C o m m i t t e e R E P OrT s Golf Continued from page 59 with additional 18-hole events, and options for fundraising. We held the second annual committee planning retreat for team building, review and groundwork for 2016. u Committee members: Debbie Bensching, Chair;Terri Cook, Secretary; Seth Harris, Darin Vick, Brett Hyland, George Johnson, Erick Zuber, Josh Coldwell, Jeff Beavers, Judy Hutchison, Matt Percin; Robyn Lorain, Member Coach; Steve Brown, Athletic Committee Liaison; Chad Failla, Staff Liaison.
Gymnastics Ninety gymnasts made up MAC’s competitive boys and girls teams this year. The teams continued the strong tradition of winning 36 individual state, 19 regional, and two Western national titles, while eight gymnasts qualified to compete at JO Nationals. The level 9 and 10 girls’ teams won Oregon State championship titles. The team hosted the Bulldog Invitational and the 32nd annual MAC Open, which included Lee Rumaner over 1,200 participants. This event is such a success thanks to the countless hours put in by the coaching staff and thousands of volunteer hours contributed by the gymnasts and their families. Meg Doxtator, Rob Petit, Jill Hicks and Sheila Brewer were all presenters at the Region 2 Congress hosted by the MAC, with over 250 coaches and judges from the Northwest in attendance. Rob Saliski, Stephen Mercier and Molly Gill all attended the USA Gymnastics National Congress in Indianapolis. Girls Coach Ivan Alexov left MAC during the year but was replaced by former MAC gymnast Cassandra Jusino. And Ryan Comer joined the girl’s optional coaching staff. MAC also hosted the annual men’s judges training and testing in November. The combined optional teams (boys and girls) were invited to perform as the halftime entertainment at a recent Blazer game. Two exchange students were added to the team this year, one from Germany and one from France. MAC’s recreational gymnastics program continues to be strong, with 341 participants and 24 wait-listed, and attracts a number of talented gymnasts who feed the success of the competitive team as they progress with their skills. A special thanks goes to the committee members, booster club members, and member coaches who help make this program the success that it is. u Committee members: Lee Rumaner (chair), Shawn Hagel (co-chair), Mark Holman (AC liaison), Julie Frankhouse, Eric Larpenteur, Ria Look, Scott Pozzi, Debbie Williams, David Wolfe and Stewart Worthington.
Handball The Handball Committee had a busy year, conducting the business of handball with the primary initiatives being the addition of two new coaches and making preparations to participate in MAC’s 125th anniversary by hosting the National Masters handball tournament and pro stop in May. As usual, MAC sent a number of players to tournaments around the globe to compete for the right to be called national or world champion. The handball group enthusiastically ventured forth and performed brilliantly in all of the major national
60 | The Wınged M |
March 2016
Andy Kangas
and world-level tournaments. MAC proudly had the highest player participation count at the World Championships in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where Ed “The Legend” Grossenbacher took first in 75-year-old doubles. Earlier in the season, Grossenbacher won his 50th master’s title in Anchorage, Alaska, in the 70s singles, and another USHA national singles title in Los Cabos, Calif. David Steinberg also brought home national titles in the 60s singles bracket in Anchorage, and a second place at the USHA nationals. Last but not least, young “gunslinger” Austin Biddle brought home a second-place finish in the 17-and-under bracket at the USHA nationals to round out MAC’s trophy collection. Finally, we are excited about the addition of two new coaches; JD McLandrich and Matt Steele are both charged with introducing MAC athletes to the “perfect game.” Feel free to contact McLandrich or Steele through the athletic offices to arrange a time to begin learning the fundamentals of our game. u Committee members: Chair Andy Kangas, Josh Bateman, Dave Delaney, Bob Evenson, Aaron Garner, Ed Grossenbacher,Tony Heiting, Bob Herrera, Tom Hussey, Jeff Jasperson, Jean Kastner, Jarrad Krueger, Jay Maxwell, JD McLandrich,Troy Peterson, Mike Steele, Sean Steele, Kristen Steele and John Van Gorder.
Karate In January 2015, MAC Karate mourned the loss of Nate Asby, black belt and long-time participant in our organization. His energy, participation and enthusiasm are sorely missed. In March, we hosted 50 karate students from Japan for our annual tournament, the Yoshida Cup. Many of them stayed with MAC families and enjoyed the Pacific Northwest and MAC hospitalDon ity. Thank you to all who helped to make their Dominguez visit a positive and memorable one. In May, MAC Sensei Bill Plapinger was promoted to fourth degree black belt (Yondan). Sensei Bill also achieved his PanAmerican Karate Federation Class C Judge License in 2015. Black belt George Keepers was promoted to second degree black belt (Nidan). These achievements represent years of hard training and continued commitment to Karate.
Karate …encourages interaction and discipline among participants of many different ages, abilities, interests and capabilities. MAC Karate students of all levels attended four tournaments and garnered a total of 51 medals; 15 gold, 22 silver and 14 bronze. Two students placed high in the US Nationals held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where Cole Soot took the silver medal in kata for boy’s ages 11-12, and in the adult women’s division, Maya Schell won a gold medal in advanced team kata, silver in elite kumite, and bronze in advanced kata. Schell also attended the U.S. Open in Las Vegas and won a silver medal in advanced kata. Overall class counts were up 11 percent for the year. Karate is a unique, dynamic and atmospheric sport. It encourages interaction and discipline among participants of many different ages, abilities, interests and capabilities. It nurtures physical and mental focus unrivaled by other sports. The benefits of a karate practice can be seen in children and adults alike. u Committee members: Elizabeth Baldwin, Mary Baldwin, Sarah Baldwin, Scott Chauncey, Don Dominguez (chair), Laurie Farwell, Sensei Bill Plapinger, Jim Prihoda, Maya Schnell, Lauren Theis, Erin Murtagh and Time Taylor.
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