Already established with the Canes Brand in Oklahoma we have seized the opportunity to work with the talent in Kansas and believe we can offer their players opportunities like never before.  We identified a tremendous opportunity to align with an experienced academy and bring in fantastic leadership that will further strengthen the Canes overall mission. We are excited to announce that The Wichita Vipers are already in the process of transitioning into the Canes Kansas organization. They have the core values, people with integrity and goals that promote long-term player development and success on and off the field that is a perfect match for the Canes. The Wichita Vipers have been led by Billy Hall, one of the most respected and reputable men in the youth travel ball industry.  He brings an incredible background to the Canes team.  “Coach Hall will be at the helm of Canes Kansas to help us bring new opportunities throughout Kansas. We are blessed to bring together leaders with incredible experience to become major player advocates that understand true player development.  Billy Hall, new GM of Canes Kansas along with Chris Wimmer, current GM of Canes Oklahoma will be an unstoppable force and partnership like no other in our region.  These two individuals bring so much to their players from their experiences playing together at Wichita State University to being drafted, scouting and more.  Canes are strong because of our people.  Our culture is strong because we understand that the game is bigger than us as individuals and to do this better, we collaborate with a vast network to offer a better experience for players that is second to none. There is literally nothing a player cannot get when you play for the Canes”, says Edie Thompson, Regional Director, Great Plains.

Billy has been working with the Canes the last couple of months to rebrand and get integrated the Canes organization, and the buzz is huge.  “We just hosted a town hall meeting to formally launch and we were excited to kick off the program when our Canes Kansas 14u-18u players had their first opportunity to showcase in front of one of the best college programs in the country, Oklahoma University, on November 13th. ” says, Edie Thompson.  Hall is a known veteran in the industry and when asked about this new venture with the Canes he said “This is about bringing something new to Kansas players. It’s about growing our hearts for the game and increasing competitiveness; all things we as athletes and an organization strive for.  I want to help Kansas athletes be better today than we were yesterday and that requires us to prepare for tomorrow with what we do today and the Canes is the national organization that will help us achieve those goals.”

Secondly, at this time we are pleased to formally announce Edie Thompson as the new Canes Great Plains Regional Director. Edie is a well accomplished business owner and former softball player herself. As a player, she earned a full athletic scholarship to play Division l softball at the time then top 10 nationally ranked Sacramento State University in California. She also played Division I for Santa Clara University before she ended her career. She has coached youth baseball teams for more than a decade out in California. Following her years of play, she went on to graduate from Santa Clara University and also earned a master’s degree from University of San Francisco. For the past 14 years Edie has overseen the founding, operations and growth of former SWAT Academy Baseball and Softball in Oklahoma. SWAT transitioned into the Canes last July and it has been a great match. Under Edie’s skills, expertise and guidance we are excited for the future of the Canes Baseball & Canes Softball brands in the Great Plains.

Canes Great Plains are just getting started and we welcome questions from those interested in the program and want to learn about a true national pipeline running throughout the region.  Canes Great Plains has kicked off tryouts and can reach the organization at contact@okcanes.com or 405-720-2055. #TheCanes #differentbrandofbaseball