M1 Mosquitos having lots of fun and seeing huge improvements in their game

Another great season of Whitecourt Minor Ball will be wrapping up in a couple of weeks. Joe Varga is the head of coach of the M1 Mosquito team and is very proud of the work the kids have put into improving their game. “I’m seeing improvement in all areas. I had kids who couldn’t throw the ball when they first started playing this season and now they are catching it, throwing it, and batting. I’ve seen huge improvement from every player on the team.”

On the evening of Tuesday, June 26, Varga and his group were in action at Graham Acres against the M3 Mosquito team. The temperature was a bit lower than previous days and some wayward rain drops found their way down on teams and spectators, but spirits were high on the field and in the dugout as players cheered on their fellow teammates.

Varga said he likes seeing the kids become more open and part of the team especially when they are shy at the beginning or not as comfortable with their abilities. As they progress and feel more comfortable they try new things. “Today I had two kids who didn’t want to pitch all season long decide to try it and they will now be pitching in tomorrow night’s game. They’ve opened up that much that they want to try something new,” he said.

The season started at the beginning of May and will wrap up following an early July tournament. Mosquito is for children ages nine and 10 and there are three teams in the division with 33 players altogether. “It’s been a great season. The weather has been fantastic. We only had to cancel one time because of the weather so it’s been really good.” This is Varga’s first time coaching in Whitecourt after having moved to the community from Calgary last year. He said he looks forward to being part of the league again next year.

For his players who will be embarking on all sorts of fun adventures this summer, Varga wants them to know he is proud of them. “Keep practicing and don’t rush because everything will come just as it has this season. Enjoy playing throughout the summer and remember to have lots of fun.”