LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Five programs were selected by their peers as the 2016 NFCA Travel Ball Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year, announced the Association on Thursday morning.
Representing each of the NFCA’s five Travel Ball regions, these respective coaching staffs – Churchville (Md.) Lightning 16U (East), South Dakota Renegades (North), Tennessee Mojo (South), Texas Bombers (South Central) and Firecrackers (Calif.) Rico (West)- are now eligible for the NFCA’s National Coaching Staff of the Year award.
Regional Winners
East – Churchville (Md.) Lightning 16U
Head Coach: Tim Favazza
Assistants: Joe Stiles, Brian Hill
Captured the 2016 USSSA Eastern 16 World Series with an unblemished 8-0 record… Earned the highest power rating for a sanctioned USSSA team… Posted a 123-12 the past two years… Succeeded against 18U Gold competition at Pennsbury and TNT with a 24-5 mark… Recognized for their commitment to the community as a regular participant in the NFCA’s StrikeOut Cancer program… Provides a scholarship fund for players who don’t receive a collegiate scholarship… Favazza has continued to coach long after his daughters have graduated because of his commitment to helping players achieve their college aspirations, but more importantly, becoming valuable citizens.
North – South Dakota Renegades
Head Coach: Mike Mook
Assistants: Dale Goetschius, Jenelle Trautman
Guided the Renegades, a first-year 16U program, to the PGF Premier National Finals and finished runner-up to the Beverly Bandits in a tough 3-2 championship game defeat… Took a small town local team where softball is not a sanctioned high school sport and defeated several top teams in the country.
South – Tennessee Mojo
Head Coach: Mike Danely
Assistants: Mike Greenwood, Richie Davis
Tennessee Mojo 2023 recorded over 70 wins to just three defeats and finished undefeated at the PFG 10U Nationals… Became first team from Tennessee to win PGF Nationals… Claimed tournament titles in Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky, California (twice), Alabama and Georgia.
South Central – Texas Bombers
Coaching Staff: Stan Wells, Katie Repole, Scott Smith, Shane Courtney
Claimed the National 16U Gold title with a 12-3 victory over the Kansas City Originals… Recorded a perfect 9-0 mark at nationals and was the only undefeated program out of 34 participating teams.
West – Firecrackers Rico (Calif.)
Head Coach: Tony Rico
Assistants: Kenny McMeechan, Rob Weil, Don Minard, Jim Trot, Norm Perez (deceased)
Team Coordinator: Robyn Ferris
PGF 18U national champions after defeating California Crushers, 2-0 in the title game… Placed fifth at Triple Crown/USA Nationals