Tacoma Athletic Commission

Dedicated to Sports and Civic Betterment P.O. Box 11304 Tacoma, WA 98411 Newsletter of the Tacoma Athletic Commission December 2020 - Volumne 1 - Number 4 TAC Founded in December 1942 Message from Jim Merritt, President Upcoming Meetings

Dear Valued TAC Members and Guest, December 10, 2020 @ noon Welcome to the fourth month of the 2020/21 Tacoma Athletic Commission's year. We are all disappointed January 14, 2021 @ noon the high school and college athletic seasons are still influx due to the pandemic. We applaud all the school officials who are working hard to get their student- January 21, 2021 @ 5:30 PM athletes back in action. Our hearts go out to the 34 high schools and four local colleges and universities impacted by the pandemic. We wish all affected February 11, 2021 @ noon students, coaches, athletic directors, principals, and governing bodies the best. The Executive Secretary, February 18, 2021 @ 5:30 PM Bill White, sent notes of encouragement to all Athletic Directors and Principals to maintain communication during this time of uncertainty. We ______will continue to keep members up-to-date as we move into 2021 on any developments in return to play for local athletics. Upcoming Speakers

Please tune in next Thursday at noon for the TAC monthly meeting. We are excited to have Craig Hill December - Craig Hill speak at the meeting. January - TBD I would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday. While we might not be able to gather in person as we have done in the past due to the pandemic, I hope you will February - TBD find ways to treasure family and friends' friendship. ______Executive Committee

Jim Merritt, President; Sandy Snider, Past President; Terry Ziegler, Finance; Willie Stewart, AOY; Jay Stricherz, Past President Speakers Needed for January through June

The TAC has been blessed with great speakers over the years. We NEED your help. As members, can you suggest possible speakers for the upcoming meetings? Please send your suggestions to [email protected]. We appreciate your efforts in finding great speakers for our monthly meetings. Thank you for your help and support.

Craig Hill Former TNT Journalist to Speak at December Meeting

CRAIG HILL Craig Hill grew up aspiring to be a TNT sportswriter. “Even as a kid, I knew this was a special collection of talent,” Hill said. “Joining that team was a dream come true.” The TNT hired Hill in ’96 while he was still attending WSU. He found his niche covering the Cougars’ 1997 Rose Bowl run. His coverage of college, pro and local sports earned five national writing awards, including first place for sports news reporting from the Associated Press Sports Editors. He covered Olympics, Super Bowls, Final Fours, Rose Bowls and, in 2004, he helped launch the TNT’s first standalone outdoor section.

The Football Pool for the Apple Cup, which became UW vs. Utah! By Doug McArthur The TAC was the big winner @ $1,000. Angie Eichholtz won the top prize in the pool which was UW and Utah (no Cougars) when the Huskies scored with 36 ticks left on the clock. Her reward was $750. Mario Marsillo, Britanny Cure and Kirk Dornan won the first three quarters and took home $250 each. ATTAWAY to all!

The TAC Needs You! The Tacoma Athletic Commission is seeking a Vice- President, which begins immediately. Additionally, the Executive Secretary position is open. If your are interested in either position, please contact President Jim Merritt at [email protected]. We are excited to share the great news that the Seattle Mariners recently donated one of the jerseys worn by Seattle Mariners prospects in Tacoma at Cheney Stadium which served as the 2020 Alternate Site during the COVID-19 pandemic season. The entire major league season was historic and to have the top minor league players working out at Cheney Stadium

This jersey was autographed on the back by the following players: Julio Rodriguez, Alberto Rodriguez, Traylor Trammell, Joey Gerber, Cal Raleigh, Zach DeLoach, Tyler Keenan, Kaden Polcovich, Juan Then, Emerson Hancock and Noelvi Marte. Expect to see some of these names on the major league roster next year.

Thanks to the longtime relationship cultivated by Clay Huntington over the years, we’ve been fortunate to conduct State Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at Safeco/T-Mobile ballpark for a number of years. Adding this jersey to the museum is collection is just another “tip of the cap” to Clay.

