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Strike Zone Testimonials

Ed Vidlak - Son plays for WWAA

Coach Siwa - Been meaning to email you since the coaches clinic March 18th and 25th. Just wanted to pass on to you how much I appreciated and enjoyed the clinic. Everything was first class -- incredibly informative and relevant. You should know that our team's kids (WWAA) and my own kids are being raised with skills and philosophies handed down from you, Coaches Olson, Pane, and Mckay, and your Strike Zone staff. We're very fortunate to have you guys right here in Omaha.

Jason Miller - University of Nebraska at Kearney

I recently graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney where I played for two years. Being from western Nebraska, I did not have the opportunity to play spring baseball. All of my exposure came during the summer and at the Exposure/Combines.

Along with the opportunity to perform in front of scouts and coaches, I was able to meet other baseball players from around the nation. Players were selected during the camp to participate in a scrimmage.

I would not have been able to play baseball as long as I did if it were not for the Exposure/Combines like this one. Many players heave been signed by colleges as a result of this camp. I would not miss out on this opportunity to be seen and further your baseball career.

Dan Murphy - Father of Sam Murphy - Westside High School - Committed to the University of Arkansas

My son, Sam Murphy, has been participating in--and benefiting from Strike Zone-sponsored lessons, leagues, and activities since he was 8 years old. Over the past 10 years, The Strike Zone has provided Sam the opportunity to receive instruction from players and coaches ranging from Hall-of-Famer Bob Gibson to Texas Pitching Coach Tom Holliday and, most important, from Bill Olson, Tony Pane, and other members of The Strike Zone Staff. Our Strike Zone membership has been one of the best investments we’ve made in Sam’s baseball future.

For the past two fall seasons, Sam has participated in The Strike Zone’s Elite Program, teaming up with some of the area’s best high school players to face a variety of college teams, including nationally ranked UNO and Iowa Western C.C. While the Elite Program provided exceptional instruction, it also gave Sam the opportunity to get to know and make friends with kids he’s played against for years.

In terms of direct benefits, The Strike Zone Elite Program made Sam more visable to college coaches and resulted in his recruitment by the University of Arkansas, whose pitching coach, Dave Jorn, drove to Highland Community College to watch Sam throw. Creighton Coach Ed Servais took time out from his schedule to watch Sam pitch against Iowa Western, an exceptional junior college program. University of Kansas Coach Ritch Price made the trip to see him throw against UNO, where he also was observed by Coach Bobby Herold, who runs one of the best college programs around. Of course, the point is not that these coaches saw Sam play, but that The Strike Zone Elite Team draws interest from some of the best college programs in the region, of not the nation.

From a parents standpoint, other benefits of the Elite Program are the equal playing time and individualized instruction that every player receives. For a kid who’s really serious about working year-round on his sport, the opportunities and competitive advantages presented by The Strike Zone Elite Program are too good to pass up.

Greg Lillie - Pensacola, FL

Having recently moved to Florida, we are finding a whole new attitude concerning baseball. What we have not found, however, is a facility and staff that compares to yours. We have not had any success finding a club or facility that has the talent and programs comparable to yours.

Ted Cleveland - Father of David Cleveland

I just returned from Central High School where my son David signed today to play baseball for Creighton University next year. I want to thank Coach Olson, Coach Siwa, Coach Kupfer, and Coach Shanahan for all that you guys did for him and all the players on your Fall Elite Team. It was a great experience for him (and me too) to get a chance for him to work with you as well as to get the chance to get exposed to all the college coaches you played against, and also the ones that came to the games. If you ever have a parent that would like to speak to someone who had a kid on your team, feel free to send them my way. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you guys and your program.

Jeff Newman, son Bobby Newman - Westside High School

We have been members since The Strike Zone opened. Bobby has grown up in the batting cages and tunnels. He has attended countless clinics over the years, including Ultimate Hitting and the Line Drive League, participated in the Fall Baseball League, and received instruction from the majority of current and past Strike Zone coaches. The coaching that he receives at The Strike Zone is not only age appropriate, but facilitates the development of advanced skills that make it possible for him to play the game at its highest level for his age group. The Strike Zone is absolutely the best baseball training facility in Omaha.