legend

We have about 40 teams entered with 5 weeks to go. We will accept 18U,16U and 2nd year 14U. Anyone that wishes to enter can do so on our website. Teams entered can also be found there. www.starsovertxsoftball.com Ronnie 753-3907

I agree with Johnny that Gold nationals has not been watered down. Most of the better teams have gotton in. Some of the better teams have not gotten in, I don't know what percent. But, this is a problem the way the Premier people see it. They want to make sure the best teams get in thier tournament by picking them themselves. However, if they take 48 teams that would normally be in Gold nationals, then I think that is a differnt story and certainly a different Gold national field.

I hated to hear that Ron had passed away. He always treated me well. When i saw him at the Gold qualifiers in Houston, he always stopped for a short chat. He promptly returned any phone calls or e-mails that I sent him. He did his job well. His logical sucessor has for now opted not to participate in the ASA Gold program. A lot going on in Houston.

FUTURE STARS OVER TEXAS will be held Oct 3-4 at Ford Park. This is a USFA qualifier, 5 game guarantee, with a great prize package. Visit our website for more info, teams entered and to register and pay online. www.starsovertxsoftball.com Questions? Call Ronnie 753-3907

Just a reminder about these dates. We are receiving entries.

I don't know if that will happen, it would be a pretty expensive proposition. I had a conversation yesterday with someone connected to Impact and the new Premier tournament. Impact as of now will not play Gold. It seems those involved are fed up with ASA. They don't want to go to Oklahoma City and they are tired of 80 team qualifiers to get a berth. There is always a top team or two that because of the blind draw wind up with a tough first game, lose it and have to play 9 or 10 games to qualify. Usually they don't make it. At the same time teams emerge that the upper teams don't feel are worthy and because of the draw may not have to play but one or two competitive games and therefore qualify. So the Premier Organization in order to have in thier eyes a better national tournament will now decide who should participate. The ones they choose will be invited. As for now and things might change the 2010 tournament will be invitational only. After that they will hold qualifiers, but these will also be invitational, they don't want to get back to the 80 team qualifiers. I think they have to do this if they want this exclusive club to succeed, because all the teams that are now playing gold ,that they want to avoid, would seek entry in these events as well. I was told these qualifiers would rotate and one would probably be held in this part of the country every four years. So this is very interesting. Willl a watered down Gold held at the same time as the Premier tournament attract many coaches? And how will the other Gold teams that have been rubbing shoulders with the upper teams and benefited from the hoardes of coaches that these teams attract to the Gold qualifiers, feel about the quality of the Gold qualifiers if they are only rubbing shoulders with each other. I feel somewhat saddened by all of this, kind of a the rich get richer thing. I always felt the wide open field provided some drama to the Gold events, who would get in, etc. So now we wait to see ASA's reaction(I would not expect much) and how the remaining Gold teams will handle this.

5 to 4 Final Firecrackers in 8 innings

I would include those teams named as good ole boys, but holy trinity material.....nah. I think those are all very good programs and legit Gold teams. (my definition of a true gold team is one that has consistantly qualified for Gold nationals) I don't think I knocked RM at all and I undestand the problem Jonathon has. He was critisized for not letting a lot of Texas teams in for years. He preferred to have a lot of top out of state teams to keep the quality of the tournament high. Because he has added about 40 teams in the last couple of years, he has now gone to four sets of fields. The layout of Collins, with 4 main fields almost makes it a 4 field exposure. So now the teams are in, but they are playing in the boondocks. He can't win. If you understand where you will be, then by all means, you should play, it looks good on your teams resume.

I would like to encourage all local teams who wish to enter these events to please do so. Entries will be limited. Here is our schedule: Oct 3-4 Future Stars Over Texas Fall Tournament (10U,12U.14U) Oct 10-11 Stars Over Texas Fall Showcase Oct 23-25 Stars Over Texas Victoria Showcase (In Victoria, TX) Nov 14-15 Stars Over Texas Winter Showcase All showcases are 16U & 18U, 2nd year 14U will be considered. Please go to our webbsite to register online: www.starsovertxsoftball.com Questions? Call Ronnie - 753-3907

I think my point was, where will they play. Without the Gold Qualifiers, it doesn't leave them with much of a schedule. What about Ronald McDonald? Will Spring Klein no longer be a ASA park. As far as ASA parks go, isn't it usually up to the ASA commissioner who plays there. Don't forget in the early days of AFA, they payed at Collins Park.