By Marc Blau

P.S. Don’t ask me to identify which autograph is which. If these were from players 50 years ago, no problem. Today’s players? Forget it.

Thanks to the Seattle Mariners, the Tacoma Rainiers, and the Shanaman Sports Museum! TAC Committee Reports Thank you to the following committees for their great work: Membership; Athlete of the Year (AOY); Tribute to Champions; Golden Gloves; Doug McArthur Celebrity Tournament; and the Grants Committee

The Athlete of the Year (AOY) Committee - Greg Plancich reports there are no updates with the Golden Gloves will meet on Wednesday December , 9, 2020 Tournament. at 5:30 PM via Zoom. Chair, Willie Stewart - Kevin Jenkins wrote and said he send an agenda in the next few days to hopes to have an update on the Doug McArthur Celebrity Golf Tournament in committee members . January. -The Membership Committee is still Willie thanks all searching for a Chair. In addition, President members of the AOY Merritt hopes to find a chair for the School Committee for their Connector Program. If you are interested in great work in the past. either position, please let Jim Merritt know.

By Marc Blau

The Tribute to Champions is currently scheduled to be held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center on Mon., May 10th. We already have over 700 reservations and can accommodate up to 1100 HOWEVER, if social distancing is still required/recommended then we have made arrangements to hold the event in the Tacoma Dome. That, in itself, should be an interesting experience.

For that reason, we are in need of additional funding to pull this event off, to the tune of about $15,000 in order to break even. So, if you have any connections and can help in that regard, it would be appreciated. Contact Marc Blau at 253-677-2872. Tacoma Athletic Commission P.O. Box 11304 Tacoma, WA 98411

Website: https://www.tacomaathletic.com

Contact TAC: [email protected]

Dedciated to Sports and Civic Betterment Rob Tillotson - Thanks for your Outstanding Service

The Executive Committee thanks Rob Tillotson for his outstanding service as President and Past-President of the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Rob served two terms as TAC President and two years as Past President. Rob’s involvement in the TAC is legendary. His affable, fun-loving, and sociable attitude made a difference within the organization. As a trusted member of the Executive Committee, Rob worked to secure funding from Names Foundation as well as writing the yearly reports to meet the expectations of the Names Foundations. Also, he was deeply involved with the Tom Names Salute to Sports events by organizing the cater for the event and for hiring sound technicians. Beyond those responsibilities, Rob negotiated with Propel Insurance to ensure that the TAC had liability insurance. Finally, it was Rob’s knowledge and wisdom that allowed the organization to work smoothly over the past five years. It is with great honor that the Executive Committee honors Rob for his outstanding service to the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Rob, you made a big difference. From Past President Sandy Snider

Thank you for your leadership and mentoring me to succeed you as the President of the TAC. You actually grew on me like a fungus, and I actually enjoyed you, your sense of humor, and friendship. We appreciate everything that you’ve done for our organization, especially with the connection to the Names Family and their various Foundations. You are missed by all that had the pleasure of getting to know you. Sandy Vindivich Snider - aka Mrs. Steve Snider

Thank you, Rob Thanks to the Executive Committee

It goes without saying that the heartbeat of the Tacoma Athletic Commission are its members and the Executive Committee. The members of the Executive Committee (Jim Merritt, Sandy Snider, Terry Ziegler, Willie Stewart, and Jay Stricherz) are extraordinary volunteers who make a difference in the life of the organization. They are talented and accomplished in everything they do. A BIG THANK YOU goes to Jim, Sandy, Terry, Willie, and Jay who have made a significant commitment to help amateur athletics thrive in Pierce County. Thank you to the following members who have paid their dues for the 2020-21 year and to our Lifetime Members.

