Alumni News

Fantasy Baseball, Real Bonds

It’s the Downtown Athletic Club. Not in New York, but in Eugene. Not for the Heisman Trophy presentation, but for an annual baseball draft. These are not uber-wealthy franchise owners, but pastors, a publisher, a regional sales manager, a store manager, an air traffic controller and other Beacons shining in a variety of fields. These are not the Yankees and Dodgers, or the Mariners and the Giants. These “owners” represent the McKenzie Wisox, the Boomtown Rats and the Westwood Wizards—and other names that make sense only to the participants. This is a fantasy baseball league.

Established in 1981, the fantasy league began in a campus apartment with students who attended or graduated from NCU in the early to mid-1980s. With some research, this league believes that they are the longest standing fantasy league in the western United States. Through the years, eight participants have remained constant. A few others have fallen away (including the author of this article) and others have joined. The league itself involves researching, drafting and following professional baseball players, with their statistics amounting to success or failure in the standings. Trades and injuries, slumps and career performances mark the ups and downs of ownership.

Mark Elmblade, “The Commissioner”, wrangles the group with a mix of humor and gravity. Tom Ferrari has donned an actual green jacket a record eight times, with his name affixed to a traveling trophy for each victorious year. Barry Lind ‘84 is four decades deep in the mire of defeat. Other participants (Neil DeBerry, Kevin Hastings, Dave Keeling ‘83, Dave Kleinfeldt ‘83, Jon Stock ’86, M.A. ‘88, Mark Wiley and some relative newcomers) see their names affixed to the trophy here and there. Along with trophy and jacket, the champion receives a modest financial prize in a brief ceremony. Other rituals include the singing of the Canadian national anthem—badly.

The heart of this league is not, however, about winning or even baseball. “We’re here for camaraderie. This league keeps friendships going that have lasted for thirty-nine years,” said Dave Keeling, following up his meaningful

moment with requisite smack-talk. “We would have kicked Kevin [Hastings] out of our friendship ring years ago if it weren’t for this draft. And Barry [Lind] is just here to try to learn about baseball.”

Is this league important to these players? Mark Elmblade admits, “I quit my job to do this one year.”

The teasing continues, intermingled with genuine gratitude. “I don’t like baseball. I don’t like fantasy. I don’t even like the people I’m doing this with,” insinuating quite the opposite.

Hastings says, “This is how I maintain relationship with my college friends.”

Jon Stock adds, “We love baseball, but sometimes it’s the only time we see each other.”

Hastings throws in, “Once a year is all we can take.”

The day starts with breakfast at a local restaurant, and then a caravan to the club. As the work of drafting teams begins to take form, so does an ever-flowing stream of false and misleading rumors about the pro players (“Did everyone hear that Mike Trout broke his leg?”), along with decades of lore—the famous draft selections, the infamous choices. The group remembers how the author (in 1983) drafted Matt Keough, a journeyman pitcher coming off an 11-18 season, proving naiveté and guaranteeing punchline status thirtysix years later. Some decisions echo with laughter through the halls of tradition.

Punchline or not, this reunion feels good. Whatever the enduring tie that binds, these fantasy team owners prove each year the value of life together during formative college times, as well as the ongoing value of staying connected.

1950s Richard Osburn '53 is a retired senior pastor from the Forest Grove United Church of Christ where he served for 29 years. Richard and his wife Danna have been married for 62 years they live in Gaston, Oregon Richard still leads worship and preaches every Sunday at Jennings McCall Retirement Residence in Forest Grove. 1960s Dennis Bokovoy '61 is a retired adjunct professor at Columbia Gorge Community College and Co-author of three books including: Your Guide to the Grand Canyon.

Dr. Tom Newton '67 most recently served as the Northwest Director of A Touch of Hope Ministries out of Vancouver, Washington, an organization that cares for the critically ill and their caregivers. After NCU, Tom completed a M.Div. from Lexington Theological Seminary (1970). He returned to school in 2000 for a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at George Fox University (Portand, Oregon) followed by a D.Min also from George Fox. He and his wife Diane live in Vancouver, Wash.

Dan Lawson '69 has retired from Emmanual Christian Seminary (Tennessee) after 30 years of administration. He now lives in Elizabethtown, Tennessee, with his wife Linda.

Glenn Hinman '69 is a retired private and public school teacher and principle. Glenn taught grades three through eight for 37 years and was a elementary principal for 12 years. He and his wife Antoinette have two grown children and 10 grandchildren.

1970s Rev. John Powell '72 retired as the senior pastor of Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego in 2016. He and his wife Pamela now live in Wheaton, Illinois, where their daughter and three of their nine grandchildren reside. John is currently a part-time pastor at Park View Presbyterian Church in Oak Park.

