CraigS

The GT Shockers will be having tryouts from 2-5pm @ the college st complex fields G H & I on the following dates. Sunday jan 22 Sunday jan 29 Contact the follow coaches for more information 2000 12U - Mike Hammersmith 504-8238 1999 12U - Kevin Smith 626-2029 and Clifton Mattox 382-5197 1998 14U - Regina Lunceford 499-2688 RJ and Ricky Fernandez will assist the 98 14U team For any other questions or information you may contact me Craig Soignet @ 284-6809 or email me @ [email protected]

I also have had many calls pertaining to tryouts tomorrow Sat July 16th for the 10U, 12U (first yr) and the 14U. As of tonight we ar still on schedule to have tryouts. As bryan has stated we will do everything in our power to host tryouts SAFELY. If it is pouring rain, lightning in the area, or the fields are dangerous we will cancel....otherwise everything is as scheduled. We will be there at 8:30am.

[quote name="badndn" post="1023111" timestamp="1310134463"] Did all 24 signees get some form of scholarship? Just asking to get a gauge on percentage of signees getting schollies overall not just from GT Shockers. [/quote] To "my" Knowledge yes....Jimmie would know more about that and may even know what percentages of the scholarships were athletic money and academic money....of course we know the DIII was all academic money.

With tryouts in the air, I thought I would let those not familiar with our organization know a little bit about us. GT Shockers started with a 10U team seven years ago in 2004, making us one of the newest "organizations" in the Golden Triangle. The majority of those girls now play for our Gold team. We established the GT Shockers Gold in fall of 2007. Since then we have had several other age divisons off and on. We, as most look for excellance in our players and coaches. We feel we get exactly that from the people (player, coaches, and parents) involved with the GT Shockers organization. Whereas we dont claim to always have the "best" talent in the area, it all starts with our players and staffs will to work hard. In the 4 years of existance of the "Gold" program we feel we are on track as far as our goals are concerned. We play exclusively in Gold Qualifiers or Showcase tournaments. Our main focus is to get the kids a softball scholarship at the highest level we feel possible matched with their abilities and desires. We do this by focusing on top recruiting opportunities, and relentless efforts by our staff (recruiters and coaches). Our tournament schedule includes Gold Qualifiers, and the absolute best showcases in the state of Texas, Louisville Slugger, Ronald McDonald, Freedom Invitational, both Elite tourn. in Plano, and various round robins on college campus' (including UL-Lafayette) Our staff is second to none, by way of their own accomplishments within the game of softball. Robert Armentrout - Head Coach - has accomplished either as a head coach or an assitant, 1 National Championship, 2 HS State Championships, 5 time Gold qualifier (top Gold finish 9th in the country) Including Gold National Qualifier with Shockers Gold (the only current team to accomplish this feat) Jess Lempoine - Assistant coach - Division I softball player (UL-L top 20 program in the country) Head H.S. softball coach, as a player qualified Gold nat's 4 times, (top Gold finish 9th in the country) and won 1 National Championship. Jimmie Weise - Recruiter - 24 of 24 (100% signing rate) players signed and/or committed to play college softball in just 4 short years. Including 5 DI - 5 DII - 1 DIII - 1 NAIA - and 12 JUCO We also utilize some of our other experienced coaches (parents of older players with coaching experience) to coach and/or assist in coaching our younger age divisions. Coaches of all age divisions are rquired to spend practice time in and around the experience our staff offers. We not only offer open practices combining our younger teams with our older teams - We Require It! We also open these opportunites up for any player with the desire to learn from our staffs experience. If you are looking for an opportunity for your child and she doesn't mind hard work, we look forward to seeing you at tryouts.

Dale Williams, long time GT Shockers coach (father of Shockers Gold stand out Katie Williams, TWU commit) has agreed to handle player development for the 14U age group. For more information please contact through private massage "Shackbully".

