Class of '91 meets at 2012 LSU Game

The class of '91 had members traveling across the country and from other countries to reunite at the recent Husky - Tiger game at LSU's stadium.  Most member traveled from Seattle to the LSU game, but there was also, Mike Villa traveling from Atlanta; Rod Peery from Denver, Jay Huck from London, and Jason Potter from Dallas.  

First wave of  '91ers to arrive were:  Mike Burns, Brad Hoff, William del Valle, Mike Villa, Greg Bjarnason, Mitch Mounger, Kelly Price, Noel Whorton, and Jay Torrell. 

Tailgating included heavy duty "shotski" sharing.  Kelly Price, Mitch Mounger, Greg Bjarnason, and William del Valle.

The 12 of the Class of '91 who attended the reunion in LSU country.  Brad Hoff, Kelly Price, Mike Villa, Rod Peery, William Del Valle, Jay Huck, Noel  Whorton, Mitch Mounger, Jason Potter, Greg Bjanason, Mike Burns, and Jay Torrell. 

2012 Rush Report

Rush Wrap-Up

Hank Thayer ’14 and Alex Fraser ‘14

Rush Chairmen 2012

Rush for the class of 2016 is finished at Sigma Tau as of Wednesday August 16^th. With over 100 house tours, numerous rush activities, and great house involvement, we are excited to say that our class is shaping up to be one the best the Fiji house has seen. Our class consists of athletes, scholars, gentlemen, and overall well-rounded individuals that we feel will contribute to the house the moment they move in, and embrace the motto, ‘Not for college days alone’. Actives in the house have had nothing but good things to say about this incoming class, and many have already become good friends with the signees.

We would like to give our last update to the graduates as to what went on throughout the past 8 months for rush, and what we felt were the biggest factors in contributing to signing these guys. Once rush started in January, we hit the ground running keeping our momentum throughout the whole process. Coming into the beginning of the summer, we had already signed 20 young men. This was crucial. Needing only 10 more guys for the remainder of the summer, we became very selective to make sure that we hand picked the best 10 students for the class.

The incoming freshman class consists of people throughout all of the state, and 3 out of state guys.

Greater Seattle area: 19 individuals

Spokane: 8 individuals

Oregon: 2 individuals

California: 1 individual

Incoming freshman for Sigma Tau Fiji House

*In the order in which they signed*

1. Jake Dijulio, Roosevelt

GPA: 3.7 Activities: Football, Basketball, volunteering at Seattle Foodbanks

2. Sam Gastineau, Inglemoor

GPA: 3.8 Activities: Football, Wrestling, 2 years Running Start Program at Cascadia Community College. During the summer he worked for his father’s construction company .

Interests: Wakeboarding and Fishing

Major: Bioengineering

Legacy: Mat Gastineau ‘10

3. Josh Rayburn, Puyallup

GPA: 3.92 Activities: Rugby, Wrestling, Football. Accepted to UCLA and UC Berkley

5. Mikey Sauvage, Seattle Prep

GPA: 3.8 Activities: Cross Country, Track, Football, Soccer

Interests: Water-skiing and downhill skiing.

6. Nick Scalzo, Seattle Prep

GPA: 3.55 Activities: Soccer, Summer Camp Counselor

7. Shane Kukrosky, Stadium

GPA: 3.8 Activities: Football, Wrestling, KEY Club, lacrosse, track, Honor Society

Interests: Working out, hiking, working, was an oil technician for eagle tire and worked as service attendant at Kia of Puyallup.

8. Niall Curley, Roosevelt

GPA: 3.5 Activities: Football, Wrestling, Nike Town Employee

Interests: Traveling, Spent most of the summer volunteering at the Dominican Republic.

9. Chase Klingel, Lewis and Clark

GPA: 3.7 Activities: President of KEY Club, Tennis (Lettered all 4 years), basketball, worked for Skyhawks Sport camp.

Interests: Going to Priest Lake, hanging out with friends, playing tennis or any sport really, meeting new people.

Legacy: Barkley Klingel ‘10

10. Matt Williams, Lewis and Clark

GPA: 3.63 Activities: Tennis, football, Eagle Scout, volunteered at a hospital for the past 2 summers.

Interests: Plays piano for his church, table tennis, traveling

Other: Dad is a fire chief in Spokane, mom is a nurse and his brother goes to school at Gonzaga.

