Akadema 16U banned from Firecracker Tournament

[bedhead]

Dear Softball Family,

I wanted to send out an e-mail letting everyone know why the 16U Akadema team is not playing in the Firecracker Tournament this weekend hosted by – yes, Akadema. Dan Runge has refused to let a team that is supposedly part of his “organization” play in it. I want to make sure everyone knows the truth, not a made up lie. Why would I, the coach of the 16U, take my team anywhere else to play on the 4th of July weekend? Why would my team not be included in the tournament? We sport the name Akadema, the girls cheer Akadema at all of their tournaments, the parents and kids have worked previous tournaments sweating and giving up their time all in the name of Akadema. And yet, the 16U team has been shunned and cast out of their own tournament. How can a so-called “organization” not let one of their own play in their own tournament? How can Dan Runge look at the girls on the 16U and their parents and sell them on what Akadema has to offer, and lie? The 16U team has done nothing to deserve this. The girls and their families chose Akadema because they believed Akadema was different than all the other travel ball teams. Well, apparently not.

I believe Akadema started out that way. It was all about the girls. The goal was to establish a name for the team that would get well known and would get exposure for the girls to college coaches. But, by leaving the 16U girls out of a college exposure tournament…one that was guaranteed to them when they came to try-outs, obviously the Akadema “organization” does not have the girls’ best interest at heart.

Just to let everyone know the truth – the 16U Akadema team is being punished due to a personal vendetta against me. I took up for my daughter who quit the 18U team due to being burnt out and needing some time off. As soon as I stood up for her, I was apparently no longer a friend to Dan Runge and the 16U team that I coach became non-existent for him. When my daughter decided to quit softball, she did the right thing and called Mr. Runge and went to his home to let him know in person. That night, everything was handled as it should have been. A kid tells her mentor and coach that she needs time off, and he, although disappointed, says ok. The next day, however, he called her back to his home where he accused her of being a liar about why she was quitting, cussing at her, and yelling at her. He then emailed everyone and told them she had left his team, after promising to give her time to tell everyone herself.
When I spoke with him to defend my daughter, he stated this is “his organization” and he can do anything he wants. Well, he sure has. He is now using “his organization” to punish the 16U girls who paid money and were given a guarantee of participating in Akadema tournaments.

I am sorry to all of the girls on my 16U team. I am sorry that defending my own daughter has led to them losing an opportunity to be seen by many college coaches right here in their own backyard. I was proud to get the opportunity to coach for Akadema and have my daughters play under that name. My youngest daughter and I thought that she would finish out her high school career on that team, but that will not be the case. However, I have and will continue to support the Akadema 16U team for the remainder of the summer season…as well as long after the season is over. The 16U team has a great deal of talent…obviously, as Dan Runge is already calling several of the girls to come play for him. So, I will continue to contact colleges, help us to play our best in the tournaments we are in, and will be there for the girls and their parents for the rest of this season as well as anytime after that they need my assistance. That is what should be done. That is the right thing to do. Support the girls. Support them in softball. Support them in whatever they choose to do.

I just wanted to make sure that everyone has a clear understanding of why you will not see the Akadema 16U team this weekend. After numerous attempts to contact Mr. Runge and make this situation right, all I received were hang-ups and no resolution to this unfortunate situation. I felt that I owed it to the girls on the 16U team, as well as their families, and myself as coach to make sure the truth was told.

[looking in]

Bedhead,
Should have ask around first! This is nothing new!! Your kid is not the first to get this,sad to say! Have heard this stuff for a couple years now!

[sftblldud]

Is this the same Akadema that is on the sponsor page of this website???

I believe all organizations allow their teams into their own tournaments. It makes sense to have your teams in your own tournaments. Out here in California all tournaments have their organizational teams in it. The money you don't have to spend to enter is a main reason why you would have your team in the tournament. Plus most teams want a chance to play the Host teams in such tournaments.

Hopefully somebody from Akadema will read this post and re-think their sponsorship. I'm just sayin!!!

[looking in]

"Plus most teams want a chance to play the Host teams in such tournaments."

Not here, if your any good, you won't get a chance!

[mcgeever04]

Bedhead,
Should have ask around first! This is nothing new!! Your kid is not the first to get this,sad to say! Have heard this stuff for a couple years now!

Just a shame that it has taken the other coaches this long to recognize this. I have also heard about the trashing and bad-mouthing of previous players and families for years in this organization, but up until now, I have never heard of any other coach willing to stand up and put a stop to it.

[Crimson]

Does this really surprise anyone? Especially with whos involved and what complex he is a part of. It is never about the girls.

[gunshy]

This post has been out there for 4 days now and there has been no rebuttal, defense or "other side of the story". Hmmm, interesting.

[INBLUE]

Gunshy.....maybe somethings should simply stay within the family.

[gunshy]

Blue, agree fully. BUT, the general appearance is THAT cat is already out of the bag!!

[Joe]

Dear Softball Family,

Interesting opening...

What family are you speaking to? ...and sometimes, "family" matters are better handled within the "family". What purpose does it serve to convey your message to "softball family" outside of YOUR family?

It looks like you and yours definitely have a bitch or two...but broadcasting it on HB certainly throws out the "I'll take the high road" approach.

Good luck!