Although the Waterford Coaches Association started as a
grass-roots organization in 1975, it was in 1978 that the Association became
"Official" & registered with the State of Michigan as a
non-profit, charitable corporation.
Lest we don't
forget, we owe a debt of gratitude to Fred Drendall, 1st President of WCA &
the other Founding Fathers, Thaddeus Palmer, Kris Bush, Carl Solden (Former
Waterford Township Supervisor), Ernie Shegina, Shufer Burns & Gene Downie.
The 1st Board of Directors were Jerry Ingram, Ed Gignac, Bob Harris, Larry
Bush, Ole Wright, Neil Walton, Harold O'Berry & Ralph Wilson.
Thaddeus (Ted)
Palmer was one of the founders of the WCA in 1975. He served as a member of the
executive board & became President of the organization in 1979. He held
this office until his death, November 16, 1981. Ted's personal dedication
& total commitment directed toward the development of a solid summer
baseball program for the youth of Waterford are traits to be emulated by all
who desire to offer our youngsters an opportunity to play baseball.
Former WCA players include: Detroit Tiger Kirk Gibson, Baltimore
Orioles Paul Fry and Detroit Red Wings Dylan Larken.
In 2007 we
started 2 new traditions. We introduced the WCA Kaer Scholarship Award, which
is a $500 scholarship given to deserving High School seniors playing in the
WCA. We also gave away the first Coach of the Year Award.
Past
Presidents
1982 - Ron
Liles
1983 - Dave
Culton
1984- Mike
Melkonian
1985 - Jim
McNabb
1986 - Joe
Humbaugh
1987 - Harold
O'Berry
1988 - Vern
Lovse
1989 - Gerwood
Vana
1990-91 - Jim
McNabb
1992-93 - Bob
McGregor
1994 - Len
Buero
1995-96 - Frank
Gallagher
1997 - David
Johns
1998-1999 -
Donna Kelley
2000 - David
Johns
2001-04 -
Sheila Kaer
2005-06 - Mark
Chizek
2007-2010
Sheila Kaer
2011-2012 - JR
Olerich
2013 - Melanie
Lizotte
2014-2015 -
Sheila Kaer
2015-2017 - Paul
Duff
2017-2019 - Craig Sheridan
2019-Current - Aleigha Maten
Past Pony Champions
1984 - Pony
District Champs, Pony Division coached by Terry Whiting.
1990 - Pony
District Champs, Palomino Division coached by Garwood Vana.
1991 - Pony
District Champs, Bronco Division coached by Pat McNamara.
1991 - Pony
State Champs, Pony Division coached by Terry Whiting.
1995 - Pony
District Champs, Pony Division coached by Jay Bland and Bill Nolan.
2001 - Pony
District Champs, Mustang Division coached by Mike Knight.
2008 -
InnerCity League - Palomino Division Champions coached by Harry
Kwiatkowski
WCA Thanks everyone that helps baseball stay alive and for giving us the opportunity to watch & support our children.