All very good points. I have a few comments. I feel that Gold softball in the Houston area is and has been a good ole boys club. There is the holy trinity (Impact, Eclipse, Power) and then there is everyone else. Events at Spring Klein are held for this club. You may asked to attend as a guest, but you will never be asked to join. Spoke with someone last night who is going to Cali to meet with Gary Haning about the sanctioning of this proposed event. Very interesting, ASA certainly won't be the sanctioning body. I understand Mr. Haning is very rich, so he probably doesn't need any help. So where will this leave the good ole boys? Will ASA ban them if they take part in this event? Since they only play Gold qualifiers and invitational (private club only) exposure events (all ASA sanctioned) where will they play? A series of 6 of Vito Lampl's round robins might get a little boring. Texas and California are the most Gold crazy states, so that's where the huge qualifier problems exist. I was surprised this past week at the IFA to hear from some marginal teams that they would be staying closer to home next year and not play a full blown Gold schedule. So until the Gold qualifiers move back to Texas this problem may take care of itself somewhat. Usually in any sport when a division gets too crowded, another one is formed. Gold and Super Gold or Gold and Silver anyone?

First of all, thanks to all the teams that took part in this event. We had some great teams and they produced some great softball. I found time to watch some of most of the games Sunday afternoon and the play was outstanding. A couple of years ago at AFA nationals, over 100 ivs were administered. So we did a little better. We had 8 girls go down and 2 or 3 umpires. We understand they are all doing well. Yes the Louisiana girls are tough, they had no heat problems. In fact when I asked United if they wanted to continue Sunday afternoon, they looked at me like I was crazy, I not sure they knew it was hot. We have a great schedule this Fall, I'm glad it doesn't start til October. Hope to see eveyone there. Ronnie & Nara Cole

NEED ONE MORE TEAM IN THE 12U/14U DIVISION AND ONE MORE IN THE 16U/18U DIVISION RONNIE COLE 753-3907

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS TODAY 6:00 p. m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JUST A REMINDER TO ALL TEAMS WHO WISH TO ENTER, THE DEADLINE FOR THIS EVENT IS TUESDAY JULY 7!!!!! PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP OR CALL: RONNIE COLE 753-3907

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTERING THIS TOURNAMENT IS TUESDAY JULY 7!!!!!!!!!! STARS OVER TEXAS IS HOSTING THE IFA SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT JULY 11&12 AT FORD PARK. The 18U will be very competitive with a lot of Louisiana teams, all 18U and 16U that want to play up for the weekend are invited to enter. The 14U division has made , all 14U and 12U that want to play up for the weekend are invited to enter. Teams are allowed to play up and return to their age group for the National Tournament. Teams that have berths for Nationals can play in this event, it is OPEN. Please visit our website for more info and to register on line: www.starsovertxsoftball.com Ronnie Cole (409)753-3907

This is the final staff for our camp. We had to add a few, because more players than we anticipated are taking advantage of this oppurtunity. We are very excited, over 100 campers are registered for our camp. We are planning a 2 day camp in January 2010. We hope to have 20 or more coaches/instructors for this event. We will post details soon. STAFF: The Recruiting process by Ronnie Cole Fitness, nutrition and warm-up by Keenon Sanders,CPT,PES of Youth Score Training Coach Renee Heitbrink - Texas A&M-Kingsville - Pitchers College Player Cody Trahan - LSU - Pitchers Coach Natalie Poole - McNeese State University - Catchers Coach Chrystal Vega - Angelina College - Catchers Coach Blake Miller - Texas A&M-Kingsville - Infielders College Player Hayden Furlow - ETBU - Infielders Coach Heather Whitcomb - Angelina College - Infielders Coach Vance Edwards - Lamar State College - Outfielders Coach Andy Lee - LSU Eunice - Outfielders Coach Worley Barker - Texas Southern University - Hitting All coaches will work with their position players along with Coach Barker in the hitting segments. Hayden Furlow will also conduct a slapping and base stealing session for those interested. The camp schedule is on our website. All interested parties, parents, coaches, etc are invited to attend. There is no charge to observe the camp. The concession stand will not be open, so bring food and drinks if you wish. Nara and I want to thank everyone for your support of our events. Hope to see you this weekend. Ronnie & Nara Cole Stars Over Texas www.starsovertxsoftball.com

