MLA Schow speaks highly of VAB at fall sitting

During the fall sitting on Oct. 26 at the legislature, Cardston-Siksika MLA Joseph Schow was quick to point out the success at the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball.

Schow was in Vauxhall during the Mascot Wedding ceremonies in August where he hit the batting cage and under the guidance of a few Jets players, he took a few cuts which inevitably helped prepare him for a home run derby charity event in Cardston a few days later.

“Mr. Speaker, the other day I was in a home run fundraiser in Cardston where I didn’t get the title, but I did pretty well. It’s all thanks to the pro tips that I received while visiting the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball, home of the Jets,” started Schow. “While at the academy I had the chance to talk to some promising young athletes as well as the manager, Les McTavish, about their amazing sports and academic program. Vauxhall Academy not only builds on an athlete’s skills but also provides them with highquality education, which is working because they’re one of southern Alberta’s top schools. The success of the school is based on an outstanding professional team with a flexible approach to education, which creates an environment that promotes both academic achievement and social and personal growth. Athletics is so much more

than hitting or dribbling or throwing or kicking a ball. It teaches you how to find balance in life, perform under pressure, work in a team environment, and set and achieve goals. These traits and many more are on full display in Vauxhall because they focus on sports and academics.”

Schow also pointed to several different individuals who had gone through the program and had success after high school.

“Vauxhall Academy of Baseball produces high-calibre athletes, high- quality education, and high-quality men. This is evident in their motto: Better Person, Better Player. The proof is in their results. For example, this year’s Vauxhall Academy of Baseball wall of excellence inductee, David Reiniger, was the first recruit of the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball. He graduated and went on to study aerospace engineering, where he now builds rockets, Mr. Speaker. Very impressive. David said in an interview that many of the lessons he learned at the Vauxhall academy are still applicable to him today. Another alumni is pitcher Josh Burgmann, who was drafted in the fifth round by the

Chicago Cubs in the 2019 Major League Baseball June amateur draft. These are just two of the countless success stories coming from the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball.”