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Thanks for the kind words. Please let the DAC Board know that parents like myself do see the value the program offers the kids.
Seven years ago, my son Nick began playing DAC basketball, baseball, and flag football. Back then, he was a very shy six year-old boy. He wouldn't speak to anyone. During games, he was afraid to call for the ball because he was afraid of dropping it.
Gradually, though, I saw that he started to gain confidence. He was making friends and having fun playing. He looked forward to practice. He got better, especially in baseball. He even played one summer on a DAC baseball travelling team. That was fun for both of us.
I remember one baseball game years ago, when Nick was still very shy. He went to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the ninth inning. We were down four runs. Just before the at-bat, he told me he was nervous and was afraid to make the last out. I told him not to worry about making the last out, as long as he swings. Nick hit a double, driving three runs in. The batter after him tied the game by driving him in. Unfortunately, we still lost the game in the bottom of the inning, but I couldn't have been more proud of him. That's probably the one moment in 7 years with DAC I remember the most. I think that was the moment he realized it's ok to fail, as long as you try to succeed.
Watching your kid grow up in a social setting is incredible.
This year, I was fortunate enough to meet good people. Tom Manetta, head coach of the basketball team, was a pleasure to work with. Ed Schauder is another good man I had the priviledge of meeting and getting to know. I learned quite a bit from the two of them. Commissioners Steve Gross and and Steve Wolfin also were wonderful. When our team was losing (which was quite a lot) and humiliated during the regular season (our team had a tough time working together), Steve and Steve would offer words of encouragement.
We went into the playoffs with low expectations, but we knew if we played together, we had a chance to advance. More than anything, I think I wanted our boys to win a few playoff games because I wanted them to finally see that if they work together as a team, they could win. Well, they rolled through the playoffs in unlikely fashion, and won the championship!
I hope these kids learned the value of teamwork. If they did, it makes this unlikely championship even more special.
Thanks, John.
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Hi John.
It's Angie Papagianopoulos...(Chris' mom) I just wanted to let you know that I have never seen my son Chris as happy as he was last Tuesday night...he loved the practice....he can't wait to be there again tomorrow. Thanks for doing this! Always a great day when you see your kid that happy!!!! :) Especially my kid, who is finally coming out of his shell!
See you tomorrow!
Angie
Hello John & Co.,
Thank you all very much for a really excellent season in the freshman
division. From the playoffs to the all star game this weekend, my
son's experience was a lot of fun and he plans on sticking with DAC for as
long as he can. (A big part of that were Reno Gabriel and Rob Stahl
who did a great job coaching the Bulls.)
There had been mention of a tournament/travel team forming with
Tryouts of some sort in the future for the freshman group. (My son, Ryan
Yavinsky, is 10 until mid-August.)
Will such a team be forming and, if so, when will details be available
such as tryout date, cost, etc.?
Thanks a lot,
MY
Tom,
Thanks very much for your hard work this season. I know running a league is not easy, and it's very time-consuming to do it effectively. Thanks to your family as well, who were always there to support the league. Of course, many thanks to John for making it all possible. I made a DVD of the All-Star Game for you guys. I'll drive it over sometime in the near future. Please let me know about any spring tournaments and the summer basketball league when you guys have things worked out. Nick would love to participate, and I would be happy to coach if you need me. Once again, thanks to everyone who helped make our first season at DAC a memorable one. All the best . . .
Mike T.
My 10 year old is in the girls league now. This is her first year and we are so happy with it! I will sign my 7 year old up for the coed this summer since I missed out on the fall for her. Thanks and I am and will continue to spread the word!
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