A&M-Kingsville head coach Blake Miller will be a member of our camp staff. Blake thought he had a conflict with his Team USA mens team, he is the starting shortstop for our national team. The good news is that that conflict no longer exist and Blake will be here for our camp. He will of course work with the infielders.

We are very excited to have Cody as part of our staff. Other players will be announced soon. www.starsovertxsoftball.com

COLLEGE COACHES INSTRUCTIONAL CAMP JUNE 12TH - FORD PARK - BEAUMONT ALL DAY WITH GAMES $75 - *INCLUDES LUNCH AND T-SHIRT RATIO OF STAFF TO CAMPERS WILL BE NO MORE THAN 8 TO 1 STAFF: The Recruiting Process by Ronnie Cole Fitness, nutrition and warm-up by Brandt Quick of BQUICK Athletic Development Coach Renee Heitbrink - Texas A&M-Kingsville - Pitchers Coach Natalie Poole - McNeese State University - Catchers Coach Blake Miller - Texas A&M-Kingsville - Infielders Coach Worley Barker - Texas Southern University - Hitting Coach Chrystal Vega - Angelina College - Catchers Coach Vance Edwards - Lamar State College - Outfielders All coaches will work with their position players along with Coach Barker in the hitting segments COLLEGE PLAYERS: Stars Over Texas is proud to announce the addition of Cody Trahan (LSU) to our staff. Cody will work with the pitchers along with Coach Renee Heibrink of A&M-Kingsville. COACHES AND PLAYERS PROFILES TO BE ON OUR WEBSITE SOON! PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE TO REGISTER ONLINE! www.starsovertxsoftball.com RONNIE COLE (409)753-3907

Stars Over Texas will host an instructional camp June 12th. This will be an all day camp and will be staffed by college coaches and college players. Your team does not have to be entered in our showcase to take part in this camp. It is open to all girls age 13 and up. This is a great oppurtunity to get instruction from college coaches and players right here in Beaumont. Please visit our website for more information and to register and pay online. www.starsovertxsoftball.com

The deadline for our Stars Over Texas Summer Showcase June 13 & 14 is approaching. We are only taking 50 teams this year for this event. I want all local teams that want in to get in. Please enter, we are at 42 teams now. This event is open to 18U, 16U, and 2nd year 14U teams. There will be a college coaches and college players instructional camp in June 12th. I will give details in another post. Please visit our website to register online: www.starsovertxsoftball.com Ronnie (409)753-3907

FUTURE STARS OVER TEXAS SPRING TOURNAMENT WILL BE PLAYED THIS WEEKEND AS SCHEDULED. UIL'S DECISION TO POSTPONE THEIR EVENTS WILL NOT AFFECT US. TEAMS WILL RECIEVE THEIR SHEDULES TONIGHT. RONNIE (409)753-3907

Future Stars Over Texas will be played this weekend as scheduled. Seems like kids are exposed to a lot more at school than they would be at a sporting event. I don't think many parents will prevent their kids from going to movies, shopping mallls or other public gatherings. Just my two bits. Let's play softball.

Deadline for entering our May 2 & 3 tournament is Tuesday April 28 6:00 P. M. Anyone who wishes to get in, please do so, the schedule will be out Wednsday. See previous post for teams entered. Ronnie starsovertxsoftball.com (409)753-3907 (409)454-2978 - cell