Q. Wasn’t this team called the “Tualatin Wolves” over the past two seasons? Why the change?
A. Yes.  Our team started out as a community-based only team and began playing “B” level softball. The name change reflects our continued desire to play at the highest level and have teammates from other areas as well. There will still be Tualatin players on the team; however, those players also have the desire to play at the highest level possible. The older the players get and the more travel they do, the more important it will be to have an “Oregon” name as the team does not want to have a “recreational” reputation which prevents them from playing in top level tournaments.

Q. Does this team practice three to four times a week?
A. No.  Between April and July the team practices twice a week. August is reserved for tryouts and a much needed break.  Practice happens sporadically during September – November and then goes to once a week (usually Sunday afternoons) from December through March.  Additional opportunities for more practice during September through March are available in an optional setting. Time is taken off for winter holidays.

Q. My daughter plays a fall or winter sport.  Can they play those sports and still play on your team?
A. Whether you play recreationally or competitive, you will not be required to attend Wolves functions, practices or games if they conflict with another sport during that sport’s in season.  However, you are encouraged to attend as many off season Wolves activities and practices as possible.  Starting in March and lasting through July, softball is considered the in season sport and is the priority.   

Q. How much are your fees? 
A. Fees for this team run about $450 per player.  This money goes toward tournament entrance fees, equipment, uniform replacement costs, indoor hitting facility, etc.  The cost does not include travel expenses.

Q. I can't afford $450.  What options are available to me?
A. There are three other options for paying for your team fee.  1. 100% of the money of any sponsor you approach that sponsors the team will go directly towards your team fee.  2. We have player donations letters available that you can send to family and friends and 100% of these funds go directly toward your team fee.  3. Fundraising opportunities exist for families. Coach Holmes can discuss this with you.

Q. I heard this team is going to travel a lot.  This sounds expensive.
A. Not true.  This team generally will travel to top tournaments within Oregon and Washington (mostly Oregon).  Each year, however, we plan a fun out of town trip for our kids and parents, such as Bend; however, we are considering a tournament in Anaheim or another area next summer. We work hard to minimize travel cost by negotiating hotel costs, etc.  As this team gets older they do plan on traveling out of state more often to compete at the highest level; however, at the 12A level most tournaments are fairly close.

Q. What does “all positions are open” mean?

A. We are looking for quality athletes, softball players and parents to join our team.  Positions and batting order are "earned" by the players. This competition between players brings out their best enabling each player an opportunity to earn their spot. All positions are open for competition and no positions are closed to any player.

 

Q. How is playing time distributed?  Does everyone play equally?
A. As stated, we believe that positions and batting order are earned.  This also applies to playing time.  This is a team that plans to play at the highest level and each tournament is played to win.  We generally do bat the lineup (all players); however, in championship play we keep our rotation appropriate for the situation.  There will be an opportunity for all players to play throughout the season as we want to keep each player on a path of progression in terms of skill and enjoyment.

Q. What if my daughter is not an “A” player today?
A. The coaches want to coach players who love the game of softball and who are committed to getting better and being good teammates. Your player may be a “B” player today; however, we are excited about developing those “B” players into solid “A” players. We will do that through solid coaching and a high level of competition.

Q. I heard you use “pick up players”. Why?
A. We use “pick up” no differently than most other teams – when we absolutely have to have them (no other time). We would rather not use any; however, scheduling conflicts, and other factors beyond our control sometimes require us to use them.

Q. What was all the recent negative talk on Oregon Live for?
A. Our 10A team finished 2^nd in the State tournament this past season. For that tournament, we also had two players indicate that they would not be able to participate in that tournament (much to our disappointment). As a result, we added one additional player to our team who was also a pitcher. She, along with every one of our players, had a great tournament and raised their own levels of play after bringing in a new team member. Coach Bill Holmes was criticized for bringing in a new player but the level of the team’s performance overall rose dramatically (see “pick up players” above). I would be happy to address any and all of this with parents at our tryouts. On any team there will always be players or parents (most often) that are not happy with their role or amount of limelight earned by their kid. Our coaching strategies worked out well for the team this year overall and the picture on the front of our web site tells the story that is important – the kids had fun and won a lot of hard fought games.

Q. What are your practices like?
A. Our practices are tough and are designed to develop the players and team to meet aggressive goals.  They are very similar to high school practices in terms of skills covered and the fast paced nature. Players work hard and develop their skills faster through engineered practice sessions.  We "win the game" during practice and are prepared for any challenge during the game.  

Q. Who is Coach Roger Gray and is he really going to be “full-time”?
A. Roger is one of the premier hitting coaches and teacher of fundamentals in all of Oregon high school softball. In addition, he is tremendous in helping pitchers because he was a former professional baseball pitcher. Roger coached at Tualatin and Tigard High Schools for the past 15 years and is looking forward to coaching a 12A team with friends and players who want to excel. Roger’s bio on our website tells a great story of a tremendously successful coach who is fantastic with the kids.

Q. Is Dan Roisom really going to be involved? If so, how much?
A. Coach Dan Roisom is one of Oregon’s most successful high school softball coaches in history with over 400 wins at the 6A level (or equivalent). He, Roger Gray and Bill Holmes have a long standing history of friendship and coaching together. Dan is looking forward to being a “part-time” assistant coach as he enjoys his new “retirement” from full-time coaching at the high school level. Coach Roger Gray and Bill Holmes are making bets on the “over / under” on how long Coach Roisom will be able to “retire” from full-time softball coaching. The Wolves are fortunate to have him.