Passing of Richard Van Volkinburg - UPS Football Hall of Fame














Passing of Richard Van Volkinburg - UPS Football Hall of Fame![]() The Logger great, Rich Van Volkinburg, passed away Friday, 8 April, at the age of 70. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, 23 April, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hoquiam. Rich told Chris that what he was dearly hoping for, was that there would be a •big• presence of the Green & Gold at his wake. All Loggers, if it is at all possible for you, to set a choker, and get to Hoquiam on 23 April, for Rich. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() At Aberdeen High School, Rich was an All-State defensive end in 1969. At UPS, he was an immediate impact player, and was ultimately a four-year letterman. In 1972 and 1973, Rich’s play at nose guard won him AP Little All-America honorable mention recognition, and he was also named Little All-Northwest 1st-team defensive interior lineman. In 1973, Rich’s teammates voted him team co-captain, and after the season elected him Most Inspirational. In addition, in the spring of 1974 he was selected as co-winner of the UPS Athletic Department’s 1973-’74 John Heinrick Award for Most Inspirational Varsity Athlete. In 1994, Rich was inducted to the Logger Hall of Fame (along with the legendary coach, and post-War player, Bob Ryan). He had a long career as a teacher and coach in the Aberdeen public schools, and many old colleagues and students have spoken movingly of how important he was in their lives, and what a loyal friend he was. Rich was a Green & Gold Logger to his depths. In our project here of nurturing and maintaining Logger community and traditions, he was enthusiastic, and greatly helpful, over many years. He enriched so many lives, and we are deeply grateful to him. ============================= • Richard K. Van Volkinburg Jr. ’74 • Hall of Fame; Logger Captain; Most Inspirational; Logger Athletics Most Inspirational; Little All-America; Little All-Northwest 7 Nov. 1951 - 8 April 2022 ![]() ![]() |
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Week 29 RPI Rankings for Baseball, Fastpitch and SoccerAttaway! To the 8 Pierce County schools in 10 categories listed in this week’s WIAA Dairy Farmers of Washington RPI Top 10
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WIAA 2022 Week 29 Athlete of the WeekEatonville Fastpitch Softball (SR) Eatonville's senior utility player Berkeley Porter started three games last week, playing shortstop, second base, first base, and pitcher. She totaled a perfect fielding percentage and batted 8-for-10 on the week (5 singles, 2 doubles, and 1 homerun). She also pitched 10 innings, striking out 13 and garnering an 0.700 ERA. Porter is a Corban University softball commit for Fall of 2022. |
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WIAA 2022 Week 29 Athlete of the WeekSpanaway Lake Baseball (SR) Against Lincoln (Tacoma) and Washington last week, Jacob Plemmons went 2-for-4 with five RBIs, walked once, and was hit by a pitch twice. He led the charge for the Sentinels in their 13-run top of the 5th inning against Washington. He started the scoring in the inning with an RBI single and then later in the inning unloaded for his first career grand-slam. |
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April 14th Meeting - Sky Diving and Taco Bar![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() We hope that you are able to join us on Thursday for our Lunch meeting. The program will be Ali Criss – financial planner at Financial Insights by day and avid sky diver by night….well maybe not during the night. Ali will be speaking about her sky diving career. Over the years she has been a part of groups that have set state and world records for their dives. Pictured is the 2017 Women’s Upright Record and the 2018 World Upright Record. We hope you can join us on Thursday. Lunch Information: Menu: Taco bar Cost: $13 Please arrive about 11:45 to allow for some fellowship time while you are getting your lunch and finding a seat. The meeting will begin at 12:00 Zoom Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87060514322?pwd=VGtodlFvSFlFeU51eEtTRlNyM0NCdz09 Meeting ID: 870 6051 4322 Passcode: 006887 One tap mobile +12532158782,,87060514322#,,,,*006887# US (Tacoma) |
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2022 Scholarship Applications are OpenIncluded in the scholarships that the Tacoma Athletic Commission gives away each year are the Clay Huntington Sports Communications Scholarship and the Stan Naccarato Sports and Civic Betterment Scholarship. Information regarding the scholarships is available on our website at TacomaAthletic.com. Please help spread the word to this year's seniors that might be interested in applying. |
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WIAA 2022 Week 28 Athlete of the WeekSteilacoom Baseball (SR) Aidan Rady pitched a complete-game against Enumclaw for a 2-1 victory. He had 15 first-pitch strikes, six strikeouts, one walk, a WHIP of 0.71, and surrender one run on four hits over seven innings. |
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Spring 2022 TAC Meeting and Events![]() Check out the variety of meetings and events available this spring:
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Winter Athlete of the Year Program |