[quote name="3ABirdMan" post="1022324" timestamp="1309834930"] [quote author=Craig S link=topic=85141.msg1020545#msg1020545 date=1308886769] I had a long long talk with one of my best players about staying with Shockers Gold Or go to Houston Power.....we were just starting the Gold team....I explained to them we could not provide the recruiting she was looking for...as far as the quality college team.....it definately hurt our org by losing that kind of talent....but it was what was best for her....so we encouraged her to go. Some will call it "self promoting"....my question is....how many are willing to tell their best player to go somewhere else because you can't provide what they truely need....how many are willing to step away from their DD's because its what they need.... [/quote] I just had the same conversation with 2 kids at the end of school ball.  Both are still with me for now, but if I can't help them reach their goals, how can I justify holding them back???? [quote author=JohnnyT60 link=topic=85141.msg1021016#msg1021016 date=1309208508] ....Because the best or most of them end up on one team, does not mean the rest have no place to play. In fact there should be other teams to support these players.... [/quote] This is where I come in!  ;D  I have helped 9  kids in the last 3 years get scholarship monies to help pay for their college.  None were DI's, but who cares?  That's not what those kids were looking for!  Do we need to turn our collective backs on those kids who are looking for DII, DIII, or JUCO schools?  I don't think so!  That's why I do what I do!  I'll most likely never take a team to Gold Nationals - Does that make the kids who play me for any less important?  No way!!! This is not intended as a rant on those who do know me or what I do - It's to inform those who think the only team needs to be the best 12 players from the area, and forget the rest...  Those other kids need a place to go as well - Don't leave them out! [/quote] I think all coaches in the GT have stepped up their game in the recruiting department. Partly due to attempting to stay competitive in getting top atheltes from our area to play for them, and understandably so. I also agreee that not all players are DI players, in fact not all players WANT to play D1 or even go to 4 year schools. Its not those that concern me. Its the players in the area that ARE DI, not necessarily SEC, Big 12, etc....but perhaps McNeese, Texas State, UTSA, UTA, SFA....etc....or maybe even those that are DII, DIII and NAIA material that are getting only JUCO scholarships. Nothing wrong with that if those players have options including 4 yr options and they CHOOSE to play at a JUCO. Its those that take the only option available (JUCO) and you look at those players a ask WHY? Is the WHY because they are being under recruited, selling their skill short of what it really is? Is it because of lack of contacts with 4 yr schools? Is it becasue of lack confidence with the 4 yr coaches in the development of players? Is it due to the select team being an unknown to the college coaches? Is it because they aren't being put in front of the right coaches at the right time or often enough (tournament selection or opportunity)?

All tryouts and workouts will be held at the College Street Complex - Fields G-H-I [b]10U - 2001 (2nd yr 10U)[/b]    Contact: Bryan Sartin 409-749-9251 Saturday July 23rd 9:00am Saturday July 16 9:00am Thursday July 21st 5:00pm [b]12U - 2000 (1st yr 12U[/b]      Contact: Craig Soignet 409-284-6809 Saturday July 16 11:30am Thursday July 21st 5:00pm [b]12U - 1999 (2nd yr 12U[/b]      Contact: Craig Soignet 409-284-6809 Thursday July 21st 5:00pm Saturday July 23 11:30am Tuesday July 26th 5:00pm [b]14U - 1998 (1st yr 14U[/b]        Contact: Craig Soignet 409-284-6809 Saturday July 16 9:00am Thursday July 21st 5:00pm [b]18U Gold[/b]                            Contact: Robert Armentrout 409-658-9056 Time and place TBD

[quote name="JohnnyT60" post="1021016" timestamp="1309208508"] Robert Verde did more for my kid than I could have imagined. She committed to LSU while playing for him, and I really didn't have any idea how big of a deal that was, but Robert never did anything to sway us. We had a conversation after she was playing for Ronn at Texas Storm that showed me just how great of a man he was. Anyway back to the point, he had a way of getting the kids to demand their best from themselves, so he didn't have to. I really wish we could have the very best kids on one team. The only way to make this happen is for one team to set themselves apart from the others. They still will not get all of the kids, but hopefully the majority. Coaches have pride and do not want to surrender control of their teams. Nothing wrong with that, they believe they are doing the best for their kids. Because the best or most of them end up on one team, does not mean the rest have no place to play. In fact there should be other teams to support these players. Some may strive to make the "A" team while others may have different priorities and goals, and as I have stated many times; there are now wrong goals, just the ones that fit you best. [/quote] "To set themselves apart from others" interesting statement....please define this. I'm also assuming you felt Blast Gold had accomplished this during their time...explain what they did...what tourn. they played in....who the coaches were....what their accomplishment were etc.

