Drumstick on Wheels - Handing out Turkey and Fixin Boxes
On Saturday, November 19th, the Maniax braved the cold and drizzling conditions to help the Open Door Mission with their annual Drumsticks on Wheels program. The team, and their friends and family, helped to hand out over 3,200 turkeys and boxes of side items and foodstuffs. The team even got some face-time on the local news channels! Check out some of the pictures, way to go ladies!
Heifer International
On Saturday, October 8th and October 22nd, the Maniax pumped gas and washed windows for 50th and Center HyVee Gas customers to help raise money for Heifer International. With donations, the team was able to raise enough money to buy livestock and provide training of that livestock. The girls have purchased 1 goat, 2 sets of rabbits, 3 flocks of chicks, and 3 flocks of ducks.
Maniax Helping the Community
The Maniax are responsible for one group community service each month, In September the team helped to raise over $400 to go towards NOVA TC, a local substance abuse treatment community, which provides, residential, in-home, and out-patient therapy. This month, the Maniax will be pumping gas and washing windows at the HyVee gas station on 50th and Center in hopes of riasing over $300 for Heifer International, a group that provides livestock and training for families across the globe. Please make sure you come out and support the team in their effort to raise some money!
Maniax Contributions
During the Papio South v. Marian game; Holly went 2 for 2 with 2 doubles and two runs scored, Mattie went 1 for 1 with one run scored, Jay took one for the team with one run scored.
2011 Northern National - Rochester, MN
The girls competed at the 2011 Northern National Tournament held in Rochester, MN, August 3-7. While their final place of the tournament was disappointing, 13 out of 20 (the girls beat the #5 team 6-5 and #3 team 11-3), the team understood that particular day just wasn't our day. The Maniax have gone their separate ways for high school softball; with players at Bellevue East, Papio South, Omaha Benson, Westside and Ralston, this coach will be busy watching lots of games! It is great to see the comradery that select softball brings to the game, while Maniax players are slotted against each other during high school season, there is still that small hope of seeing your Maniax teammate belt one into the green or make that diving catch. I wish them good luck this fall and can't wait to get back to Maniax business in November.
Avery Chat - Sayings of a Bat Girl
"You can't take it back, but you can make it up..."
Girls, "get your gloves down and be ready, but don't play in the dirt, because you need to pay attention."
"You just need to catch the ball, and that's the out."
Thanks to our 2011 Sponsors!
The South Metro Maniax program would not be possible if it were not for the generous donations of our sponsors. Many are repeat donors year after year and we hope they get as much out of being our partner as we do from them. Thanks for everything!
Maniax Update - 5/25/2011
The Maniax took part in the Aloha Invite, held at Doris Bair Complex in Lincoln, this past weekend. Despite lots of the rain, muddy conditions, and soggy fields, the Maniax had a fair showing against some highly ranked teams from the area. The Maniax started their Saturday pool play against the Lightning Silver team from Lincoln. The Lightning jumped out to 4-0 lead in the first inning leaving the Maniax sitting on their heels, after a "pep talk" from Coach TC the girls answered with a run of their own, only to be put back into a 4 run deficit by the Lightning in the top of the next inning. With time running out and the Maniax up to bat, the girls placed some very timely hits, including an out of the park home-run by Kiana, to tie it up. With two outs, Si came to plate to blast the second home-run of the inning to carry the Maniax to a win over the Lightning 6-5.
With a victory fresh in their minds the Maniax stumbled hard against the Blue Diamonds, dropping a tough loss to the team from North Platte. Leaving four runners on and having even fewer hits, the Maniax lost to the Diamonds 0-16. Taking the loss to heart the team took a much needed rest, only to come out and tie one of the highest ranked 16-U teams in the state 1-1. Lys only allowed two hits while the Maniax had no errors and six hits.
Sunday elimination play started slow with the Maniax trailing the Lincoln Magic 1-0 in the second inning. With a few well placed bunts and some great base running, the Maniax jumped to 5-2 lead to eliminate the Magic. The Maniax played another tough team in the Fire and Ice squad. Although the team played hard and managed to keep the Fire and Ice to 2 runs on six hits, they were eliminated with a score of 0-2.
