What is the Haven Wood Bat Classic and how did it get started?
The Haven Wood Bat Classic is an idea I have had for many years. When I was at Penn State Greater Allegheny, I would receive many phone calls and emails about the possibility of us hosting showcases, individual games, tournaments, etc. The only problem is that we didn’t have a facility.
When I was selected for the position at Lock Haven, the vision was already in place. The only thing that was needed was the execution on our end. We are always looking for ways to raise scholarship dollars, and this idea was a no-brainer. We are able to raise money for scholarship, recruit players and showcase our institution for six separate weekends in the summer.
We were very lucky last summer to have over 30 teams join us on campus for the first time. As I sit here today, it puts a smile on my face that we have everybody back for 2016. We currently have over 40 teams registered and hope to continue the momentum moving forward.
What type of experience does your event offer to teams and players participating?
We really want the teams and their families to leave Lock Haven and say, “What an amazing area, with a beautiful campus, great facility and a great run tournament!” Each team will receive a three-game guarantee and two certified umpires. We also supply the game balls and prep the field for every game.
I try to take a few minutes and meet with each team. I personally make it a point to shake the hand of every player and coach and welcome them to the tournament. I wanted everyone to know how much our program appreciates their participation and that they are making a difference in our players’ lives.
I really believe the Haven Wood Bat Classic is an excellent option for many teams. We are 3½ hours from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore and the New Jersey stateline. We can offer a competitive, well-run, organized tournament and most teams can finish by 4 p.m. on a Sunday. This allows families to eat together, get home at a reasonable time, and parents have no issues of getting to work on Monday morning.
What has been your greatest obstacle and how have you overcome it?
Our greatest obstacle was getting the event off the ground the first year. We had to prove we had a legitimate product. I truly believe we did that with 100% return on last year’s teams. I really believe we are in the process of building something special here in Lock Haven.
Thanks to the @LHUwoodbat2015 team for a GREAT tourney! The 16u Champs with their @AulBatCo bat #ottawaknights pic.twitter.com/WWnrzVUjBq
— Ottawa Knights (@OttawaKnights) July 13, 2015
What do you enjoy most about your role at Lock Haven and the Wood Bat Classic?
I really enjoy a few different things about the Haven Wood Bat Classic. I really enjoy the relationships that I build at the tournament. The coaches and the players who participate are a pleasure to be around. Many fathers coach their sons, or they are at the game supporting them. This brings back fond memories of my childhood with my father, so to see that transpire puts a smile on my face.
It is also self-fulling knowing that I am able to make a small difference in our players’ lives. In the money-hungry business of tournaments, our staff doesn’t make a dime. Every penny goes towards our scholarship fund. I am proud of that, and hope that what we have created will continue to grow over the years.
Moving forward, what are your goals in the future for the Wood Bat Classic and the Lock Haven baseball program?
I hope when this is all said and done we have a tournament series that fully funds our scholarship for the baseball program. We hope to grow annually and have between 60-70 teams at our tournament. I want every team to leave here and say, “Wow, this a great place, they treated us right, and I am going to make sure to tell other teams and organizations about my experience!”