Major: Biology. Planning on doing Pre Med

11. Trent Robinson, Lewis and Clark

GPA: 3.52 Activities: Football (Varsity 2 years)

Major: Business

12. Jonathan Laura, Bellevue

GPA: 3.76 Activities: Varsity golf, Boys and Girls Club Basketball

Major: Business

13. Jonathan Fergus, Central Kitsap

GPA: 3.85 Activities: Varsity football (3 years), varsity baseball (3 years, captain), participant in Teen Mentor Program for school, Honor Society, ASB involvement

Interests: Snowboarding, Boating and traveling,

14. Josh Schweiterman, Central Kitsap

GPA: 3. 6 Activities: Varsity football (2 years), Varsity baseball, volunteers as much as possible as various activities, ASB Vice President

Activities: Skiing, watching sports and concerts, hanging out with friends.

Major: Bioengineering

15. Michael Diamond- Mercer Island

GPA: 3.5 Activities: Mercer Island Saferides, Football, Basketball, Track

Legacy: Jon Diamond ‘86

16. John-Michael Larson, Lewis and Clark

GPA: 3.9 Activities: State Golfer (Lettered all 4 years), Varsity football

Interests: Watching Husky Football games, volunteering, boating, going to Gameworks

Legacies: Quinn Riley ’11, Jack Riley ’79

Major: Business Major

17. Jeff Livingston, Lewis and Clark

GPA: 3.83 Activities: Varsity football, basketball, baseball (captain), leadership class.

Interests: Volunteered at Youth Football camps and Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.

18. Mason Maxey, Ferris

GPA: 3.8 Activities: Varsity basketball (3 years), football, track. Planning on majoring in biology in hopes to go to medical school. Trying out for the UW track and field team in hopes of getting a spot for the long jump and high jump.

Other: Has two brothers. One of which is a Sig Ep at UW and the other is 17. His dads name is Bevan and played football at WSU. His mom is originally from France.

19. Henry Face, Kamiak

GPA: N/A Activities: ASB Treasurer

Legacy: Spencer Face ‘09

20. Jason Lee, Kamiak

GPA: 3.6 Activities: Varsity Football (2 years)

21. James Bradley, Yelm

GPA: 3.55 Activities: Plays drums for his band, wrestling

22. Carson Fueller, Ferris

GPA: 3. 7 Activities: Varsity football (3 years), UW Track/ Field (Javelin)

23. Spencer Paisley, Bellevue

GPA: 3.7 Activities: KEY Club, Volunteering throughout Bellevue/ Seattle at various events.

Interests: Snowboarding, attending concerts, hanging out with friends.

24. Dehlan Gwo, Newport

Swimming, Teaches swimming yearlong

25. Alberto Gonzales, Mercer Island

Activities: Football, Track and Field

Business Major, UW Honors Program

26. Rawley Holmberg, Wenatchee (UW Sophomore)

Activities: football

Interests: Hiking, camping, white water rafting

Major: Sciences (Undecided exactly). Hoping to get into Dental School.

27. Luke Lambert, Kamiak

GPA: 3.8 Activities: Football

Interests: Wakeboarding and Snowboarding

28. John Brian Menefee, Summit (Bend, Oregon)

GPA: 3.8 Activities: Varsity basketball and football (3 years)

Interests: Likes to ski and play piano

29. Nicholas Nordby, Summit (Bend, Oregon)

GPA: Over 4.0 Activities: Honor society, 4 years varsity soccer (2 year captain), Student government junior/senior representative, Student ambassador for the US 2 years running

Interests: Avid Skier

30. Joe Patton, Los Gatos (Los Gatos, California)

GPA: 3.8 Activities: Volleyball Junior Olympian.

Interests: Skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding

One of the reasons we were able to give so many house tours and get in touch with so many incoming freshmen was purely due to the support of the actives in the house and the graduate chapter (even some Fijis who weren’t Sigma Tau!).

