Citing lasting memories and connecting with family and community in their days playing Little League baseball, Austin Ward and Jason Sweder have been awarded a 2023 Chuck Schafer Memorial Scholarship from Boardman Community Baseball.

“From the age of five, my summers were consumed by days spent at the Fields of Dreams with my dad. Whether it was batting practice after a game or fifteen-hour tournaments in the sweltering heat, there was no other place I preferred to be”, said Ward. “Your time playing Little League goes incredibly fast, so it is vital to take a step back and take the time to appreciate playing for BCB”.

Sweder noted, “As a player for BCB, I was introduced to friends that I still am in touch with to this day. There were some moments that I wished the season would end, or I would hope practice got cancelled, but now looking back, I miss the time I shared with this family and realize those small memories make up a lot of great memories”.

Ward noted, “Playing for BCB taught me more about life than any classroom could have. I have given my maximum effort in whatever task I am aiming to accomplish, a skill I can profoundly contribute to my time playing Little League”.

Ward, who earned a 4.0 GPA at Boardman High School, was a member of the baseball team. He was also active in many school activities including Math Club, Emerging Leaders and Speech and Debate, while volunteering for United Way of Youngstown. Austin plans on majoring in Finance and International Business at Georgetown University in the fall.

“Many people think of baseball as just a “game”, but there is so much more to it than just a bat, glove and ball. Yes, baseball is a game, but it is also a family, a teacher and even a community”, said Sweder.

Sweder was a 4-year member of the Boardman Cross Country team and 4-time letter winner of the Tennis team. In addition to sports, he was also a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band and Spanish Club, as well as achieving Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. Jason graduated with a 3.98 GPA and plans to study Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati.

“I will always treasure the relationships I’ve made through BCB and hope all young players do the same”, said Sweder.

Ward noted, “Boardman Community Baseball has played a vital role in shaping me into who I am today. BCB will always be an incredibly significant part of my life, to which I am forever indebted”.