I asked why not include the "new" coaches names.....what is there to hide....in fact if you or the coach has nothing to hide...and is a good coach...id think it would be an advantage to let everyone know who it is yes we were dads...but there is a difference in being a "dad" and a "coach" that has a kid playing most and I repeat most don't get the difference. I brought up tryouts because we got our....handed to us for "just" anouncing a new team BEFORE nationals....I don't really care..I do think we should set a timeline we all agree on....with that said.....ill be the one to give in....ill never mention in again..... No one said ALL the good players play for teams going to nats....but one of them may want to play for you...then what? The problem is not with the kids that DON'T want to play college ball....its the daddy coaches that convince these kids to stay with their kid (friends)...by the time the player with dreams to play realize what has happened to them....its either too late...or at least too late for them to have multiple options at that level.. I had a long long talk with one of my best players about staying with Shockers Gold Or go to Houston Power.....we were just starting the Gold team....I explained to them we could not provide the recruiting she was looking for...as far as the quality college team.....it definately hurt our org by losing that kind of talent....but it was what was best for her....so we encouraged her to go. I chose to step out of coaching last year to allow my kid to have the experience of playing for someone else....as well as the other players on my team. Some will call it "self promoting"....my question is....how many are willing to tell their best player to go somewhere else because you can't provide what they truely need....how many are willing to step away from their DD's because its what they need.... It's simple really....don't be selfish....and do it for ANY kid....not just for yours.

[quote name="Vicious98" post="1020224" timestamp="1308766911"] 1) What's with all the tryout dates BEFORE nationals? [color=purple]So why did you post a 10U tryout for your team but questioning other teams for their decisions? And yours is BEFORE nationals!![/color] [/quote] Unless my sources are incorrect we are after nationals. Teams will return the weekend before the date we posted....AND....if you are correct....I assure you we will change our tryout date to comply.

[quote name="CRUSHCOACH" post="1020165" timestamp="1308751901"] LOL...... Now let the fun begin  ;) ;D [/quote] NO NO NO....dont take the easy way out......give your opinion

These are just a few questions I have, please feel free to answer and/or add your own questions. 1) What's with all the tryout dates BEFORE nationals? 2) What's with the announcement of "new" teams without coaches names (whats the big secret)? 3) Why would one "think" just because a coach doesnt have a kid playing, means "NO DADDY BALL"? 4) Ive been doing this for a while now. Ive had many discussions with others who have been around for a while. It is never clear as to why we have these same questions year in and year out. 5) Same as #4 as far as been around for a while and asking SAME ole questions....but why arent we doing more to consolidate the talent in the GT area...rather than continue to dilute it with "friends", "daddy's" "high school teams" etc? Here ya go CRUSHCOACH, you said you were bored....lets get it going.

[quote name="CRUSHCOACH" post="1019943" timestamp="1308678541"]  Hey what the heck ??? If you knew anything about us (GT Shockers) you would see we have a limited number of teams (currently 2).....because we don't want or need anymore....we consider ONLY teams...players...or coaches that come to us....[b]we are not about 2-3-4 teams in the same age divisions.....to each their own[/b].  Sorry couldn't resist..... ;) ;D [/quote] John...John...John....you know me better than that. ONE first yr 10U team ONE first yr 12U team ONE second yr 12U team ONE first yr 14U team And how many 18U GOLD did y'all have at one time...let's see... Gold Harrell Gold Birdwell Gold Brown And if the arguement is Birdwell wasn't Gold when y'all were....its still at least one to many ribbons being handed out..... Nevermind....I understand....y'all were going for the "fools gold" ..."white gold"...."10K Gold".....etc....lol.

Ive had several inquiries about first year 12U and first year 14U teams. If you are interested in playing or coaching a team in these age groups please contact me for more information. Craig Soignet 409-284-6809 (c) [email protected]

The GT Shockers 12U (99) will be hosting tryouts after Nationals. Tryouts Saturday July 23rd 11:30am - 1:30pm College Street Complex (Bmt) A second tryout date or individual workouts will be set if needed. If you are interested and can't make tryouts, please call for individual workout. For more information about this team please contact the following. Craig Soignet 409-284-6809 (c) [email protected] Clifton Mattox 409-382-5197 (c) [email protected] Kevin Smith 409-626-2029 (c)

The GT Shockers 10U (01) will be hosting open workouts and tryouts after Nationals on the following dates and times. Open Workout Thursday July 21st 5:30pm - 8:00pm College Street Complex (Bmt) Tryouts Saturday July 23rd 9:00am - 11:00am College Street Complex (Bmt) If you are interested and can't make either of these dates, please call for individual workout. For more information about this team please contact the following. [b]Regina Lunceford[/b] 409-499-2688 (c) 409-963-0459 (h) [email protected] [b]Bryan Sartin[/b] 409-749-9251 (c) 409-722-4441 (h) [email protected] [b]Shawn Adams[/b] 409-659-8340 (c) 409-729-8340 (h) [email protected] This is a brand new team, all positions are open and available.

