As a father of 3 boys, who were all privileged at one time or another, to have been coached by Ron Powell, this short testimonial will fall woefully short of what would be required to do justice to Coach Powell and his staff. He, Don Daniels and a host of others aligned with Cary Jr. Legion Baseball served my sons as coaches, teachers, cheerleaders, sometimes confidants, but most of all as friends. Even today Ronnie stays in touch and has a genuine interest in their lives as young adults. As we look back, my wife and I cherish those Hot, you all know what I mean, HOT summer days where the Cary Bulls brought family and baseball together. Where my sons learned about hard work, accomplishment, personal accountability, commitment, dedication, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Where my sons were cheered as much for being good baseball players as they were for being good students and taught to be even better people. Where they were allowed to be individuals with no unrealistic standards. As I grow older I realize all those days spent on the playing field were part of a journey. A fun, inspirational and rewarding journey where my sons were taught a unique way of looking at life with a baseball game thrown in every couple of days. The journey continues and the memories endure. Thank You for your uncompromising commitment to our youth and dedication to a lifetime of learning and appreciating the sport of baseball.
Mike Hall

3-year letter winner at Athens Drive High School ... Named all-conference in 2000 and 2001 ... Helped lead his team to the CAP-8 league championship in 1999 ... Played for the Baseball America National Champions in the Perfect Game USA Wood Bat World Championship in October, 2000 ... Member of the Midland Redskins team that placed third at the Connie Mack World Series ... Jake was a 4-year player for Georgia Tech from 2002-2005 ... appeared in the College World Series in 2002

Jake (97-99)

Named to 2003 Baseball America’s 2nd All-American High School team ... originally recruited by GA Tech ... selected in the 2nd round, 2003 by the Boston Red Sox ... Only HS player taken by the Red Sox in the first 16 rounds of the 2003 Draft ... South Atlantic League Player of the Week, July 9-15 2004 ... Carolina League Player of the Week, Week of April 24, 2006

Mickey (99-01)

The Cary Bulls Baseball Program comes at a critical time in a young man's baseball and personal life. The program teaches young men how to take a risk, like that of playing for new and objective coaches, and how to set goals in order to achieve the reward of measurable skill development. The Bulls program teaches a player how to apply his determination and work ethic to become a better player, a better teammate, and most importantly, a better young man. There is no hidden agenda in this program. The Bulls program is openly committed to the development of ALL of its players through hard work, ongoing honest evaluation, and a focus on doing every repetition the right way. Bulls’ players learn to respect the game of baseball, respect their teammates and to respect themselves. Perhaps the most remarkable achievement of the program is that the players find that they have never had so much fun while working so hard.

My son Matt has faced many challenges in his personal life and his baseball career. The two years he spent in the Cary Bulls Baseball Program is directly responsible for his personal and baseball success.

I whole-heartedly recommend the Cary Bulls Baseball Program to any young man who is fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity. I will gladly sit down with any parent and/or young man considering the opportunity and discuss the program and our experiences.
Steve Mangini

3-time all-conference selection at Apex High School ... named team MVP as a junior & senior  ... named the top prospect in the Northwoods League in the summer of 2005... Baseball America Summer League All-American Player of the year in the Cap Cod League ... won the Thurman Munson Award as the batting champion in the Cape Cod League ... earned distinction as the fifth-best pro prospect in the league by Baseball America ... While at NCSU, named National Player of Week the first 2 weeks of the 2006 season ... named 2007 pre-season All-America after transferring to Oklahoma State...selected by the Seattle Mariners with the 52nd overall pick in the 2007 MLB draft

Matt (01-02)

We will always have fond memories of The Cary Bulls and the fine people who support and lead the program. Why: Because of the commitment and dedication shown over the years toward developing the boys as both baseball players and as fine young men who will certainly become outstanding citizens and fathers. I am still amazed and proud to see how the interest and support is still there for these boys today, just as it was when they were active on the team. It has always meant so much to me to see the personal interest in Trevor’s development from boyhood into a young man. The support for Trevor as a baseball player and as an individual was tremendous, insightful, and really helped prepare him for college and college baseball.
Peter Kaylid