We know that many of the graduates have questions about recruitment throughout the year, so we feel this email is a perfect time to answer some of those. Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we have had throughout our time as recruitment chairs:

1.     How did you get the house involved throughout this past 8 months?

Our goal throughout the entire rush process was to get the house as involved as possible. The main way we did this was by thinking of new ideas that could include many actives for rush events that other years had not done. A few examples were taking house trips to concerts at the Gorge, to Sky High, pitch-n-putt, and Mariners games. As rush chairs, we emphasized to the house that the people we sign will be in our house for four years and that it is crucial other active members meet the potential new members so that they know the type of people that will be joining our house.  During the process we also keened in on actives that clicked well with certain rushees and used those members consistently in the rushing of that individual.  We believe that having other members of the house stay in contact with certain guys was a huge help. 

2.     What type of individuals did you aim at signing?

Our house does not have any specific “type “ of people. We are all well-rounded individuals that respect others and are gentlemen. We wanted to continue that trend with this current class. The guys that we signed showed that they are good communicators, well mannered, and respectful towards all others in the Greek Community.

Numerous guys that we signed were athletes in high school. As rush chairs we have noticed that those who participated in sports throughout high school have strong work ethics, and enjoy being part of a “team”. We feel that this will translate nicely into the fraternity. These new signees will be very involved in the house and will want to have Fiji succeed to the best of its ability. Each pledge will contribute the best way they can. Whether that is athletics, academics, doing their house jobs, or simply showing respect towards actives.

One other aspect that as rush chairs we wanted to emphasize was the fact this house especially is not just a place to hang out with friends. We signed individuals that are very into the “fraternity” aspect of the house. Those who showed interest in brotherhood events, living in a clean environment, and keeping grades up were the people that were most sought after in the rush process. We know that lately there has been a feeling throughout the graduate and undergraduate chapter that the house is not being respected as much as it should be. We both agree with that and feel like these incoming freshman will help in this transition back to the way the house should be.

3.     How many bids were given out?

A total of 31 bids were given out. This means that only one individual that we felt would be great for the house did not accept his bid. Luckily for us, he decided to not sign a fraternity because he is playing football for UW this fall quarter and felt that the fraternity life may be too high pace for his early mornings and long practices.

4.     What did the physical plant look like throughout the summer? Was it something you felt helped in signing this class?

Huge thanks should be given to the house managers this past summer. Alex Hoff and Jack Story kept the physical plant up to the highest standards. We talked to them earlier in the summer and they expressed how much they realized a clean house could help in the rush process. There were countless times that these two knew we would be giving house tours throughout the day and they would wake up early to make sure the physical plant was up to par. Our renovations towards the end of the summer are also doing very well. The house is going to look unbelievable by the time school starts.

We gave 8 parents tours of the house throughout this summer and there was never a bad comment about the house. Countless times we were told that our house was the cleanest they had seen… even when they were in college!

Members of this incoming class also expressed to us how big of a deal it was that our house was clean every time they came and visited. We feel like we were able to sign some guys because they noticed how much our house respected the physical plant.

5.     Was there ever a lull throughout the recruitment process?

While talking with rush chairman from previous years, we had been told to expect a lull in the recruitment process. They described it as a time where it was difficult to sign guys, and where there was a lack of recommendations for incoming freshman. We are happy to say that there was no lull in the recruitment process. We always had a surplus of rec’s coming from the graduate and undergraduate chapter.

The way we were able to avoid a lull was due to our strategy during rush. Our plan was to go on recruitment cycles. This entailed that we had a group of about 10 guys at a time that were in the “cycle”.  The cycle started with house tours of those 10 individuals, then it proceeded by a second time out in which we would try to get to know the rushees on a basis further than just general information. Once we had gotten a feel for all 10 individuals, we would break down who we felt we wanted to have out again, and after a few more times out we would decide if there were any guys we wanted to extend bids too. This system worked great for us and we feel it was a crucial roll in signing the class that we did.

6.     Was there any contact with parents?

Yes there was plenty of contacts with parents. We encouraged all of the guys we signed to have their parents out for house tours because we know that parents can have a strong influence on where their son signs. We know as a parent how important it would be to have their son live in a clean, friendly environment while trying to make the transition from High School to College. Like we said earlier, we gave numerous house tours for parents and a few of them even hung around and took us out to lunch so they could learn more about Fiji and how our system works. The parents were very grateful for that and we honestly feel that after these tours, the parents have no concerns for this upcoming year.

We have also sent out letters to parents about move in day and what exactly their son’s should bring for the quarter.

