The Badlands Baseball Academy boasts a total of 95 players
Submitted by Heather Norris
The Badlands Baseball Academy was begun in 2010 and is locate in Oyen, Alberta. The Academy’s mission is to provide the best education possible while providing the necessary skill development and knowledge to become an elite baseball player. The academy strives to teach its athletes teamwork, leadership, volunteerism, work ethic, and respect through the sport of baseball.
The Badlands Baseball Academy has become recognized throughout Canada bringing notoriety to a small town in Alberta. 95 players have attended the academy since its inception. They have come from all over Canada including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
The academy provides a significant increase in population to our High School population allowing local students the benefits of teacher retention. We are proud to have 74 of the 95 players attending graduate here at South Central High School. 91% of those moved on to post secondary colleges or universities. 19 players have attended Canadian schools throughout 5 provinces including Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Alberta. 51 players have attended American schools in 14 states including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Delaware, Washington, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, New York, Tennessee, Utah, California, Arizona, and Kentucky.
Players are billeted with families within the community while attending the academy. Host families play an integral part of the functionality of the academy by opening their homes. They play a key role in the development and success of the player and provide an opportunity for these young men to pursue the next step in their developing baseball careers. Many long lasting relationships are formed through this experience. This year we will once again be recruiting host homes for our 2021 – 2022 school term.
Not only does the Badlands Baseball Academy increase our school population but contributes to our local economy and is recognized and supported by local businesses. It takes a whole community to keep such a unique opportunity for a small town going.
If you would like more information in how to support the Badlands Baseball Academy or information regarding billeting contact Heather Norris at 403 664-0917 or Email: heathernorris2017@gmail.com
