Sponsored by: JoAnn Wine & Associates

Written by Audrey Sochor

   Comedian Amy Poehler famously said find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, and spend a lot of time with them as they will change your life. While Steve Lucas may not have been acting under those words 10 years ago when he petitioned Marysville Little League for a Challenger Division, there’s no denying the program and the people involved are life-changers.   

   Lucas recognized there was a need in the area for special needs baseball, and since 2008 kids with physical or intellectual challenges have gotten to play ball with their peers.

   “So ten years ago on a whim we started Challenger Division and we get to come out and play ball and have fun with the kids,” Lucas said.         

   What started out as a whim has turned into 40 players between two divisions and all the volunteers who support them. 

   Volunteers consist of “buddies” and coaches. Each Challenger player is paired with a buddy to teach them the game or provide camaraderie on the field.

   Ryan Felax, a junior varsity baseball coach from Marine City, and his son Nolan have been involved with the Challenger program for three years. They also bring other players from the JV team to volunteer as buddies.

   “It’s good for all these kids to learn a structured sport like this,” Felax said. “[Nolan] definitely gets a lot out of it and he always has fun when he comes.” Felax added it also teaches the kids beneficial skills like patience.

   Division Director Cheri Weingartz said the league has several other organizations such as National Honor Society or other little league players who also help as volunteers.

   Weingartz has been involved with the Challenger Division from the start along with her 20-year-old son, Jacob. “He started out when he was ten years old and he loves it because it’s made him feel included,” she said. “Baseball is huge in our family. He puts on his uniform and he feels like his dad and brother, and he’s proud to come out and play.”

   High school volunteer Lauren Kotelman learned about the Challenger program through RESA’s Woodland Development Center and was inspired to support the players.

   “I volunteer every chance I get because I honestly love doing this with the kids and it’s a great opportunity for them to get out and do something everyone else can do, but in their own way,” Kotelman said. 

   To learn more or to become a buddy, visit www.marysvillelittleleague.com and search Challenger Division.