They're called the Vancouver Grey Sox, but if they get more Squamish talent we might have to make a claim to the team ourselves.
Vancouver Grey Sox Senior 'A' Mens Fastpitch team members John Stuart and Kevin Schellenberg both credit their years playing local ball in Squamish for their career success.
From 1994 to 2004 Stuart played, coached and managed the Greg Gardner team, and in 2002 he coached the BC Junior Men's Fastpitch team, earning a silver medal in the Canadian National Junior Championships. In 2004, Stuart was sought out by Grey Sox owners Larry Kancs and Conrad Margolis to be head coach, and after discussions with his wife and two sons, he took the position.
"It's my passion," he says of his job. "Although I know or have seen most of our players play from time to time the talent they have, seeing them up close on a regular basis is outstanding."
The Grey Sox won the 2004 Canadian National Silver medal and was ranked ninth for the 2005 pre-season North American Men's fastpitch teams. And with the addition of several high profile coaches and Team Canada players, including Schellenberg, the coming season bodes well.
"We have added six or seven new players and pitcher/catcher coach Chris 'Yogi' Wright who was ironically head coach for Saskatoon last year when they won the Gold medal over the Grey Sox in the National Championship final," said Stuart.
Schellenberg, who was recently named co-captain of the Grey Sox, credits Stuart and a local ball club with his success.
"I was recruited by the [Grey Sox] from playing against them with Squamish Greg Gardner Fastball Club. It seemed like I always played well against them," he said. "And I have an enormous amount of respect for John, after all he was the one who gave me my first opportunity in this sport and without him I probably wouldn't be where I am today in the fast pitch world."
Both Stuart and Schellenberg are striving to achieve ambitious goals. Stuart sees the Grey Sox winning the Canadian National Championship not only this year but also in 2006 when the tournament comes to Prince George, BC. Schellenberg plans to stay with the team at least through the 2006 season, but "my main goal is to solidify my position as the starting shortstop for the Canadian National Team, which I'll have a chance to do this summer."
[email protected]