No. We do not have a 14U age group. However we are always looking for the right opportunity to expand. Players Coaches and parents that share our vision. If anyone or you are interested in persuing a team in 14U please call me (Craig Soignet) at 284-6809.

[quote name="JohnnyT60" post="1018039" timestamp="1307891631"] [quote author=Craig S link=topic=84819.msg1018022#msg1018022 date=1307861326] [quote author=JohnnyT60 link=topic=84819.msg1017202#msg1017202 date=1307543933] I haven't seen all the 10U teams play this year, in fact very little, but most are not probably ready for "A". I think you need to be able to master the "B" before you move up to "A". If you don't you will probably just get overwhelmed and make no progress. If you can move up and compete, then the higher competition will make you better, but if you get totally overwhelmed, it is not going to do you much good. There may be some teams that are looking for hollow victories, but I beleive most are just not ready. [/quote] JT this is NOT ASA....don't get confused with the talent level of teams comparatively... Why can't we ask this question...not ready for what? Teams have been together at least a full year...had plenty of time to get where you need to be to challenge your team in a STATE tournament regarless of the affiliation....especially it being USFA....not ASA! Love ya...respect ya....but strongly disagree with ya on this one...but for good measure GEAUX TIGERS! [/quote] If you are not winning the "West lake" tournament on a regular basis, isn't that an indication that you are probably not an "A" team yet? BTW, we disagree a lot, so not a total shock, but that's OK.  ;D I had asked awhile back, since I am an old guy, what affilliations were the best and got some answers. The reason I asked is because some guys seemed to be bragging about winning some different affiliations that were not considered that strong when we were doing this thing. I would certainly agree that ASA is a different animal, but don't you have many of the dominant ASA teams playing in these USFA tournaments? But don't mistake what I am saying, if you can compete, you need to be playing in the "A" division. [/quote] Doesnt matter if you win or not, once you recruit and select players from outside of any one prospective league you are defined as a "A team". By definition All Star teams are considered "B teams". I can agree with the theory of not winning in "West Lake" is a sure sign maybe you shouldn't except the "points" qualification to play in Florida in nationals. Kind of pointless to pay all that money and travel so far, if you cant WIN at the local level.....but come on....this tournament was in our back yard. ASA is King, I think everyone agrees on that. USFA in our area is probably #2 whereas it varies as to which Affiliation is #2 around the country...AFA is still alive in the west....USSSA is big in the Northeast/East.... The "B division" of this tournament was a mixture of "known" strong teams, and league all star teams......I will stand by my opionion.....NO LOCAL TEAM IN THE 12U AGE GROUP SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE "B" DIVISION.......slice it...dice it...make excuses....whatever! By the way...we didnt do all that well in the "A" division....we went 1-2 including a pretty good butt kicking to send us home....

"... really shocked me that the Shockers were the [u]only ones willing[/u] to compete in the A division class." [color=red]No one was "forced" to play A or B....so yes "willing" would be a factual statement[/color] "... ensuring that our daughters are [u]continued to be challenged[/u] and not settling for [u]hollow victories[/u]."  [color=red]If you choose a stronger opponent, leaving you ith uncertainty of wheather you would win or not over a KNOWN victory this too would be a factual statement[/color] "... [u]at least we dont brag[/u] (self promote) about winning in WEST LAKE...hahaha"  [color=red]Have you ever seen, read, or heard of any GT Shocker team even speak of victories anywhere, especially off the beaten path tournaments.....oh yea, I'll flatter you and "self promote" again....when our Gold team qualified for Gold Nat's a few years ago.[/color]   "... no way in your lifetime would I [u]coward down[/u] to take the route of playing in the B division." [color=red]If you have the option to compete against older, stronger, faster, more experienced teams and you CHOOSE weaker, smaller, slower, less experienced opponents....I think that statement applies[/color] I have been duly corrected.  Please disregard my use of "self-promotion" and replace it with "self-righteous"- thanks. [color=red]Only argumentative for those who take offense to or that apply to my statements....I bet NO ONE in the A division feels that Ive crossed the line....in FACT it was the talk of the tournament amoung us[/color] And good luck to the Shockers and all other teams, wherever you play against whatever competition.  [color=red]Thank You[/color]  