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Welcome to Our New Website![]() If you are not a member of the TAC we welcome you to join us at one of our lunch meeting or other events and activities that we have. A list of upcoming events can be found on the right. If you would like to keep up to date with information from the TAC, please subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the site. |
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WIAA 2022 Week 25 Athlete of the WeekCurtis Basketball (JR) Cinque Maxwell excels on and off the court. Whether it's on the basketball court, track & field, community, home, or academically. He's intelligent, kind, works hard, and a great teammate. Maxwell is a prior junior Olympian sprinter, Hershey's Award winner, Elizabeth Wesley Academic Award recipient, academic his achievement, and recently was selected to the 2nd Team All-League North Division in the 4A classification. He has also volunteered at the Rescue Mission in the past as well. This past weekend, Maxwell aided in Curtis HS's State Championship run at the 4A State Tournament, where they knocked off #1 Mount Si 52-49 in an overtime thriller. |
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President's Message - March 2022Greetings and welcome to Spring! ![]() It has been an exciting winter with many sports activities back to nearly full swing. The high school boy and girl student athletes have had the opportunity to compete. The Tacoma Dome hosted the Mat Classic and the Hardwood Classic to wrap up the wrestling and basketball seasons. Doug McArthur put together the March Madness pool and we are right now in the middle of the “road to the Final Four”. Hope you have the winning numbers. The Winter Athlete of the Year program was just completed through ZOOM. Congratulations to all the nominees. Congratulations are also in order to the FOUR State Champions from Pierce County this Winter Season:
What a season!!! Have a great Spring. |
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WIAA 2022 Week 24 Athlete of the WeekChief Leschi Basketball (SR) Pluff is a leader on and off the court. She is helping lead her team to State for the first time in Chief Leschi history. The senior was also recently selected on the 1st team all-conference, to along with receiving her 1,000-point ball. She plans to continue her education and basketball career at Edmonds College next year. |
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WIAA 2022 Week 23 Athlete of the WeekCurtis Wrestling (SO) Sierra Wangen hasn't let a 2019 scoliosis diagnosis keep her from accomplishing her goals. Prescribed a brace to wear 16-20 hours a day, but cleared to participate in sports. Wangen continued to fearlessly participate in running and wrestling, taking her brace to meets with her throughout the following two years. As a member of the Curtis Girls' Wrestling Team, Wangen competed at 120-125 lbs. during the 2021-22 season, won her sub-regional, placed 3rd in her region, and placed 3rd at State at 120 lbs; helping lead Curtis to a 3rd place Mat Classic finish. The 14-year old sophomore is also a varsity cross country runner on the track team. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and is working towards a 2nd varsity letter in community service, serviing meals at a local homeless shelter and fostering cats through the local humane society. |
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WIAA 2022 February Team of the MonthThe Gig Harbor team went to Nationals in Orlando, Florida for the first time ever in the dance team's almost 20 years of existence. They automatically advanced to the finals at Nationals and then placed 9th in Small Varsity Hip Hop at DTU Nationals. The team is currently the highest scoring dance and hip hop at the State-level. The girls have placed first at every single invitational and received the highest overall - while maintaining high grades and leaders at their school. The team believes sportmanship and uplifting others is #1, so at Nationals they also cheered, supported, and celebrated with fellow Nationals team Tumwater HS, showing the entire showcase that Washington State truly celebrates sportsmanship, humbelness, and sense of unity. Additionally, Gig Harbor has fought through so much adversity with not having a team for two years, but they have worked very hard to be successful. They also give back and spend time showing the school it is important to give back by beautifying the school grounds. Congratulations to such a dedicated and passionate team with so much potential. |
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WIAA 2022 February Team of the MonthThe Orting HS team dominated at February's Mat Classic XXXIII State Wrestling Tournament with 6 State Individual Champions, 10 total podium placers, and a 2A State Championship Title. The team members and coaches also dedicate, volunteer, and support the Orting Junior Wrestling program. |
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WIAA 2022 Week 22 Athlete of the WeekCurtis Wrestling (JR) Gressett recently won his first regional wrestling tournament and is entering the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament in 4A with an undefeated record. This is after finishing last year with a 12-13 record. The junior also holds a 3.53 GPA and is in a leadership role with the Curtis HS Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). |