If you have paid and your name does not appear, please contact Bill White ASAP Christine Akamatsu Frank Dacca Tony Anderson– Lifetime Jen Doehne Mark Aucutt Kirk Doman – Lifetime Dr. Bill Baarsma Dan Druzianich – Lifetime Tom Baker Len Eddinger John Bargren Chris Egan Larry Bartz Angie Eicholtz Terry Beckstead Nick Engles – Lifetime Harry Beggs Adria Farber Diane Bendixon Dick Ferguson Karl Benson – Lifetime Richard Berndt Bob Frey Hugh Birgenheier Dave Frick – Lifetime Marc Blau Par Garlock Gary Brooks – Lifetime Don Gustafson Doug Cail Amy Hackett David Campbell Matt Haner Wayne Carlson Dick Hannula Phil Carter Bob Hanson – Tower Lanes Cotton Clark Vern Harkins Frank Colarusso Jonathan Harris Jack Connelly – Lifetime George Haskins Gayle Hazen – Lifetime Doug McArthur – Lifetime Shannon Heinrick Duncan McMillan Christopher Herchold Claudia Merritt Minh Ahn Hodge - Lifetime Jim Merritt Ralph Hodge – Lifetime Mark Miniger Edward Horne Jeanne Naccarato – Tower Lanes Bertil Johnson Names Family Foundation – Lifetime Kevin Johnson Bill Nelson Preston T. Jones, Jr. – Lifetime Richard Nelson John Judy – Lifetime Jim O’Hern John Kennedy – Lifetime Bill Parker Dave Kerrone Adams Parks Alan Kollar – Lifetime Loyd Percy John Kouklis Frank Petrino Gary Larson Greg Plancich – Lifetime Dave Lawson Aaron Pointer Kevin Leary – Lifetime Michael Porter Clarence Leingang Jack Price Charlie Littman Steven Query Arnold Lytle Barney Rapp – Lifetime Mario Marsillo – Lifetime Aaron Roetcisoender Terry Rice Ed Tingstad, Jr. – Lifetime Sam Ring Mark Tingstad Harvey Rosen Nick Tucci Ronald Rosi Ray Velkers Gary Ross Suzanne Vick Alexander Schilter Jack Warnick James Schmitz Dan Watson Ardith Schrag – Lifetime Pat Weber Linda Shelton Bill Westerfield Sandy Snider Jeff Whalley – Lifetime Paul Sopak John Whalley – Lifetime Dan Spriestersbach Bill White Willie Stewart Brandon White Ken Stortini Justin White Jay Stricherz Leslie White Judith Ann Taut John Wohn Tim Thomsen Robert Young – Lifetime Wayne Thronson Jackie Zieg Rob Tillotson- - Lifetime Terry Ziegler - Lifetime

From the Executive Committee Thank you! On behalf of all the Tacoma Athletic Commission members, we would like to extend our thanks to all of the athletic administrators in the Tacoma and Pierce County area. We are truly blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to partner with you, your athletes, and schools. Many of us are former and current school administrators, coaches, referees, and athletic directors. Your work provides you an excellent opportunity to create a great learning environment for your students. Your work is extraordinary. We understand the last nine months have been challenging and excruciating, but we know that you have persevered even under the most perplexing and difficult situations. Thank you for your service and for dedicating yourselves to educational and civic betterment. Thank you for being there for the kids! We genuinely appreciate all that you do for amateur athletics. Aaron Radford – Bonney Lake HS Katie Redman – Steilacoom HS Al Hagen – Concordia Christian Academy Kelly Kirk – Sumner HS Amanda Lattin – Bethel HS Kelly Susee – Puyallup HS Beth Wing – Tacoma Baptist School Kevin Meines – Bellarmine Prep Blair Suek – Steilacoom HS Marty Parkhurst – Orting HS Bob Werner – Gig Harbor HS Melissa Hayes – Stadium HS Bre Giove – Clover Park HS Mike Finch – Annie Wright Schools Pam Spitzer Olson – Washington HS Brooke Wilkinson – Spanaway Lake HS Peter Collins – Rogers HS Chris Gibson – White River HS Phil Bunkowske – Evergreen Lutheran Curtis Fletcher – Lincoln HS Reynelda Solitaire – Foss HS DJ Heltsley – Cascade Christian Schools Rhonda Stinson – Mount Tahoma HS Gary Larson – Lakes HS (Member) Ross Filkins – Peninsula HS Gavin Kralik – Eatonville HS Scott Halasz – Chief Leschi HS Jesse Kase – Emerald Ridge HS Shane Nixon – Fife HS Jesse McNeil – Franklin Pierce HS Suzanne Vick – Curtis HS (Member) John Kellett – Life Christian Academy Thom Duncanson – Graham-Kapowsin HS Johnny Lee – Wilson HS Tyler Francis – Charles Wright Academy