7.     How did you keep in contact with the guys you signed?

With social media being such a big part of high school and college student’s lives, we made a Facebook group with all of the signees on it. With this, we were able to keep in contact with all of the guys and keep them updated on events that were going on for rush. This helped a lot because rushees were able to get a sense of some of the guys we had already signed, and they could feel out whether or not they felt they could live with them for the next 4 years.

We however did not just communicate through Facebook. We also made sure to keep each other accountable for calling guys that have signed to check in personally with them and see how their summer has been and whether they needed any help with signing up for classes, early fall start, or any other questions that an incoming freshman may have.

8.     Were there any grad recommendations that you did not contact?’

No, we made sure we at least got in contact with every recommendation that was given to us. Some that we contacted had already signed other houses, while all others were able to come out and see the house and meet some of the actives.

Lastly, here is a little bio about all of the guys we signed so you can get an idea of what types of people we have this upcoming year.

9.     Did you both enjoy the experience?

Yes without a doubt.  Recruitment chair is a position that we had both wanted since the moment we signed the house and we feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity.  Going to concerts, paint-balling, boating, taking weekend trips, etc. all made for an exciting and jam packed summer of fun.  However, what we hadn’t realized is how much we would learn from the experience as well.  The job taught us how to make a successful cold call, create and maintain conversation with people that have all different interests, the importance of organization and especially communication.  This was an experience we wouldn’t have traded for anything and can’t wait to help out as much as we can next year.

Ad Astra - James McGoldrick '39

James P. McGOLDRICK II '39

Obituary McGOLDRICK, James P. II On September 7, 2012 James Patrick McGoldrick took his last voyage on the good ship Bullmoose Junior. It is fitting that his final moments were spent on his beloved lap-streak Lyman on Lake Pend Oreille. Thanks to the efforts of friend and fellow race boat aficionado, Jerry Gilbreath, who believed that Jim should have at least one boat ride this summer, he got that ride and what a ride it must have been. Jim passed away in the boat when he went down to check on it later in the day. Born in Spokane, Washington in 1916, son of Milton and Gladys Lawson McGoldrick, grandson of J.P. McGoldrick, businessman and founder of the McGoldrick Lumber Company, Jim was a promoter of Spokane and the Inland Empire most of his life. He attended the University of Washington from 1935-1940 and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. As captain of the track team he took First Place in the high hurdles at the Pacific Coast Conference Track and Field Championship in Los Angeles. He belonged to the Spiked Shoe Club, Big W Club, Oval Club and the honorary society, Fir Tree. After completing his studies he returned to Spokane and married Milaine Jones, who shared a "founding fathers" heritage in Spokane commerce and real estate. After returning to work at the McGoldrick Lumber Company, Jim decided to pursue his entrepreneurial leanings and along with friend, Myron Sargent, established the electronic distributing and manufacturing firm Northwest Electronics, Inc. in 1945. The employees were always a close-knit group and the well-being of each and every one was of utmost importance to Jim. Until this day a core group has met for a reunion lunch once a year ever since he retired from the company. Over the years McGoldrick served the Spokane community in many capacities and developed life long relationships. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce 1969-1971 and a member of the Airport Board for 16 years. He received numerous awards for distinguished contributions as a member of the Washington State Commission for Expo 74. He was on the Board of Directors of Lincoln First Federal Savings & Loan and the Old National Bank (now U.S. Bank) from 1971-1983, the third generation of his family to serve on that board. As notable as his commitments to community might have been, it was his knowledge and passion for anything that could be flown, driven, or navigated on water that many will remember. He was hooked from the moment he won First Place at twelve years of age in his first boat race. A broken shaft had been discovered prior to the race and a new one had to be fashioned from a gun barrel, probably one that belonged to his Uncle Ed McGoldrick. His interest in boats never waned. He was particularly fond of the old, classic wood boats that could be restored to their original elegance. He was a kind man with an affinity for human nature, but had little patience for "landlubbers" or "idiots who cruised with their bumpers hanging." As a member of the Antique Classic Boat Society he frequently participated in the Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene boat shows. Boat lovers hovered over him like bees sharing his genuine enthusiasm and flair for detail. Boating and flying were parallel universes for Jim and he was at home in both. As an instrument rated pilot he was very active in Spokane aviation and served as the company pilot for Northwest Electronics. Although the company could have hired a pilot for the job, he just enjoyed doing it and logged many an hour in the air. He was also proud of his position as Commander-in-Chief and CEO of Fudpucker World Airlines that served the world with the famous Fudpucker Flying Machine. He served as Chairman of the Aviation Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and was named "Pilot of the Year" in 1986. His influence shaped the direction and development of the Spokane International Airport and in 1986 the new airport commercial center was dedicated as the McGoldrick Aero Mall, a tribute to Jim McGoldrick, "whose dedication to Spokane Aviation is unequaled." He was also particularly fond of his association with the Quiet Birdmen. Jim was a family man "non pareil." Having no sons to impart his wisdom to, his two daughters, Molly and Mikki, were taught to shoot straight, hold a steady course, balance the boat and change a shear pin. Humanitarian, historian, ham radio operator, recorder of local history, Jim was a multi-dimensional man. Perhaps he can best be described by Hec Edmondson's inscription after the Pacific Coast Conference Track & Field Meet in the Los Angeles Coliseum - "To Jim McGoldrick, Washington Captain 1940. Had no superior in leadership or fight." In Jim's own words in a letter to a family member, "I am 91 years old and still quite active, in basically good health with minor problems typical of my age, but wake up every morning with a smile on my face and look out the window at the wonderful country we are in." An unenthusiastic attendee of funerary and fanfare, Jim has requested no services after his passing. The family will honor his wishes and have a small family gathering at an undetermined date. If one so desires, a contribution in his honor can be made to the Spokane Humane Society (6607 N. Havana St., Spokane, WA 99217) or a charity of one's choice . He is survived by his wife Milaine; daughters, Molly McGoldrick Beck (husband Barry Provorse), Mikki McGoldrick (husband John Rovtar), often considered a daughter, Carol Ealy Capra; three grandsons, Petyr Beck (Karin), Virgil Beck (Hillary), and Jaimie Trueblood (Amber); five nephews, John Lally, Lee and Scott Letsch, Paul Ferguson, Tom Pendarvis, four nieces, Anne Wagstaff, Wendy Flynn, Lisa Johns and Ann Ferguson-Venegas and eight and a half great-grandchildren. Published in Spokesman-Review from September 16 to September 17, 2012