4-year baseball starter for Green Hope High School… All-Tri-Seven Conference selection as a senior… all-conference and all-academic as a junior… played for Region 3 in the N.C. State Games… Carolina Mudcats Diamond in the Rough award… also named team MVP as a sophomore… Tri-Eight 4-A All-Conference as a sophomore… competed in the USA Junior Olympic Baseball Championships in Jupiter, Fla… member of 2001 Junior American Legion Division Champions, and of the 2001-2002 Perfect Game USA Baseball American World Wood Bat Championships...began James Madison baseball career in 2004

Trevor (2000)

The two summers that my son Rhett played with the Bulls were extremely rewarding to him, both as a player and as a person. While he obviously enjoyed playing the games, he also made lasting friendships with his teammates from other high schools. The instruction and advice that Rhett received, not only in baseball fundamentals but also the mental aspects of the game have been invaluable in his progression to college baseball.
Kevin Miller

I was fortunate enough to spend two years in the Cary Bulls baseball program. It was an honor and a privilege to play for the most successful Jr. Legion baseball team in the state. Coach Powell and his staff not only know the game of baseball, but know how to teach it and get the most out of each of their players. In a program that places more emphasis on player development than the success of the ball club, each player has a great opportunity to improve. The Bulls program allowed me improve as a baseball player but, more importantly, as a person. The lessons I learned while in the program have been invaluable in my transition to collegiate baseball. I will forever be grateful for the instruction and guidance I received as a player in the Bulls program.
Rhett Miller

3-time All Tri-Seven Conference selection ... Team MVP for Athens Drive High School ... Diamond Sports All-Senior honoree ...  Helped lead Athens Drive to two conference titles and District championship as sophomore ... currently the starting left fielder for the UNCW Seahawks

Rhett (03-04)

The Cary Bulls gave CT outstanding baseball opportunities, in terms of the practice routine, the frequency of practice, the number of games played, and experience at multiple positions… the camaraderie, the State Championship, it was a wonderful experience that we will never forget… More importantly, the Bulls experience is something that transcends baseball; it helps young men mature.
Paul Tilton

3 year starter for Green Hope High School, where he was team MVP in 2005 and Defensive POY in 2006 … Tri-7 All-Conference honors in 2005 and 2006… Tri-7 Academic All-Conference 2004, 2005, 2006… Green Hope Iron Falcon awards 2004, 2005, 2006, for perfect attendance at games and practices… named to the Bobby Murray All-Tournament team in 2005… selected as one of the top three outfielders in Wake County by the Diamond Sports Foundation in 2006…

Cory was a member of the Cary Bulls team that won the Junior American Legion State Championship in 2004, and was selected to the State Championship All-Tournament team. He was also selected Defensive POY for the Bulls in 2004, and Offensive POY in 2005

Cory red-shirted in his first season in the UNC-Charlotte 49ers baseball program (2006) and is currently playing outfield and seeing action on the mound with the Forty-Niners.

Cory (04-05)

My son Curtis had the opportunity to play for the Cary Bulls during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. This provided Curtis a wonderful opportunity to play competitive baseball with a tremendous group of people. The program is "as advertised" designed to provide the boys an opportunity to play and develop in games regardless of the score or inning of the game. The coaches find a role for each of the players and help them understand that everyone can contribute, so be ready when it is your turn. The nonstop pace made these two summers memorable and exciting for both of us. Thanks again.
Peter Large

Curtis attended UNC and played ice hockey

Curtis (04-05)

As a past parent of a Bulls player for two years I could not have been more pleased with the instruction and leadership my son received from the Bulls Coaches. The instruction of fundamental baseball was by far the most highly choreographed and organized I have ever witnessed in the 21 years I have been involved in youth baseball. Our boys would receive more instruction and drills in 1 hour than most teams output in 3. Along the way as so many people failed to realize, especially parents, what these boys were being taught was not just baseball but how to become outstanding young men and as they have grown older as adults, husbands, and fathers they have and will become positive influences to anyone associated with them. Ron, Don, and Harold along with the rest of the staff used baseball to develop our boys into young men who have the ability and drive to become successful as adults, these boys were shown how to set goals and kept on the path to achieve. As our sons grow older and enter into fatherhood and baseball with their sons rest assured the stories and experiences from the Cary Bulls will be handed down. Having a successful program comes from the heart of all involved.
Carlyle McCall

Russ went on to have a successful career for his High School team in Pell City, AL.