Dr. Doug Priest '74 recently presented at Oregon Christian Convention's Seniorfest in Turner, Oregon. Doug serves with Christian Missionary Fellowship International and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lisa Hausotter Veach '78 recently published Beautiful You! (Inside and Out!), a women's Bible Study, through WestBow Press, a subsidiary of Zondervan. Information can be found at www.lifeforthesoul.org or lisabveach@gmail.com.

1980s Jill Workman Anderson '85 married Dan Anderson on December 2, 2017 at Kern Park Christian Church where they first met. Jill is currently the vice president of institutional retirement and trust at Wells Fargo Bank. She and Dan live in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Dan Smith '87 is the principal at North Medford High School in Medford, Oregon. His wife Dana (Lawrence) Smith is a first grade teacher at Redwood Elementary School. They make their home in Grants Pass, Oregon, with his daughters, one of whom is finishing her senior year of college.

Albert Kreitz M.A. '88 has published an ebook entitled Partners for Life about his years working as an emergency medical technician in Los Angeles, California. The book can be found at amazon.com.

Shelly Perry '88 is a freelance photographer based out of the Portland, Oregon, area. She frequently travels around the globe on behalf of her clients. She specializes in documentary and lifestyle photography and teaches photography workshops as well. Her work can be found at www.shellyperry.com.

1990s E. Vivianna Marcel '92 is an English Language Fellow at Jissakh State Pedagogical Institute in Jizzakh Uzbekistan.

Mike Jackson '98 is an award-winning software developer at Rackspace where he builds tools that are used by front-line technicians. Mike and his wife Melanie (Horn) Jackson '01, live in Texas and have a son Gavin, 16.

Aaron Pruitt '98, M.B.A. '05 will leave his alma mater after 20 years of service. Aaron and his wife Amy '98 are relocating to Washington state.

Former faculty member Anne Maggs M.B.A. '99 recently published a book on aging with courage called I Never Died Before: A Survival Guide to Aging and Beyond. It can be found on Amazon.com. Kristina Payne '99, Executive Director of Lane Workforce Partnership, was chosen for the People's Choice Award at the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) Tech Awards in Portland, Oregon, in April 2019.

2000s Princess (Costes) Fox M.A. '04 and husband Titus welcomed a baby girl, Karlie, in early February. Princess is the Director of Student Programs at NCU and Titus has recently joined NCU staff on the facilities team. They reside with their four daughters in Veneta, Oregon.

Jarid '08 and Bethany (McAlister) McCool '08 just celebrated their 5th anniversary of ministry at Burley First Christian Church (Burley, Idaho). They reside in Rupert, Idaho.

Sarah Stalling '09 returned to campus to play in the alumni soccer match in the fall. She manages physical therapy assistants at a clinic in Reno, Nevada.

Mike Massinger '06 is the new Business Development Manager at the Oregonian Media Group. Mike lives in the Portland, Oregon, area.

Matt Salinas '06 married Anna Gilbert in June 2018. The couple writes, plays, and performs music together in Portland, Oregon.

Chris Dahlvig M.B.A. '07 and his family have returned to western Oregon where Chris has been hired as an assistant professor of business at Linfield College. He is teaching in the accounting department.

2010s Joel Brock '10 married Mercy Chep in December 2018. The couple lives in Kenya and serves with Christian Missionary Fellowship International. Joel was recently recognized as a nominee for the Young Alumnus of the Year through the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

Jonni (Byrne) Kimbambazi '10 and her husband serve with Youth With a Mission (YMAM) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She recently returned to NCU to share her missionary experiences with students interested in overseas service.

Catherine (Miller) Wilkins '10 and her husband Paul welcomed their first child Joel, on October 7, 2018. They are currently Living in Eugene, Oregon, where Paul is teaching computer science at Lane Community College.

2010s Cont'd. Travis Melvin M.A. '10 has been hired by KPD Insurance as a worker's compensation risk advisor in Eugene, Oregon.

Jenneca Crocker '10 is the Principal of Luckiamute Valley Charter School in Dallas, Oregon. She is married and is the mother of one daughter.

Joshua Samples '10, M.B.A. '12 has been promoted to AVP, Credit Administration Officer at Oregon Pacific Bank in Eugene, Oregon.

Ryan Thamm '12 works for Major League Soccer (MLS) and is a head conditioning coach for the team Real Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Kat Temple '12 completed her Master of Library Science and is now the assistant director of the Brookings Public Library in Brookings, Oregon. While at NCU, Kat worked as a library assistant.

Brody McGowan '12, M.Ed. '14 and Dana (Clark) McGowan '13, M.B.A. '14 welcomed a baby girl to the family.