September '12 Luncheon -- Mike Burns '91

Mike Burns '91

Mike Burns '91 treated us to a new view of medical insurance.  Mike's firm, First Choice, works primarily with large organizations that operate "self-insured health plans".  According to Mike, over 99% of the companies with 5,000+ employees manage their own medical insurance program.  And he estimated that 95% of the companies with 1,000 - 5,000 employees also operate their own "self insured health plans".

First Choice works with these larger organizations to help them administer their internal health plans.  Some of their clients include large hospitals, about 80% of the teachers in Montana, etc.

Mike introduced us to a number of emerging phrases:

He indicated that the focus is shifting to "outcomes-based medicine".  Another was the trending to become accountable care organizations".

These larger organizations contract directly with hospitals and medical care services, so they have more direct control of their insured medical expenses.  One example mentioned in relation to this was the negotiations between Boeing and medical care suppliers has resulted in most people (covered under Boeing's plan) will have heart procedures at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mike is a guy well worth a conversation if you want to know more about health coverage trends and outcomes.

You can reach Mike at mburns@fchn.com

September luncheon crowd listening to Mike Burns '91

2012 Awards by Phi Gamma Delta

Annual Award Winners Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity
8/13/2012
Congratulations to the outstanding chapters, brothers and volunteers who strived to make a  stronger Phi Gamma Delta during the 2011-12 academic year. Good luck going into a new year! BAKER CUP: Awarded for religious, ethical and social service activities. 1st: SIGMA TAU at Washington 2nd: KAPPA DEUTERON at Georgia 3rd: ZETA at Indiana HM: CHI ETA at Western Kentucky, GAMMA TAU at Georgia Tech, OMICRON at Virginia BRIGHTMAN AWARD: Presented to the most outstanding graduate chapter in the Fraternity. Over 75 Members 1st: SEATTLE  2nd: WASHINGTON D.C. (National Capital Fijis)  3rd: COLUMBUS, OH HM: INDIANAPOLIS (Beta); CHICAGO; KANSAS CITY Under 75 Members 1st: SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 2nd: CHATTANOOGA 3rd: PINEHURST (Golf Capitol)  HM: SALT LAKE CITY; ORLANDO, FL; NASHVILLE, TN;TULSA, OK; AKRON, OH BRIGHTMAN TROPHY: Presented to the undergraduate chapter which best demonstrates that  Phi Gamma Delta is “not for college days alone.” 1st: SIGMA TAU at Washington 2nd: SIGMA OMICRON at Oklahoma State 3rd TIE:KAPPA DEUTERON at Georgia, BETA SIGMA at Ball State HM: PHI ALPHA at Arkansas, CHI DEUTERON at Kansas State, CHI ETA at Western  Kentucky, ALPHA IOTA at Iowa State, GAMMA TAU at Georgia Tech, RHO ALPHA at Virginia Tech CHENEY CUP: Awarded for the greatest all-around efficiency in scholarship,  fraternity relationships and general collegiate activities. 