Russ (05-06)

Our son David played for the Cary Bulls for 2 seasons. Without question he is a better baseball player as a result of this opportunity, but more importantly a better person. The Bulls coaching staff truly cares about their players and is able to openly discuss some of the difficult issues inherent with the teenage years within the framework of the game of baseball. The Bulls “system” does not emphasize winning over player development. However, over time winning becomes an enjoyable by-product as a result of playing as a team and respecting each other’s ability. We highly recommend the Cary Bulls program to anyone interested in quality baseball with superior coaching.

Clay & Anne Shambley

David was the only underclassmen to be named to the Diamond Sports 2006 All-County baseball team. He was 4 year starter at Green Hope High School. David's awards include 3 time All Conference and 3 time Academic All Conference, winner of 2006 Green Hope Coaches' Award, 2007 Green Hope MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Offensive Player of the Year, 2007 Iron Falcon, 2 time Bobby Murray All Tournament Team selection (2006 and 2007), Green Hope Career Leader in: Hits, Singles, Doubles and 2005 Cary Bulls MVP and Defense Award. David began his college baseball with UNCW in the 2008 season.

David (04-05)

“Baseball is the VEHICLE”, the opportunity to play a great sport while developing as a young man achieving goals. Ronnie Powell and his attentive coaching staff taught not only our son, but also his parents how important this is. We observed 15 and 16 year olds work hard but work smart to develop skills that will carry them through life. Winning is not number one but it was fun to win the State Championship. Our son’s goal was to play Division I ball, Ronnie Powell and his coaching staff has help make this dream come true. We are looking forward to watching Grant play ball at The Citadel in 2008; we feel a BIG thank you goes to the Cary Bulls for helping make this dream come true!
Ric and Jan Richards

Grant finished his High School career as the starting catcher for Cardinal Gibbons High School. Grant began his College baseball career with the Citadel in the 2008 season.

Grant (04-05)

I am so proud and grateful that my son, Hunter, had the opportunity to play baseball for the Cary Bulls. He was privileged to play for two years under the guidance and watchful eyes of the Bulls coaching staff. In making the conscious decision to play Jr. American Legion baseball, not only did Hunter have the opportunity to learn baseball and life skills (leadership, synergy, perseverance) from an outstanding coaching staff, but he had a wonderful chance to play baseball and become friends, for what I believe to be a lifetime, with some very fine young men –young men, whom I might add, play baseball at local rival schools. As a baseball player Hunter’s skills certainly improved at the positions he played. His confidence in playing the game grew tremendously. He matured from being a middle infielder/pitcher who thought he should be out on the field in those positions to a player who knew he should be there playing as a teammate of very talented Bulls baseball players. He, nor I, would ever trade these two summers for anything. We had the times of our lives in the gift of this baseball opportunity. Hunter made a very wise choice and I would encourage others to do likewise. I highly endorse this baseball program and embrace the philosophy of Coach Ron Powell and his staff!
Carole Carr

Hunter finished his HS career as the starting shortstop for Cary High School.

Hunter (06-07)

Our Son, Brian Rhino, has played for the American legion for several years. He first started off playing for the Cary JR Legion Bulls for two seasons and the continued on to Senior Legion. Playing for the Bulls as well as the Senior legion team has been a joy not only for my son but for my wife and I. It has been a real pleasure to see Brian perform every night in the summer being led by great coaches, role models, and leaders as Neal Woodall, Clay Council, Ronnie Powel, and Harold Kelly are. They do not only coach the young men but they teach them about the true meaning of baseball. Any Parent should be proud for their son to be a Cary Bull. We highly recommend playing for this first class program.

Tim and Julie Rhino

Brian began his collegiate baseball at UNCW in the 2009 season.

Brian (06-07)

I strongly recommend the Bulls program to any player who loves the game and has the talent to qualify for the program. The Bulls embody everything that is great about the game of baseball (teamwork, dedication, patriotism etc..). My son James would not trade the three summers he spent with the Cary Bulls for anything. For a kid that loves the game, the opportunity to play and learn seven games a week with the best coaches and players in the Raleigh area is an extraordinary opportunity. The objective of the Bulls is to develop young players, by that standard they are the most successful youth sports team I have encountered. My son had the chance to play for two State Champion Bulls teams, but even without the rings, the Bulls would have been a worthwhile experience.

