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Our Impact Goes Beyond The Field
Park Ridge Jr. Hawks is more than a sports program. We're a community builder. Through youth athletics, scholarships, events & membership, we create opportunities, build character and keep local kids active, confident and connected.
Jr Hawks Tradition
More Than a Team. A Community Since 1998.
Founded by the San Hamel family in 1998, Park Ridge Jr Hawks Athletic Club is a nonprofit youth sports organization focused on long-term player development, character, and community impact. We develop athletes the right way — with fundamentals, leadership, and opportunity.
Our Legacy of Impact
Our success is measured in more than wins. From our original team, 9 of 11 players went on to play college sports, and the other two now serve the Park Ridge community as medical professionals — proof that the Jr Hawks tradition builds leaders in life, not just athletes.
Our Mission
We provide a safe, inclusive environment where young athletes learn discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Our goal is not just to build better players, but better people — while creating pathways to high school, college, and beyond.
Board Members:
- Ryne E. San Hamel - President & Co-Founder (Robert Morris University)
- Michael J. Piazza - Vice President & Original Team Member (Valparaiso University)
- Mike Grief - Treasurer
- Matt Steiger - Jr Hawks Coach & Cardinals Alum (Northern Illinois University)
- Tony Bontempo - Ravens Coach
- Jimmy Frankos - Jr Hawks Alum (Iowa University Player & Coach)
- Bill San Hamel Jr. - Board Member - (Bradley University) Current Bellarmine College Prep Varsity Coach & Guidance Counselor (CA)
Directors:
Joe Mazzuca - Baseball
Lauren Grief - Softball
Serving Youth Sports in Park Ridge
More Than a Team. A Community.
More Than a Team. A Community.
More Than a Team. A Community.
Park Ridge Jr. Hawks Athletic Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing young athletes while strengthening our local community.
Through sports, we provide structure, mentorship, and leadership development that builds confident, resilient kids — on and off the field.
Our Impact in Park Ridge
More Than a Team. A Community.
More Than a Team. A Community.
Through Jr Hawks Baseball, Ravens Softball, and Cardinals Baseball, we provide:
- Skill development and competitive opportunities
- Mentorship from dedicated volunteer coaches
- Safe, structured environments for youth athletes
- Leadership and character development
- Preparation for high school and college athletics
But our mission goes beyond
Through Jr Hawks Baseball, Ravens Softball, and Cardinals Baseball, we provide:
- Skill development and competitive opportunities
- Mentorship from dedicated volunteer coaches
- Safe, structured environments for youth athletes
- Leadership and character development
- Preparation for high school and college athletics
But our mission goes beyond the field. We're helping shape the next generation of leaders in our town.
Keeping Youth Sports Accessible
More Than a Team. A Community.
Powered by Volunteers, Pro Trainers & Community Support
As a nonprofit club, we work to ensure financial circumstances never prevent a child from playing.
Your support helps us provide:
- Scholarships & financial assistance for families in need
- Equipment, uniforms, and training resources
- Field and facility costs
- Program development and coaching support
No child should miss the chance to play because of cost.
Powered by Volunteers, Pro Trainers & Community Support
Powered by Volunteers, Pro Trainers & Community Support
Powered by Volunteers, Pro Trainers & Community Support
Jr Hawks is built on the time, energy, and passion of:
- Volunteer coaches
- Parent volunteers
- Professional trainers
- Community partners
- Local sponsors
Together, we create opportunities for kids to grow on and off the field. Jr. Hawks is built by the community, for the community.
Why It Matters
Powered by Volunteers, Pro Trainers & Community Support
Why It Matters
Youth sports teach lessons that last a lifetime:
Discipline. Teamwork. Leadership. Resilience. Confidence.
We are proud to be an organization that helps shape not just better athletes — but better people.
Youth sports don’t just build athletes — they build future adults.
Get Involved
Powered by Volunteers, Pro Trainers & Community Support
Why It Matters
You can help us continue our mission by:
- Becoming a Sponsor
- Making a Donation
- Volunteering
- Supporting our events
Together, we’re building athletes, leaders, and a stronger community.
Be part of something bigger than sports.
Leadership That Guides The Path
Joe Mazzuca
Joe Mazzuca graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1999. As a senior, Joe was the Holy Cross High School team MVP and East Suburban Catholic Conference MVP. Joe earned his Bachelor;s degree in Science at Northern Illinois University and was named Verizon's Academic Scholar, all while managing to break the school's RBI record, tying the hits record, being recognized as team MVP, and making the Conference All Tournament team. In June 2003, he was drafted in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Florida Marlins. After 2 years of playing in the Marlins Organization, Joe was recruited to play in the Italian Baseball League. He won numerous Italian league championships with multiple teams. He was named the 2014 finals MVP. Joe participated with team Italy in the 2009 World Baseball Classic and was also part of team Italy's 2010 European Cup Championship team. Joe retired from playing in 2016.
Lauren Grief
Lauren Greif graduated from Lane Tech High School in 2017. During her senior year she helped lead her team to a class 4A Regional Championship. Lauren continued her softball career at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During her freshman year, she won the 2018 Alverno Newcomer of the Year award. Lauren is currently in her last year of college and plans to graduate in May with a degree in Business Management with a Communication minor. Lauren is also as Assistant Coach at her alma mater Alverno College.