1st: KAPPA DEUTERON at Georgia 2nd: SIGMA TAU at the Washington 3rd: GAMMA TAU at Georgia Tech HM: CHI ETA at Western Kentucky, BETA SIGMA at Ball State, ZETA at Indiana CONDON CUP: Awarded for the greatest overall improvement. 1st: BETA SIGMA at Ball State  2nd: CHI DEUTERON at Kansas State 3rd: ALPHA NU at New Mexico HM: SIGMA at Wittenberg, GAMMA TAU at Georgia Tech, OMEGA PHI at Central Florida COON PLAQUE: Awarded for the best chapter publication. 1st: CHI ETA at Western Kentucky 2nd: SIGMA TAU at Washington 3rd: SIGMA at Wittenberg HM: ALPHA IOTA at Iowa State, EPSILON ALPHA at Alberta, KAPPA DEUTERON at Georgia,  LAMBDA NU at Nebraska COULTER CUP: Awarded for service to an undergraduate chapter other than as Purple Legionnaire. 1st: BENJAMIN R. HARPER (Kentucky 1969) for Western Kentucky Dist. Svc: KIM W. CUNNINGHAM (Oklahoma State 1975) for Oklahoma State,  PAUL H. LIND (Purdue 1965) for Colorado State, STANFORD K. MCCOY (DePauw 1993) for DePauw CROWDER CUP: Presented to the most outstanding faculty advisor. 1st: LOU ANN SIMPSON @ Drake HM: RAY J. BLANKENSHIP (Kentucky 1984) @ Western Kentucky, TONY MARABLE @ Tennessee Tech DURRANCE AWARD: Presented to the most outstanding Purple Legionnaire. 1st: ROBERT E. HALL (Kentucky 1968) for North Carolina State Dist. Svc: PATRICK R. SCOTT (Washington 1994) for Washington, ROBERT V.  UNFUG (Colorado State 1977) for Colorado State, KYLE M. BUSH (Tennessee Tech 2008),  ERIC D. KNAM (Oklahoma State 1992), JASON S. SCHWARTZ (Central Florida 2003),  JEFFERY T. BAYNHAM (Western Kentucky Graduate Initiate)  HAYNES AWARD: Presented to the most outstanding Section Chief. 1st: BRAD WHITING (Washington 1980) Dist. Svc: BO W. BYERS (Tennessee Tech 2006), TERRY L. MEYERS (Kansas State 1969),  A. PETER RIMSANS (Iowa State 1993) JORDAN BOWL: Awarded for the highest academic achievement.  1st: KAPPA DEUTERON at Georgia  2nd: BETA SIGMA at Ball State 3rd: CHI ETA at Western Kentucky Hon Mention: GAMMA TAU at Georgia Tech,  SIGMA TAU at Washington,  ZETA at Indiana, OMICRON at Virginia, NU KAPPA at Nebraska Kearney, OWEN CUP: Awarded for the greatest improvement in scholarship. 1st: PHI ALPHA at Arkansas 2nd: ALPHA NU at New Mexico 3rd: CHI DEUTERON at Kansas State WILKINSON AWARD: Presented to the most outstanding senior. 1st: TYLER W. JURY (Western Kentucky 2012) HM: MICHAEL J. DODD (Arkansas 2012), TIMOTHY M. DREVINS (College of Charleston 2012),  BLAINE T. DROZD (Nebraska Kearney 2011), TRAVIS C. HOWARD (Colorado School of Mines 2012),  ROBERT D. SINYARD III (Georgia 2011) ZERMAN TROPHY: Awarded for involvement in student government, the campus newspaper  and extracurricular activities.  1st: GAMMA TAU at Georgia Tech 2nd: UPSILON ALPHA at Arizona 3rd: CHI IOTA at Illinois HM: EPSILON ALPHA at Alberta, NU KAPPA at Nebraska at Kearney