Jim Todd

"JT" began his college baseball career at Rhodes College in Mephis, Tennessee in 2010.

James "JT" (06-08)

I would highly recommend the Cary Bulls Program to any high school baseball player or parent. My son Houston played two seasons with the Bulls and I can honestly say those two seasons made him not only a better baseball player but a better young man and greatly contributed to his success in high school. If your son has aspirations of playing at the college level, playing for the Bulls is a must. From the pre-game routine, to the 50+ game schedule, to playing for a state champion almost every year, to the player/parent exit interview at the end of the season with the coaching staff, the Cary Bull Program is top notch. Coach Powell and his staff do a great job identifying the strengths of each player and then putting that player in situations to be successful. Parents - don’t think you have to spend night in hotels, buy uniforms, and spend big bucks for your son to play “travel ball” to be seen by college coaches. Without question, the Bulls program produces college players. If your son has the talent to play at the next level, Coach Powell will personally contact college coaches to ensure he gets seen and gets an opportunity.

“Once a Bull, Always a Bull” - once the season is over and the players return to their high schools, the Bulls players stay in touch and remain teammates/friends for life. In addition, Coach Powell and Coach Kelly follow their players. Both Coach Powell and Coach Kelly attended several high school football games each year to see Houston play and attended countless high school baseball games. Even when Coach Powell did not attend, I always received a call to see how Houston and the team did.

Although Houston chose to attend Cornell University and play football, he was offered a Division I baseball scholarship as a direct result of playing for the Cary Bulls and Coach Powell’s efforts.

Ken Hawley

As a 3 sport athlete at Apex High School, Houston earned 7 varsity letters and was a 7 time Tri-8 Academic All-Conference selection. In baseball, Houston was a 3 year starter and Tri-8 All-Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore earning the Apex "Best Prospect" Award. He was a Tri-8 All-Conference selection as a Junior and Senior earning the Apex "Pitcher of the Year" Award as a Junior, and the "Most Valuable Player" Award as a senior. His career high school pitching record was 15-2. He was named to the Diamond Sports All County Sophomore team in 2007, was a member of the gold metal winning Region 3 team in the 2008 State Games of North Carolina, and was selected to the East team in the 2009 State Games of North Carolina East / West All Star Game. He played 2 seasons with the Cary Bulls winning the North Carolina Junior American Legion State Championship in 2006 and State Runner-Up in 2007. He was named to the Junior Legion State All Tournament Team in 2006 and 2007 and he was received the Cary Bulls "Best ERA" Award in 2006 and the Cary Bulls "Most Valuable Player" Award in 2007. In football, Houston was a 3 year starting quarterback, a Tri-8 All Conference selection as a senior, selected as the Apex "Offensive Player of the Year" as a senior, and passed for over 5000 yards in his career. Houston played 1 year of varsity basketball and was a starting forward. As a senior, Houston received the Apex High School "Most Valuable Male Athlete" Award. Houston is attending Cornell University in the Ivy League where he will played quarterback for the Big Red his 1st 2 seasons. Houston has now traded in his shoulder pads for a starting rotation spot on the baseball itching staff.

Houston (06-07)

The Cary Bulls baseball program provided our son with three years of fun, friendship, and development. Adam played with the 2007 Colts, 2008 State Champion Bulls, and 2009 Post 67 Senior Legion. As a UNC Greenboro red-shirt Freshman, he continues to receive moral support from all his friends in the extended Bulls baseball family. Reminding players and their parents that "baseball is the vehicle, not the destination", the Program teaches players to build character through dedication, responsibility, and respect to coaches, teammates, parents, supporters, and oneself. Along the way, players have a lot of fun while making lifelong friends and developing better baseball skills and knowledge of the game. We appreciate the program's dedicated and knowledgeable administration and coaching staff. We enthusiastically recommend the Cary Bulls program to prospective players and their parents.

Mary Ellen and Bill Boghosian

After having "Tommy John" surgery after his Sr season at Green Hope HS, Adam began his collegiate career at UNC Greenboro in 2011.

Adam (08)