News

Schaumburg softball league pays tribute to slain player, coach

Posted May 13, 2009 11:00 pm

By Jamie Sotonoff

Roses are left at home plate in honor of Laura Engelhardt, the catcher for the Blizzard softball team, and her dad Al, the team's first base coach. The two died April 17. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

The Schaumburg Athletic Association's softball league honored the memory of Al and Laura Engelhardt during its opening day ceremony this month, the first of many tributes planned this summer for the slain father-and-daughter from Hoffman Estates.

Laura Engelhardt, a Conant High School senior, was a catcher on the Blizzard softball team and her dad, Al, was the first base coach. They shared a love of the game, and family members describe the two as best friends.

Laura, 18, Al, 57, and Laura's grandmother Marlene Gacek, 73, were all fatally stabbed April 17 during an attack in their home. D'Andre "Dre" Howard, the fiance of Laura's older sister, Amanda, has been charged with the murders.

During the league's opening day ceremony May 2, both Laura and Al's softball jerseys were carried during the parade of team banners.

Prayers were said, and then teammates tearfully laid roses on home plate and at first base.

Among the many gestures of sympathy and remembrance, Blizzard team members sold bracelets that said "Never Forgotten - Laura (heart) Al," with proceeds donated to the Engelhardt family fund. Throughout the season, Blizzard team members will wear purple shoelaces to call attention to domestic violence.

Al's wife and Laura's mother, Shelly Engelhardt, attended the event, as did Laura's brother and Al's son, Jeff Engelhardt, 20.

Since Laura was only a few weeks away from graduating from Conant, school officials are planning tributes to her during prom and graduation. Additionally, her friends have contacted a few TV shows - including Laura's favorite, American Idol - to see if any sort of tribute to Laura and Al is possible.

Maria Scavo, 17, of Schaumburg, holds a rose to place at home plate in memory of their friend and teammate, Laura Engelhardt. The Conant High School senior and her dad, Al Engelhardt, the team's first base coach, were both killed last month. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Sarah Chase, 19, assistant coach Randy Hoppensteadt, Alyssa Hoppensteadt, 18, and Caitlin Busch, 19, bow their heads and pray for the family of Laura and Al Engelhardt during a tribute to the father-and-daughter duo. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Surrounded by friends, family and the entire Schaumburg Athletic Association softball league, Shelly and Jeff Engelhardt place roses at home plate and first base in memory of Laura and Al Engelhardt, who were both killed April 17. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Members of the Blizzard softball team get ready to parade the jerseys that belonged to slain player and coach, Laura and Al Engelhardt, on May 2. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Blizzard teammate Caitlin Busch, 19, of Hoffman Estates, places a rose at home plate where catcher Laura Engelhardt played before she was killed last month. The team honored Laura, as well as her father, Al, a coach, during opening ceremonies. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.