After 15 games, the Maniax now have a record of 10-4-1 and a team BA of .431. Four of the Maniax have home-runs, while another five have BA over .500. See the statistics page for details.
The Maniax play two games tonight and are participating the Wahoo Memorial Day Tournament this weekend in Wahoo and Mead, NE.
Avery Chat - Rules from a Bat Girl
For those of you that don't know, the Maniax have a mascot of sorts. Our Bat Girl, Avery, is full of spunk and great sayings. So I have decided to start a little spot here on the website called Avery Chat. It will be little things she has said or done that have made a few of us laugh. I hope you enjoy it!
Coach TC
Avery came to the Aloha Tournament this weekend in Lincoln, and she came prepared; with her cleats, glove, a helmet, and her Maniax T-shirt. She asked if she could be the bat girl and said she had rules she knew she had to abide by:
Rule 1 - Don't talk when Coach TC is talking (wish a few of the players knew this rule).
Rule 2 - Always stay behind the fence, away from the dugout opening, and don’t run to pick up the bat until girls say to.
Rule 3 - (This rule I think she may have been coaxed a little, but it is a good rule none the less) If the Maniax have a bad inning, make sure to run to the OTHER end of dugout when Coach TC (or Coach Carl) comes in.
Rule 4 - (This was a rule I added, but if she gets is down, I may make her our pinch runner!) ALWAYS look at coach on 3rd when rounding 2nd base.
Maniax Update - 5/20/2011
The Maniax played a doubleheader this past Wednesday against the Gretna Cyclones. Emmah was on the mound and the winning pitcher of the first game, allowing only one hit in three innings. Holly, "J", and Jordy went 2 for 2 and Si and Syd went 2 for 3 to help the Maniax shut-out the Cyclones 14-0.
With Lys on the mound for the second game, the Maniax allowed three hits in five innings. Lys struck out four Cyclone batters and walked three. The hitting game got off to a slow start, remaining scoreless until the third inning when the Maniax batted in 5 runs. Keefer, "J", Ace, Jordy, and Ki each had one hit, with Lys helping her own cause with a single up the middle. The Maniax shut down the Cyclones 7-0 for the second time of the night.
The Maniax play in the Aloha Tournament at Doris Bair Fields in Lincoln this weekend.
Bellevue Food Bank - Food Sorting - A Volunteer Experience
Over the past weekend the Maniax spent time helping sort food at the Bellevue Food Bank. The girls spent a few hours sorting and filling bags with food and toiletry items to be delievered to local familes in need. The Maniax felt proud and thought it was a great way for them to help out their community and had lots of fun doing it. A big thanks to Mrs. Keefer for scheduling another great volunteer opportunity and for showing the team them the ropes at the food bank.
Maniax Update - 5/16/2011
The Maniax season has started; going 4-0 in league and 2-2 in tournament play thus far, the team is off to a great start and looking to add a few more wins this week. The Maniax’s first games of the season were Wednesday, April 27 in league, where the girls posted an 8-0 victory over the Midtown Havoc and a 13-0 win over the Cobras. With both pitchers throwing their first shut-outs of the season and the offense’s seven singles and two doubles, the Maniax were able to shut down the Havoc and Cobras.
April 30th brought the Maniax’s first tournament of the season. The team played three games of pool play on Saturday, posting a 2-1 record with wins over the Midwest Slammers Silver (2-1) and the SWI Swarm (3-2), with a loss to the Nebraska Flames Red Hots (0-10). Earning a second seed spot in their pool, the Maniax were scheduled to play Team Nebraska 17’s on Sunday morning, unfortunately Team Nebraska ended the Maniax’s tournament with a 7-3 win.
The second week of league play was met with intensity and two more wins. The team again shut-out their league opponents 13-0 and 15-0. With Lys benched for an ankle injury, Kiana stepped up to throw her first shut-out striking out 8 in 3 innings against the Cornhusker softball.
