Message from the Desk of the President

              With a change in the weather recently (even if it was only for a few days) and the snow starting to melt (finally) so that we can see the grass in our yards and fields again, it was a nice reminder that the Spring season is just around the corner for our sports.  As we move into March, we will see our children move from inside the area gyms out onto the fields.   This will include:
 

• Elizabethtown Fastpitch Softball will see the girls from age 5 to 14 take to the ball fields.
• Soccer practices for our boys and girls will begin in preparation for the seasons that will begin in April.
• Lacrosse for boys and girls will again take to the fields behind Rheems Elementary School.

               In these three sports, Rheems Athletic Association serves over 700 children in our community.  One of my favorite sights is looking out over the soccer fields on Saturday mornings and seeing all of the U-6 and U-8 children having fun.  The sound of the laughter and encouragement from parents and coaches is a sign that our community has come together to help our children grow and learn what it is to be part of  a team.

               Not to be outdone, opening day for softball will now see our softball fields used in ways they have never been used before.  Opening day is a special day for the kids as they officially begin their season.  Personally, I look forward to seeing the integration of the EGSA, Rheems and Conoy programs under one umbrella.  Those involved in getting the program to this point (lead by Mike Hamilton, Brian Heffleger, Sean Burton Chris Geesey and Roger Barber) deserve a high note of praise.  Many hours of dedication went into coordinating this change for each organization.  All along, the intent was to build a better softball program for the girls within the greater Elizabethtown community and now we get to see that in action.

               Lacrosse continues to see their numbers swell and it is easy to see why it is one of the fastest growing sports in America.  Mark Weissend has been at the helm as our lacrosse commissioner overseeing both the boys and girls programs.  Mark has a passion for lacrosse and Rheems AA is fortunate to have someone that is so committed to the sport leading our children.  With the recent expansion of the board to include a co-commissioner at each sport, we have an immediate opening for a co-commissioner of lacrosse.  If you are reading this and are interested in getting involved, I would encourage you to reach out to Mark or myself and we can pass along more information of what would be involved.

               As always, I welcome any questions, comments and concerns you may have.  The intent has always been about the children and improving the programs we offer to them.  Please feel free to stop me on one of the fields or contact me via email at president@rheemsaa.com
 
Mike De Stefano

President - Rheems Athletic Association

A printable copy of this message can be found HERE