2018 USAPA
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Jack Thomas
VICE PRESIDENT/
AMBASSADORS
C J Jermstad
SECRETARY
Laura Patterson
TREASURER
Darryl Noble
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
David Jordan
AT-LARGE BOARD
MEMBERS
(COMMITTEES)
COMMUNICATIONS
Bob Nibarger
GRANTS
Ray Pereyra
TRAINING
Pat Murphy
LEGAL COUNSEL,
GRIEVANCE
Phil Mortenson
STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Justin Maloof
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
ATHLETIC COMPETITION
Christine Barksdale
BUSINESS MANAGER
Linda Gartlan
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
Wow, talk about time flying when you’re
having fun! If I were having any more
fun, there would have to be three of me!
The first few months of the year are
busy for all of us and, believe me, since
January 1, the USAPA Board and Staff,
Ambassadors and many volunteers have
been going full steam ahead. Certainly,
goals and initiative planning takes place,
but the real “time takers” are the required
annual bylaws revision and filing of other
organizational documents. You can find
this information at USAPA.org/about
USAPA/organizational docs. If you have
additional questions or concerns, USAPA
is ready and willing to listen.
Speaking of planning and work, let’s
talk about the recent events at Club
Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie,
FL. Three events combined to make a
fantastic 11 days, beginning on Jan. 25
and ending on Feb 4.
The kickoff event was the first USAPA
University! The inaugural class of 48
students, and subsequent graduates,
were taught “all things pickleball” over
three intensive days of training with a
great group of instructors. Thank you
Rob Elliott, Tyson McGuffin, Will Wilson,
Scott Tingley, Brian Staub and Catherine
Parenteau! And, of course, a huge
thanks to Drew Wathey, Pat Murphy
and David Jordan for producing such a
tremendous event!
Following on the heels of the University
was an outstanding Ambassador
Retreat planned to perfection by the
incomparable event planner, Audrey
Phillips, and her crew, CJ Jermstad,
David Jordan, Justin Maloof and
Pat Murphy. Approximately 300
Ambassadors, Board Members and
guests enjoyed five days of work
and fun. The expertly presented and
informative work session topics were
USAPA Member Leap, How to Live
Stream Matches, Membership Benefits,
Court Construction and Repair, Rules
USAPA PRESIDENT JACK THOMAS //
and Rule Changes, USAPA Training
for Referees, School Curriculum for
Pickleball and How to Avoid Lawsuits
and Claims. Also, Regional Directors
and District Ambassadors met to discuss
topics pertaining to their respective
areas. While the work sessions took
up a lot of our time, we definitely
had loads of fun participating in the
“Campus Capers” organized by Jim and
Yvonne Hackenberg, the “League Team
Challenge” organized by Terry and Karen
Long and plenty of open play on the
Club Med courts.
After the Ambassador Retreat ended,
the USAPA Board settled in for one long
day and one 13-hour marathon of very
productive meetings.
Last, but certainly not least, thank you
to the event sponsors—Franklin Sports,
Engage Pickleball, Paddletek, Pickleball
Central, Pure Pickleball, Gamma, Head,
Onix, California Sports Surfaces and
Selkirk. Your support and participation
made the retreat an extra special event!
Have fun, be safe and stay tuned for
many good news announcements!
Your President,
Jack
MARCH/APRIL 2018 |
MAGAZINE
7