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WIAA 2022 Week 21 Athlete of the WeekTANNER WILSON Sumner Swim & Dive (SO) At last week's West Central District III 4A Boys Swimming Finals, Sophomore Tanner Wilson captured second place and a State-qualifying time in two events (100 fly - 51.71 and 100 breaststroke - 59.88), while breaking a 25-year Sumner HS record in the 100 fly. |
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Fall Athlete of the Year Video - Premier 2/24 at 5:30 |
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WIAA 2022 Week 21 Athlete of the WeekRogers (Puyallup) Gymnastics (SR) Johnson has been dominating the vault this season, winning first place in every meet except one. In a five school competition against Puyallup HS, Emerald Ridge HS, Capital HS, and Enumclaw HS, she placed 1st on vault (9.35), 2nd on bars (8.05), 3rd on floor (9.4), 5th on beam (8.25), and 2nd in the all-around (35.05). |
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WIAA 2022 Week 19 Athlete of the WeekSumner Basketball (SR) The senior captain helped propel the Sumner basketball team to four-straight victories in five games, with many key players sidelined for various reasons. The wins were against Bethel, Bellarmine Prep, Emerald Ridge, and South Kitsap. He scored 90 points over the five games and also pulled down 55 rebounds. He also holds a 3.95 cumulative GPA. |
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WIAA's 2021 Week 13 Athlete of the WeekLee has accomplished so much, on and off the field, leading the way volunteering at community events and coaching youth sports. He has been selected to be part of the Gridirion Elite program the last two years, along with being choosen to play in a fundraiser tournament for a coach he respected who lost the battle of cancer. In the last year of high school, Lee has totaled five games with more than 100 rushing yards leading to 1,300 all-purpose yards and a school-record 11 touchdowns. The senior ran for a career-high 192 yards on 20 carries in the State Championship game, where the Eagles knocked off Lake Stevens 44-7. He was selected as the sportsmanship winner in the game for his school. |
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Locker Room Chat: Mt. Tahoma T-Birds 1979 and 1980 State Champion Football TeamsThe Shanaman Sports Museum invites you to sit back and enjoy the upcoming interview on The Locker Room Chat featuring the Mt. Tahoma 1979 and 1980 State Champion Football Teams. The Locker Room Chats are a video interview series that highlights athletes, coaches, officials, teams and great events, moments and accomplishments in the history of sports in Tacoma-Pierce County. Click on the following link this Sun., December 12th at 12 noon as Jay Stricherz interviews members of the Mt. Tahoma T-Birds 1979 and 1980 State Champion Football Teams. |
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WIAA 2021 Week 12 Athlete of the WeekCongratulations Kevin Wulff, Eastonville Football, WIAA's Week 12 Athlete of the Week. Wulff accounted for 411 yards of total offense in Eatonville's 38-6 win over Lynden Christian in last week's Semifinal football game. He was 13 of 16 passing for 324 yards and connected on two touchdowns. He added 21 carries for 87 yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. Eatonville will face Royal for the 1A State Title at Harry E. Lang Stadium, on 12/4 at noon. |
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2021 Football State Championship GameCongratulations to Graham-Kapowsin and Eatonville for winning their semi-finals game last weekend. They will both be playing on Saturday for the State Championship. Graham-Kapowsin will be playing on Saturday at 4:00 at Mt. Tahoma High School and Eatonville will be playing at Harry Lang Stadium next to Clover Park High School. Tickets for both games are available via the WIAA's website. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for students, seniors, and military. |
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Giving Tuesday 2021![]() Giving Tuesday will be November 30th this year. A day when people around the world unite for a worldwide celebration of generosity. GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together through generosity in all its forms by sharing acts of kindness and giving their voice, time, money, goods, and advocacy to support communities and causes. This year, all funds donated to the Tacoma Athletic Commission will go toward our Youth Sports Fund. We recognize that you have a lot of organizations that you can support, please consider a donation to the TAC, 100% of the funds will be utilized to help support amateur athletes and sports in Pierce County. You may donate on our website or by mailing a check. Click here to donate online. You will be taken to our online membership page, which is also our online donation page. In the first drop down select donation, enter your information, and then you will be taken to a second page for processing the charge. If you would like to mail a check to the TAC, please send it to: PO Box 11304, Tacoma, WA 98411 Thank you for your support of the Tacoma Athletic Commission, dedicated to amateur sports and civic betterment in Pierce County. |