Brittney (Yip) Reineke '12, M.A. '15 started a new position as a mental health therapist with Higher Ground Counseling, Inc., in Portland, Oregon. She and husband Nate reside in the Portland area and are proud parents of one son, Mateo.

Juan Guitron '12, M.B.A. '13 and his wife Megan (Baum) Guitron '15 welcomed baby Gabriel Gregor to the family on October 25, 2018. Juan and Megan live in Ammon, Idaho.

Chris Longi '13 graduated from the Police Academy and works for the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.

Jeff Wetherell '13, M.B.A. '14 is the new marketing coordinator for K Dunn & Associates, an advertising agency in Eugene, Oregon. He and his wife Stacey (Hoffman) '17 have two children.

Joe Zaludek '13 recently retired from 34 years in public service, most recently as the Eugene-Springfield (Oregon) Fire Chief, a position he held since 2017.

Staff member Stead Halstead M.B.A. '13 and his wife Sarah M.A. '15 welcomed their second son, Timothy, into their family in April 2019. Stead continues to serve NCU as the Director of Information Technology and Sarah is a mental health counselor with CAFA (Christians as Family Advocates), both in Eugene, Oregon. Angela (Riley) Dickey '14 is living in North Carolina with her husband and children. She is currently in a graduate program to become a licensed professional counselor and anticipates finishing in December 2019.

Cori (Wallace) Maguire '14 and her husband Kelly welcomed baby Micki Joanne to the world on October 25, 2018. The Maguires make their home in Davenport, Iowa.

Lars '14 and Janel (Fetters) Coburn '14 welcomed a baby girl into their family in December 2018. They reside in Glendale, California.

Jordan '14, M.A. '16 and Raquel (Vig) Miller '15, M.B.A. '16 welcomed baby boy Langston James into the world in January. The family resides on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii.

Chelsea (McGowan) Palmer '14, M.Ed. '16 and her husband welcomed a baby girl into their family in February.

Sabrina (Biggers) Bernier '14, M.B.A. '19 works for an innovative donor stewardship company called ThankView and lives with her husband in North Carolina.

Katrina Heine '14, M.B.A. '19 completed an M.B.A. at NCU in May 2019.

Hannah Frederick '15 has finished nursing school and has been hired in the Neuro ICU in the Banner health system in Arizona.

Caitlin Vargas M.B.A. '15 was recently nominated for the 2018 "20 Under 40" award by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. She works for Cornerstone Community Housing, a non-profit devoted to affordable housing, as their Community Relations Director.

Tyler '15 and Shelby (LundquistAdams) Fox '15 welcomed a baby boy into their family in December 2018. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, while Tyler attends dental school.

Nick Peloquin '15 is working as an executive search consultant for PNW Search, a firm specializing in placing accounting and finance professionals in jobs.

Samantha (Volta) Reiswig '16 and her husband Josh welcomed a new baby boy into their family and are now a family of five and live in Springfield, Oregon. Guillermo Torres Sanchez '15 has returned to NCU as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Beacons. He and his wife Jaime (Terwilliger) '16 live in the Eugene area.

Andrea Gloss '16 is pursuing nursing school at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon.

Haley Cochell '16 works for Looking Glass Services in its rural program in Cottage Grove, Oregon. She is also currently pursuing a M.A. in NCU's Clinical and Mental Health Counseling program.

Ciara Wainwright '16, M.B.A. '17 has been promoted to Human Resource and Accounting Administrator at Hilton Garden Inn, Eugene, Oregon.

Tysen Buhler '16 has returned to NCU to serve as an undergraduate admissions counselor. He and his wife Mikayla live in Harrisburg, Oregon.

Madison (Womack) Mack '16 graduated with a master's degree from University of Saint Andrews in Scotland. in June she married John Mack.

Lisa Chiles M.B.A. '16 is the vice president of operations at Samaritan Albany General Hospital and recently participated in a year-long Senior Executive Leadership program. She lives in Corvallis, Oregon.

Andrew Loyd '16 recently graduated from Fuller Seminary.

Madison (Reed) Brock '16. M.A. '19 graduated from NCU in May with a Master of Arts in School Counseling. She and husband Nathan '13 reside in Harrisburg, Oregon and recently welcomed their first child, a baby girl, into their family in June 2019.

Sarah Lawhorn '16 graduated from Pacific University with a master's degree in athletic training in May 2019.

Janelle (Richards) Madden '16 and her husband AJ welcomed a baby girl into their family in May 2016. They make their home in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Ashley (Land) Sandoval '17 is enrolled in the pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon. She married Brandon Sandoval in December 2018.

Jonathan Jury '17 has accepted a position at Pleasant Hill Middle School teaching seventh and eighth grade social science. He and his wife Bri (Wood) '19 live in Eugene, Oregon.

