Orono Softball Association – providing girls in the Orono, Minnesota area the opportunity to participate in recreational and competitive softball.

8-14-20
 

Happy Fall Ball Season!

As we continue to adjust to our “new normal” in these challenging times it has been helpful for the girls to be back on the field with routine practices and games. Our Fall Ball registrations were the highest in years including many new players! Thank you all for your patience, support and understanding as we work together to keep playing softball!

Many people have asked why our weekend games are further away then expected. The reason is because the league ensured that every host site had the comfort and capacity to strictly follow the MDH/CDC Return to Play safety guidelines. As a result, some communities opted out of hosting. Additionally, there is a shortage of umpires in the metro area which requires teams to travel further so that the fields and umpires align.  

Although we hear constant coverage of the pandemic, we cannot stress enough the importance of monitoring everyone in your household for COVID-19 symptoms. If any household member has a fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, aches, etc your player MUST STAY HOME from practices and games. We also ask that you contact your coach to let them know so that appropriate steps can be taken. With school beginning in a few short weeks, the same rules apply. If your child does not attend school due to any illness, they are not to attend softball activities. Your cooperation is essential so that our community can be as safe as possible.

OSA Board has been very busy over the past few months. Many board members coached over the summer and are heading up fall teams as well. We are incredibly appreciative of all our parent coach volunteers this fall, a record number of helpers per team!
 

Other OSA News:

• Each Fall Ball player received a FREE ORONO FASTPITCH sweatshirt for registering
   
• New catcher’s gear and buckets of softballs were purchased
   
• We are planning our softball clinic schedule, and hope to offer something this Fall. Stay tuned.
   
• Fall Ball Surveys will be sent out at mid-September. Your feedback is valuable and appreciated.
   
• Got an old mitt or bat sitting around, gathering dust? There will be a softball equipment donation drive at the end of September…more details to come
   
• Spartan Closet supplies will be collected at practices through 8/31 – THANK YOU in advance to everyone who donates much needed supplies.
   
• ORONO FASTPITCH car decals are HERE!! Beautify your car or your kids’ laptop while supporting OSA. $5 each, please email Kara if you like to purchase one for your vehicle.
   
• The OSA Board is accepting applications for a variety of positions. If you have any interest at all in volunteering your time to help keep our Orono Softball program growing and improving please apply now.

Our next OSA Board Meeting is Tuesday, September 15th at 8pm. If you have any interest in attending please contact Kara Wheaton. 

Thank you and stay healthy!

Kara Wheaton
OSA Board President

Support Orono Rotary's Gather & Give Program

In response to this need, Orono Rotary has created the Gather & Give program to have a more direct impact on the individuals and families in the Orono School District community that are most in need as a result of this pandemic. View the document below for a list of the most urgent needs.

IMPORTANT 2020 DATES

Fall Practice Schedule:
August 3 – Practice Begins

8U – Monday & Wednesday
10U – Tuesday & Thursday
12U – Monday & Wednesday

Fall Game Schedule:
8U and 10U play games on Saturdays, 12U on Sundays.
There are no games over Labor Day weekend. 

Aug 8 & 9 – Week 1 Game Day
Aug 15 & 16 – Week 2 Game Day
Aug 22 & 23 – Week 3 Game Day
Aug 29 & 30 – Week 4 Game Day
Sept 12 & 13 – Week 5 Game Day
Sept 19 & 20 – Week 6 Game Day
Sept 26 – 8U and 10U Fall State Tournament
Sept 27 – 12U Fall State Tournament

If your email address has changed please update your member profile on the website. We are using SportsEngine to send out email updates and if your address is incorrect you will miss out on receiving timely information. If you have any questions, please contact Kara Wheaton or Cari Bullemer.