid a salary
and travel expenses. Each team carries a pitching coach. A
resume/profile of these coaches is available.
To fund ourselves, we host the Bow "Turn 2" Invitational Softball
Tournament in July. This is the largest invitational softball
tournament in New England. In 2008 we had 48 teams competing
for championships in 12&U, 14&U, 16&U, and
18&U. 116 games were played on 6 fields in Bow, 1 in Dunbarton,
and 4 in Concord. We also host the only College Recruiting Showcase in
NH, run by NEHSS/CPOA
(the day before the Turn 2).
Our
families help fundraise, which allows us to keep our player fees as low
as possible. We generally charge $350/player or less, which pays ONLY
PART OF THE COST of tournaments, uniforms, etc., where many programs
charge considerably more. Fee discounts in case of financial hardship
are considered.
THE
COLLEGE PLAYERS & FORMER COLLEGE PLAYERS WHO COACH YOUR TEAMS
ARE PAID A SALARY & ALL COACH’S EXPENSES ARE PAID AS
WELL. NONE OF THESE FUNDS COME FROM THE PLAYER FEE. WE NEED ALL PLAYERS
AND FAMILIES TO SUPPORT THESE FUNDRAISERS.
We are a registered non-profit organization (E.I.N. #57-116-9960), with
an 8 member board of directors. Members include:Bill Dickson/President,
Bruce Addison/VP(PSU Head Softball Coach), Jim Starr/Treasurer(18U Head
Coach), Mel Keeler/Secretary(Asst. Coach SNHU and Varsity Softball
Coach at Bedford HS), and 3 at large members; Mark Crisman, Christine
Lowe, and Roxanne Makris. If you are looking for an organization that
embraces big and new challenges, I urge you to join us in promoting and
providing opportunities for women as players, coaches, volunteers, and
citizens. It’s a tremendous way to expand horizons, make new
friends, and have fun!
Sincerely
yours,
Bruce
Addison/Interim President/NH Comets J/O Softball Organization.
603-568-6732
and baddison@nedelta.com