We want to hear from you! We want to know what you think are the best things about attending Northwest Christian. Maybe it’s the Bash-Whisler Bible Reading Competition. Maybe it is the cutting and then twinning of the ivy. Maybe it’s meeting your spouse on campus. It could be anything that made your time at Northwest Christian meaningful and fun. Once we hear from you, we will publish the 125 Best Things About Northwest Christian in an upcoming magazine as we prepare to celebrate the University’s 125th Anniversary. Send what you believe is best about Northwest Christian to Pat Walsh, Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications at pwalsh@nwcu.edu. Go Beacons!

2010s Cont'd. Jordan Weinkauf '17 and Chloe (Combs) Weinkauf '17 were married in March 2019. Chloe is the Creative Director for the KidCity children's ministry at New Hope in Eugene, Oregon.

Cody Gardner '17 married Kathryn (Sampson) Gardner in 2018.

Jeni Hoffert '17 has started at Aston Carter as a recruiter. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Austin Dame '17 has been hired as the alumni engagement officer for institutional advancement at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon.

Daniel Brock '17 and his wife Taya welcomed a baby boy into their family in April 2019. They currently reside in Harrisburg, Oregon.

Morgan Horn '17 is the employer resource connection consultant for Lane County for Creating Opportunities, Inc., an organization that supports families and adults with developmental disabilities. She lives in Eugene, Oregon.

Sherry Reeder '17, M.Ed. '19 completed a Master of Education degree at NCU in May 2019.

Madeleine Nelson '17 has been accepted in the University of Utah doctoral program in physical therapy. She will move to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pursue the program.

Bailey Dell ’18 competed in the Canadian Track and Field Championships, securing fifth place in the Javelin. She continues her training in Canada in the hopes of representing Canada at an international level. She is also working as a rehabilitation assistant at a longterm care facility and hopes to get her accelerated nursing degree in the near future. She recently returned to campus to receive her championship ring from the 2018 NAIA National Track and Field Championship where she became the first athlete from NCU to earn a first place medal in any NAIA national competition. Jon Sprouse '18 is the new Pastor of Student Ministries at Dayspring Fellowship in Keizer, Oregon. He and his wife Laura married in December 2018.

Michael Iwai M.B.A. '18 is a lieutenant and station commander with Oregon State Police. He and his family live in Salem, Oregon.

Caeli Barnhart '18 has accepted an accounting position at Papé Group in Eugene, Oregon.

Joseph Laurendeau ’17 and Molly (Goosens) '18 were married in June 2019. Molly is teaching sixth grade in Reedsport, Oregon.

Jen McFadden '18 is the director of marketing and brand management for Northwest Community Credit Union. She was also recently nominated for the 2018 "20 Under 40" award by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.

Teresa Smalls '18 has been commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry Division. She is one of the first female officers to be awarded this rank in this division.

Kaitlyn (Graham) Bailey '18 married Drew Bailey.

Maci Beierle '18 has accepted a position as the marketing and sales coordinator for Vine Tech Equipment in Prosser, Washington.

Joe Raade '18 will be the president of the Cottage Grove (Oregon) Community Foundation. Joe recently returned from serving in Florida during hurricane Michael as a logistics section chief on the incident management team.

Garrett Kraal '18 has been accepted in the University of Utah doctoral program in physical therapy. He will move to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pursue the program.

Holly Mathews '18 serves the City of Eugene Police Department as the executive assistant to the Eugene (Oregon) police chief. Emily Morgan '18 was accepted into George Fox University (Newberg, Oregon) for a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Madison Novelli '18 has accepted a position on the game and operations team of the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball franchise.

Zoe Herron '18 is moving to China for the next year to teach English to college students.

Kenneth Blackwell '18 is serving as an officer in the U.S. Army and playing basketball for the All Army team. He and his wife Hina '17 live in Hawaii where she teaches early elementary school.

Emily Moon '19 was accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program (DPT) at University of Southern California (USC). The DPT at USC is currently ranked among the very best in the country.

Jordan Norris '19 has been hired by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as the operations director. Jordan completed her internship with FCA which led to her permanent position.

Angela Cusano '19 is the new office manager and visit coordinator at NCU. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and was highly involved in campus ministry during her time as a student.

Gabrielle Morales '19 will attend University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education in Fall 2019.

Gabe Piechowicz '19 was ordained the week of commencement and will serve Westside Christian Church in Eugene, Oregon as their new senior pastor.

Send your news to alumni@nwcu.edu or www.nwcu.edu/ alumniupdate.

Donor Luncheon

During the spring semester students have lunch with the generous donors who fund their scholarships to thank them and to share their NCU experience. For information about establishing a scholarship contact Camille Ogden at cogden@nwcu.edu or call 541-684-7318.