Week three of league was rained out, and with lots of practice time, the Maniax are chomping at the bit to get back on the field. This Wednesday, May 18th, the team faces the Gretna Cyclones for a doubleheader at NP Dodge Park at 6:00 & 7:25. The Maniax and Cyclones are tied for first in league standings and will be sure to put on good games; we would love to have you out to watch! This weekend brings the Maniax’s second tournament of the season, in Lincoln. Stay posted to our website for games schedules and results!
Keep Omaha Beautiful - Yard Clean-up - A Volunteer Experience
This past weekend the Maniax volunteered a few hours of their Sunday to the Keep Omaha Beautiful campaign. The team was slated with cleaning up the yards of two elderly households in the Midtown area. The girls spent their time doing yard work; mowing, raking, trimming hedges, and general clean-up using the leaf blower. Syd felt this volunteer project was a success because, "once the yards were done, they looked great". While the goal was to help a couple families with some Spring clean-up, the team had fun getting their hands dirty, "I can still picture Holly and Mattie pushing around the mower gettin' the job done. It's always fun being around the team and working together", said Morrow. Thanks to the Volunteer Committee for this great opportunity and to Mr. Keefer for providing all the yard work tools!
NOVA Treatment Community - Blood Drive - A Volunteer Experience
The Maniax spent their Thursday afternoon in the American Red Cross Blood Mobile at NOVA Treatment Community. From 1:00-6:00 on Thursday, March 24th NOVA TC scheduled blood donations and the Maniax filled 14 of the time slots. Despite losing a few donors due to weight/height restrictions, the Maniax were able to donate 7 pints of blood for the NOVA TC Blood Drive.
Dear Maniax,
I wanted to thank you for participating in the American Red Cross Blood Drive at NOVA on March 24, 2011. With your help, we donated 19 pints of blood at a time when the American Red Cross is desperately in need. It was a great group effort to give back to our community and everyone made a difference!
With Gratitude,
NOVA TC Wellness Committee
Cathy Cassel – Quality Improvement Director
Dawn Clark – Human Resources Director
Jim Meredith – Accountant
Lacy Rudder – Billing Specialist
Emmah Church signs at College of Saint Mary
Emmah Church, a Maniax pitcher, signed her Letter of Intent to play softball at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE. Her parents, former and current coaches, and the CSM coaches were all in attendance at her signing. Emmah will join the CSM pitching staff of Maniax coach Audree Uhlarik, Madison Willers, and Jessica Rocha.
Mable Rose Estates - BINGO - A Volunteer Experience
The Maniax softball team joined the residents of Mable Rose Estates in Bellevue, for a Sunday evening of Bingo on the 27th of February. The girls were in charge of calling the numbers and handing out prizes to the winners. They played single line, double line, and blackout games for prizes like candles, personal care items, and candy. Candy was a big hit, drawing a disappointing sigh when the last candy jar was won. The team looks forward to spending more time with the Mable Rose Bingo players and hopes to win a few games themselves.
Holy Family Church - A Volunteer Experience
The Maniax Softball team met on Sunday, January 16th, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Omaha, to work with other volunteers assembling sack lunches for needy individuals in the area. The team made around 850 sandwiches and sacked crackers and cookies to put into the lunches. The Church hands out approximately 700-900 sack lunches every Monday-Friday, and for some of the recipients, it is their only meal.
This was a great experience for the team and members expressed interest in volunteering more of their time at Holy Family. Not only were the girls able to experience giving to others, but they also were able to reflect on how fortunate the Maniax are and how easy it is to take things for granted.
Going Vertical
For the past three months, the Maniax have been attending 'Going Vertical', a "progressive program for speed, agility, and power development". Every Tuesday and Saturday the Maniax attend hour long training sessions in which they work their core, build footwork speed and agility, and work on their reaction. Nine sessions in, the team has already experienced many improvements, including an average increase of 1.77 inches on their vertical jump. The team will continue to attend GV training sessions into February and look forward to many more improvements.
Turkey and Fixins' - Open Door Mission
November 20, 2010
This year, the Open Door Mission had roughly 2200 requests, from families across the Omaha Metro area, for help in obtaining a Thanksgiving meal. The Turkey and Fixins boxes, which included a turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and other holiday meal items, were delivered on Saturday, November 20th with the help of numerous volunteers.