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Santa Parade 2021![]() ![]() Santa Clause is coming to town for a visit on December 5th. The South Tacoma Business Association is going to have their 8th annual Santa Parade. It will be an afternoon of festivities starting at 2:30. There will be over 50 vendors, food trucks, live music and more. The parade will be between 50th and 56th on South Tacoma Way starting at 4:30. The TAC will be represented in the parade with Willie Stewart as the Grand Marshal and we will have students that have been nominated for our Fall Athlete of the Year that will be riding in classic cars. Come out and join in the festivities ![]() |
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Speaker January 13, 2022![]() Our speaker for the January meeting will be Mike Snyder, Athletic Director at PLU. Mike Snyder was named PLU's Director of Athletics and Recreation, following a national search in May 2021. "I'm thrilled to welcome Mike to the Lute family," said PLU President Allan Belton. "He brings proven experience and an exciting vision for PLU athletics and recreation that will build on tradition, focus on the student experience, and elevate the national profile of Lute athletics. Mike was the overwhelming choice of the hiring committee made up of students, staff, faculty, and alumni." Snyder heads to Tacoma after spending the previous seven years as Director of Athletics at fellow Division III institution Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. While at Illinois College, Snyder oversaw an athletic department with 23 varsity sports and nearly 500 student-athletes. Snyder's tenure saw IC tally its highest-ever finish in the Midwest Conference All-Sport Standings, as well as an institutional record for All-Conference athletes. A proven leader, Snyder oversaw $4 million worth of capital projects, including renovations to the College's baseball and softball stadiums, the resurfacing of its indoor track, and a weight room renovation and expansion. He also spearheaded a proactive Title IX audit that led to a plan for equitable operations, created innovative varsity programs in esports and competitive dance and cheer, and negotiated sponsorship deals with Collegiate Sports Management Group, Gatorade, BSN Sports, and two charter bus companies. Prior to Illinois College, Snyder was at Division III Oberlin College (Ohio) from 2008 to 2014. Snyder served in a variety of progressive leadership roles, most recently as Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations. During his time at Oberlin, Snyder supervised and coordinated capital facility projects, negotiated sponsorships, hired and supervised coaches, and managed a multi-million dollar budget across 22 varsity programs and 10 administrative departments. He previously served as Oberlin's Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations, and Director of Facilities. Prior to his time at Oberlin, Snyder served as Operations Manager and Events Supervisor for Southeast Missouri State University's Show Me Center. Snyder is an active member of several professional organizations, including CEFMA. He is also active in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), and NADIIIAA. Currently, Snyder is a part of a NCAA group for Sportsmanship and Gameday Environment called "Gameday the DIII Way" and is the NADIIIAA Executive Board Representative to the Division III FAR Advisory Group. Snyder earned a bachelor's degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in public administration from Southeast Missouri State. |
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President's Message November 2021
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WIAA 2021-22 October Team of the Month![]() Congratulations to two Pierce County teams that were selected as the WIAA's Team of the Month for the month of October. For 3A, Stadium Girls Golf and for 1A, Eatonville Football
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Meet New Member Lauralee Hagen
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WIAA 2021-22 Week 9 Athlete of the Week |
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PLU Updates |
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WIAA's 2021-22 Athlete of the Week
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MembershipWe would like to thank all our members for your continued support. If you are not a current member, we invite you to join the TAC. Renewing your membership or joining the TAC is simple. You can renew online with a credit card or you can complete the attached form and mail it into the TAC with your payment. Thank you to all of those that have already renewed their membership for the 2021-2022 year. Your membership in the Tacoma Athletic Commission allows us to continue to support amateur sports and civic betterment in the Tacoma-Pierce County area. With your support the TAC is able to:
Aside from recognition and scholarships, over the years the TAC has contributed to sports and the community in a numbers of ways including:
Thank you for your continued or renewed membership which supports the TAC and amateur sports in Tacoma-Pierce County. You may renew your membership online with a credit/debit card - CLICK HERE or you may complete a membership form and mail it along with your payment to the TAC at: Tacoma Athletic Commission, PO Box 11304, Tacoma, WA 98411 |
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Historical Spotlight 1
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President's Message - October 2021
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Committee Sign-up for 2021-22 year
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WIAA's 2021-22 Week 3 Athlete of the Week