Thanks to the College and University A.D’s. District AD’s Suzanne Vick – University Place Schools (Long Time - Amy Hackett – University of Puget Sound Member) James Neil – Tacoma Public Schools (Long Time (Long Time Member) Member) - Duncan Stevenson – Pierce College (Long Tim Thomsen – Sumner-Bonney Lake Schools (member) Time Member) Wendy Malich – Franklin Pierce Schools – Long Time - Jen Thomas – Pacific Lutheran University Member) Jim Meyerhoff – Puyallup School District - Jason Prenovost – Tacoma Community Bryan Streleski – Bethel School District College Brian Tovey – Peninsula Schools Chris Gibson White River Schools To The Officials and Referees - Thank you!

During the season of gratitude, appreciation and thanks we would like to extend our indebtedness to the unsung heroes of amateur athletics. They are occasionally vilified, treated poorly, or disparaged, but without them there would be NO high school or college athletics. The referees and officials who commit and dedicate their time to honing their skills and providing the framework for athletic contests by calling fair and bias free contest, the TAC gives you our utmost and heartfelt thanks. We hope you have persevered during the pandemic, and we can’t wait to have you back in actions making amateur athletics reign supreme again in the Tacoma and Pierce County area. Thanks goes to the following referees and officials: Football, , , , Boys’ and Girls’ Cross-Country, Boys’ and Girls’ Golf, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, Boys’ and Girls’ , Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field, Boys’ and Girls’ Wrestling, Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming & Diving, Boys’ and Girls’ , Cheerleading, Bowling, Gymnastics, Boys’ and Girls’ Water Polo, Drill and Dance, and Lacrosse.

From the TAC: We are grateful for your service

Happy Holidays to all TAC Members, Athletic Directors, Coaches, Students, Referees, and anyone who makes amateur athletics possible. Thank you to the W.I.A.A. and the Executive Board Thank you to the W.I.A.A. for their planning and organization of amateur athletics in the State of Washington. Their work during the pandemic to figure out how to the keep the student-athletes active and engaged is appreciated. Their organization of state tournaments, guidelines for “Fair Play”, ongoing coaching clinics, and professional development for all coaches and athletic administrators is valued by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Thank you to everyone at the W.I.A.A. and all members of the Executive Board for their outstanding work.

W.I.A.A Staff

MICK HOFFMAN Incoming Executive Director CINDY ADSIT Assistant Executive Director ANDY BARNES Assistant Executive Director B.J. KUNTZ Assistant Executive Director JUSTIN KESTERSON Assistant Executive Director LEAH FRANCIS Director of Finance and Operations ANDY KNAPP Director of Marketing, Promotions, & Corporate Partners Strengthening all students for life through participation in excellent, fair, safe, and accessible activities. CASEY JOHNSON Sports & Activities Information Director

AARON ROETCISOENDER With integrity we will: Production Coordinator • Ensure respect for all individuals and communities by valuing others, treating them with dignity, and promoting ethical SAM BROWN behavior in all activities. Eligibility Coordinator • Provide a safe environment where participants pursue positive relationships and healthy activities. JENNETTA BLAKE • Challenge all students to attain personal academic excellence Project Coordinator through participation, competition, and teamwork. • Provide access to equitable, fair, and diverse activities. SAMANTHA JOSE • Strengthen character, build confidence, and maximize potential Project Coordinator through sportsmanship, leadership, and service.