[quote name="JohnnyT60" post="1017202" timestamp="1307543933"] I haven't seen all the 10U teams play this year, in fact very little, but most are not probably ready for "A". I think you need to be able to master the "B" before you move up to "A". If you don't you will probably just get overwhelmed and make no progress. If you can move up and compete, then the higher competition will make you better, but if you get totally overwhelmed, it is not going to do you much good. There may be some teams that are looking for hollow victories, but I beleive most are just not ready. [/quote] JT this is NOT ASA....don't get confused with the talent level of teams comparatively... Why can't we ask this question...not ready for what? Teams have been together at least a full year...had plenty of time to get where you need to be to challenge your team in a STATE tournament regarless of the affiliation....especially it being USFA....not ASA! Love ya...respect ya....but strongly disagree with ya on this one...but for good measure GEAUX TIGERS!

[quote name="MBB2" post="1017643" timestamp="1307725147"] Promoting another team makes about as much sense as trashing them.  The subject could have easily been posted as to who was playing what level for what reasons without fanning any flames.  Just my 2 cents... and since I have no dog in this race, that's probably overvalued!     ;D [/quote] Hardly considered trashing...simply stating the facts....if doing so seems to upset you or others then do something to change those facts....do not get mad at the messenger. Just MY 2 cents! 2 more cents....if you are a select team (comprised of players from all over the GT) there is NO excuse why you should be playing in the B division. If however you are a local all star team looking to get more experience and playing time kudos to you....otherwise a weak decision.... More self promotion...we are not only a 1st year 12U team we have 3 10U players...2 of which start....no way in your lifetime would I coward down to take the route of playing in the B division......a little something called PRIDE. A total of 4 cents and some (GT Shocker) self promotion....

[quote name="MBB2" post="1017165" timestamp="1307502994"] Top 5 reasons I like this post:   ;) 5.  Measuring contests are like train wrecks... you watch despite the horror. 4.  The younger the kids, the better the adult smack thrown around. 3.  There haven't been any Shocker self-promotion posts in at least a week. 2.  High school is over so there might as well be something to discuss. 1.  Danbury is not part of the discussion. Haha, just a bit of light humor.  Pardon the interruption, now back to your regularly scheduled mud slinging. [/quote] 5. I agree 4. I agree 3. Sorry, maybe we should "promote" others...that makes sense...at least we dont brag (self promote) about winning in WEST LAKE...hahaha 2. I agree 1. I agree Not bad, looks like we agree on 80% of your observations.

[quote name="NicoleManuel" post="1016473" timestamp="1307240049"] What age group do you guys play my daughter is 16 and is looking for a team to play on. [/quote] All of our 16U players play 18U Gold...you are welcome to tryout for that team. Call me for more info. 284-6809

Yes we welcome all ages. We will be playing the next 2 weekends. This week in Houston...next week in Bmt. However we will practice during the week on Tue and Thus at West Brook HS starting at 6pm...for more details you may call me at 284-6809.

[quote name="sball812" post="1014485" timestamp="1306467554"] Wow. Now you've gotten so defensive your typing curse words in a public forum about 10 U softball. Whether you put a space or not it still spells a dirty word. Guess all my "pot stirring" has riled you up something awful. Question was asked and all I get is a lecture about coming to practice and a swear word. So much for asking a simple question get a simple answer. And by the way I have no clue who my partner in crime is. [/quote] Well we (the entire board) and Y'ALL at least have one thing in common.....we don't have a clue who either of you are. Its call common human decency to "defend" innocent people from being bashed on a "public forum" and to call out those who do so without even being open enough to identify yourselff.....talk about wow wow wow...... And you still skirted the question.....why do either of you feel it necessary to degrade someone publicly and not just go to the coach and tell him what you knew if that is ALL you wanted to do. Edited: the only reason it had a "space" in it was because it won't let me put it "without" the space....and its not about 10U softball...its about grown people not capable of having private conversation about a subject of concern....and bashing people publicly....etc etc...... You are really insulting a lot of intelligent people on this board that have been here forever....they really are smart enough to see you crawfish and squirm...and twist things to save face....to each their own.