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WIAA's 2021-22 Week 6 Athlete of the Week
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Salute to Sports and Spring AOY 2021The 2021 Salute to Sports Video is available to view on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efXIwJ1yI6I&t=2937s |
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2021-22 Dues are Due
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Dec 9th Speaker - Craig Wrolstad
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Speaker Nov 11th - Bob Christofferson
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Stanley's Shoemen![]() During the September 9th meeting the TAC honored the Stanley’s Shoemen, the first West Coast team to win the World Series of Amateur Baseball. Pictured are: Jim Gallwas (3b), George Grant (SS), Earl Hyder, Jim Harney (2b), Doug McArthur, Mrs. McArthur, Mrs. Hyder
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WIAA's 2021-22 Week 5 Athlete of the Week
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October 2021 Speaker - Joe Waters![]() Jumpin' Joey Waters
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President's Message - September 2021![]() Welcome to the “new” Tacoma Athletic Commission year which starts in September and runs through next August. The main reason for this calendar year is to follow the school year with our key support of high school boy and girl student athletes in all the Pierce County high schools. Karyn Siegrist, our new Executive Secretary/Director, is doing a great job and getting well versed in all the TAC activities. Karyn will be rolling out the new ClubRunner data base soon with roster information, committee activities, and other items regarding the TAC. When you see or talk to Karyn thank her for all her efforts on behalf of the TAC. Please check out the list of “standing committees” of the TAC and consider getting involved in one or more of the activities. You will find a list of the committees in this newsletter. Also, please share the invitation to join the TAC to friends, teammates, or competitors. You will find a summary of “what we do in the TAC” and a membership application also in this newsletter. To grow the TAC membership with active participation will benefit all of the sports activities we support. Thank you for being involved. See you at the next meeting at noon on October 14 at the Tower Lanes on 6th Avenue in Tacoma. -Jim Merritt |
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President's Message - August 2021![]() Greetings fellow TAC members and sports enthusiasts! As the Summer is winding down the TAC Executive Committee and Committee Chairs are busy planning for the new TAC year starting in September. The Executive Committee met early in August to plan the calendar and review programs/events as well as committee needs. Please mark Thursday, September 9th, for the noon meeting at the Tower Lanes in Tacoma. As you know, the mask mandate and COVID 19 restrictions may impact our meetings and schedule so please monitor TAC communications for updates to our programs. Karyn Siegrist, our new Executive Director/Secretary is busy installing the ClubRunner program that will provide easy access for all members to the TAC Membership Roster, Newsletter, and Website as well as many more features. Karyn will be presenting learning segments during each of our meetings so that we all are well versed with the program. Stay safe and well and we look forward to seeing you in September. -Jim Merritt |
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President's Message - July 2021![]() With the success of the newsletter this year during challenging times, it seems appropriate to continue the newsletter through the summer to communicate with members and share upcoming activities. The Executive Committee will have a meeting in August to plan the 2021-22 TAC year. If you have any suggestions please send to Karyn or me. Also, if you would like to get more involved in TAC activities on a committee or on the Executive Committee please let us know. Remember, it is all about many members doing a little bit to spread the load and make it fun for everyone. With the unknowns during the golf tournament planning phase, the annual TAC Summer Golf Tournament has been deferred to next year. If you would like to be a member of this committee please let us know. Karyn, our new Executive Director/Secretary, is off to a great start. Bill White really organized the background information well for Karyn. The main focus for Karyn during the summer is setting up the ClubRunner program to manage communications, website, and membership roster for the TAC. Also, we will be reviewing the by-laws for consideration of any modifications at a Fall meeting. Please check out the TV Tacoma schedule for the Athlete of the Year program highlighting the |
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Tribute to Champions 2021![]() The Shanaman Sports Museum's Tribute to Champions is on Monday August 23rd at the Tacoma Convention Center. This special event recognizes those in our community who have achieved the highest level in sports. They are honored for their positive contributions in the areas of sports, recreation and civic betterment. There will be a silent auction and social hour from 5:30 - 6:30 and dinner, special awards, and Hall of Fame induction from 6:30 -8:30 |