The Maniax had offered their Saturday morning to be the last link in the chain between the Open Door Mission and the delivery volunteers. The girls spent their morning hauling and packing around 2200 turkeys and boxes of side items, into hundreds of volunteers' cars and trucks.
When asked how volunteering at the ODM made her feel, Siarra V., the Maniax 1st baseman said, "Helping at the ODM this weekend made me realize how much a little bit of my time could help a lot of families in need." She said she feels it has helped her to open her eyes to things outside of her comfort zone and "how stepping up and helping out families who are in need of something can really make a change. It was an amazing experience!"
The best part of the day, trying to fit 8 turkeys and boxes into a Ford Fiesta! Ladies, great job this weekend, you should be proud of all of your hard work!
Bellevue Shocker Tournament - October 30th-31st
The Maniax played their first game on Sunday against Suburban 16's. Alyssa pitched four scoreless innings, registering 6 strikeouts. The bottom of the fourth had the Maniax enjoyng a 5-0 lead. With back to back walks and both runners advancing to third and second, the Maniax had a gut check moment to put out the next three batters with out giving up a run. In the top of the fifth inning, the Suburban pitching went south giving up five walks , one hit batter, a single, and a double extending the Maniax lead to 12-0 with a seven run inning.
The second game of the day the girls were looking to avenge a loss to Shockers White from the previous day. The Shockers jumped out to a one run lead in the top of the first inning. But with a lead off triple by Sydney and a sacrifice fly by Katie the Maniax tied the game in the bottom of the first inning. The top of the second brought the shockers two more runs off of a walk , a triple, and a passed ball. The scored remained 3-1 into the third inning when the Maniax hit three straight singles in a row to start the inning, but aggressive base running caused two outs and the scoring threat was ended by a strike out. The Shockers added a run in the top of the fourth to put a dagger in the heart of the Maniax Nation. Final on the game was 4-1 with the Maniax giving up 3 unearned runs.
Maniax 2011 Squad
Sydney M. - Benson - Syd played third base for the Bunnies this fall, she ended her sophomore season with a .300 BA and 16 RBI's. She also received recieved the Most Improved Player award and earned an All-Metro Honorable Mention.
Meghan J. - Benson - Meghan was a starting outfielder for the Bunnies in one of their most successful seasons in the program's history. She gunned numerous people down from the outfield, including throwing two people out after they tagged from third.
Katie K. - Bellevue East
Emmah C. - Bellevue West - Emmah ended her Thunderbird career as a 3-year letter winner, with an overall varsity record of 15-10 including 8 shutouts. In 2009 she received Honorable Mention All-Metro in and was the Omaha South Invite MVP. Due to injury, Emmah missed 3 weeks of her senior year, but still finished with a 6-3 record.
Jordan R. - Plattsmouth
Mattie C. - Papio South - Mattie rotated, playing second and first base for the Titans. She had a successful season both offensively and defensively. Mattie was voted having the best focus and leadership for the 2010 season by her team mates. She also received an award for off season commitment for summer strength and conditioning.
Siarra V. - Bryan
Alexis C. - Bellevue East - Ace spent all of her time at third base for the Chieftans and kept the team spirit up and motivated with her bat. She went 3 for 3 against Northwest, slugging two triples and a single. She looks to continue her streak at the plate this summer.
Holly N. - Papio South - Holly played most of the season with the JV Titans as their only catcher. She hit .512 while amassing 17 walks in 58 plate appearances. She was called up for district play where she belted a triple in a pinch hit situation. Holly finished her varsity year batting .375 in 10 games.
Jessica V. - Bellevue East - Jessica blasted two home runs this season and was a key utility player for the Chieftans. She spent most of her time at 1st base, but willingly took to the number two spot when the coaching staffed asked her to catch. Jessica also stepped up and spent some time on the mound this season when she was asked to become a relief pitcher.
Alyssa S. - Westside - Alyssa throws for the Westside Warriors, she posted a record of 7-4 this season, gaining much experience on the mound.
Julia M. - Papio South
Kiana P. - Central
Not Pictured - Jordan R., Alyssa S., Julia M, and Kiana P.
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