Local Athletes Giving Back

Schupbach Sharks of Fenton, MI

The Schupbach Sharks recently organized an event that raised over $700 for arthritis research. A teammate suffers from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, so the team decided to host a walk-a-thon at the Fenton High School track on June 15, 2002 to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. All coaches and players on the Schupbach Sharks Little League team are members of the Athletes for a Better World organization.

At the end of their season, the Sharks then presented Andrew Bretzke, a ten year old, fourth-grader, from North Road Elementary in Fenton, Michigan, with an Athletes For a Better World Spirit Award during Fenton Little League's 50th Anniversary awards ceremony. The presentation was made by Cathy Woodman, Fenton Little League Boys Vice President, on Saturday, June 22, 2002.

Fred Northup, president and founder of Athletes for a Better World in Atlanta, Georgia, says the ABW Spirit Award is given for practicing and playing hard, following the rules, being a team player, being respectful of teammates and opponents, being a role model and giving back to the community. "It's a very special award because the winner is chosen by the players on the team," Northup said.

Bill Lambert, one of the Schupbach Shark coaches, says Andrew's contributions to the team went beyond his strong leadership skills and good sportsmanship. "Andy had a great year. During our eleven game season, he hit more than a dozen home runs. Four of them were grand-slams," Lambert said. Bretzke was also honored by the Fenton Little League coaches. He is one of fourteen players chosen to represent the 2002 Fenton Little League Minors All-Star team.