Hillsborough Hogs @ the Orange County Sportsplex

[Dan Schnitzer]

Dear Commissioners, 
I am writing as news has circulated that the management company of the Sportsplex, RFP, specifically CEO John Stock, has informed you of his plan to not give the Hillsborough Hogs ice time at the Sportsplex next year.  

Simply stated, the Hillsborough Hogs represent the best of Orange County.  I have been in education my entire career, including 7 years in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, which is what brought me to NC, and I have never interacted with a better organization that cares for kids and develops them as good people as the Hillsborough Hogs.  

Culture comes from leadership and the leadership of the Hogs, including Tom Deis and Chris Buldoc, are exemplary leaders.  Their leadership style, led by inclusivity, growth, self-esteem and fun creates a culture amongst coaches and families that model for our kids what a community is all about.  This is not about a program.  This is about the people who make the program.  A house league is not a house league is not a house league; they are not the same; the Hillsborough Hogs are special.

Though I could go on, I want to share a brief (I hope) personal story.  My now 9 year old started playing hockey at 6.  He started because during covid, we went to the Sportplex for stick and puck and thought it would be a fun way to get out of the house.  We cobbled some gear together and headed out.  There were 2 other players there.  Both teens. Both wearing Hillsborough Hogs jerseys.  As my little 6 year old skated out there, unsure of himself, these 2 players engaged with him.  They passed the puck to him.  They played goalie and let him score and celebrated with him.  This happened over and over, month after month.  He said he wants to play hockey and be on the Hogs.  Now, 3 years into my relationship with the Hogs, I get it.

That same 9 year old suffers from severe anxiety and low self esteem.  He got sent home from school frequently last year; our homelife was difficult as well.  This year, he decided to play goalie, despite never playing and being small (the crossbar is above his head), the team embraced, encouraged and supported him.  Coaches gave him one on one time to develop his skills.  They sent us suggestions for things to do at home.  They eased my concerns of his anxiety getting the best of him when a goal was scored against him.  We signed him up for a tournament not knowing that mostly advanced players go.  Even though he was just beginning, they played him and supported him...and he did great.  His confidence grew.  This year he is thriving at school and at home.  He is confident and hard working. I credit the coaching staff, leadership and parents of the Hillsborough Hogs for this.  This is not hyperbole, I believe that the coaches of the Hillsborough Hogs and the organizational culture that they have created has saved my son's childhood, and possibly his life.  He was depressed and threatened self harm.  Now he is growing in confidence and proud of himself. His therapist suggested that he hang pictures on his wall of things that he is proud of.  A picture of what he chose for his wall is attached.  

Because of the Hogs, I am starting to play hockey....and that means a lot of money to the Sportsplex.  I also want to note affordability.  Because the Hogs are inclusive, they keep it affordable, which means that when we weren't sure if we should sign up, we did because it was a reasonable financial risk.  We would not have done so under the other pricing structures.  They also offer to help with fees so everyone can participate.  

I am asking on behalf of my kids, my family and our community to require RFP to allow the Hogs the same time as they have received this year.  This is a special organization.  They represent the best of Orange County.  Please do not let your vendor, a for profit company, take that heart and soul away from Orange County and our wider community.   

With great hope,

Dan Schnitzer