August '12 Luncheon - UW Football Coach SARK Sarkisian

Coach SARK

Coach SARK Sarkisian 

Coach Sarkisian is a smart guy pushing the rock up the hill with a big goal on the top of that hill.  

His second presentation to our group in his three years at UW, SARK gave a real-time overview of the Husky football team while they were in the midst of their pre-season practices.  

It was a healthy insider discussion, because he dedicated nearly 20 minutes to a position by position review of the offense followed by a similar position by position review of the defense.  Then he opened the floor to questions for another 20-25 minutes.   

Interesting factoids that SARK shared:  The new kicker is consistently punching the ball through the uprights from the 55 yards out.    Secondly, they are fielding depth this year, so they no longer have to live in fear of one of the starters going down.  And the third noteworthy point of interest is that the Huskyies have invested in iPads for every player on the team.  For every member of the team the iPad includes their complete playbook as well as ability to view video clips of their practice or game performance.  

SARK speaking, left to right is Jack Rhodes '60, Ron Crockett '61, Bob Jorgensen '48 , Bo Morgan '47, James McCurdy '79

SARK also responded to a question regarding how they are managing their practices without the main field being available during the remodel.  They are managing, and they are using the change of environment to focus more on small unit and individual instruction on technique.  

A last major point was that the team has come together, and during practices the infectious smile of Keith Price is spreading to others.  “The team loves Football”.   Thanks for Ron Crockett ’61 for securing the rare appearance by SARK. 

Irish Coles '52 planting a question with Peter Apostolou '46 for SARK.  On left is Wally Bostick '52

Nathan Paul Bahner '01

• August 14, 2012 by Mercer Island Patch

Nathan Paul Bahner was born on October 1, 1978 in Anchorage, Alaska.  He died on August 10, 2012 in a wake-boarding accident off Mercer Island, WA. 

Nate’s family moved to Mercer Island when Nate was 6 months old. He attended Emmanuel Day Preschool where he first met Mollie LeClercq.  

Nate had an unrelenting energy, vitality and zest for life. “He was an extremely active child,” his Dad said in a moment of vast understatement. His Mom enrolled him in soccer at age 4 just, as she put it, “to wear him out”. It didn’t work. Nate’s love of sports was insatiable. Snow skiing, water skiing, tennis, flag football, pickle ball, water polo. In high school he played soccer, football, basketball. He loved them all, but water sports were his favorites. Like his body, Nate’s mind was always in motion. He had a keen intellect and a natural curiosity that led him to discover and mine new areas of knowledge, quickly and in detail. His diverse and ever-evolving interests were a source of great entertainment and education for his family and friends.

At Mercer Island High School, Nate served on the Student Board and also on the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club Junior Board (he later served on the Club board as an adult). His greatest honor, however, was being voted by his class to speak at commencement – an indication of the high regard in which he was held by his peers.

Nate attended the University of Washington, graduating in Communications in 2002. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (“Fiji’s”) and served as rush chairman. Nate loved his time in the fraternity and at the University, and, as always, forged many close and lasting friendships.

After graduating from the University of Washington, Nate held jobs in property management. Nate was the Manager of the Marina Division of LeClercq Marine Construction where his enthusiasm, professionalism and love of people flourished. Nate was the Chairman of the Marina Committee of the Northwest Marine Trade Association.

Family and friends were Nate’s reason for living. It would be hard to draw a line and say this is where Nate’s family stops and his friends start. It was a continuum, a continuum that centered on Mercer Island and the water –specifically, the LeClercq residence where Mollie lived. Nate spent many happy hours and days with the LeClercqs water skiing, boating, swimming, and pushing friends off the dock. It seemed that Nate had adopted the LeClercqs, or they him. Nicky LeClercq was his lifelong friend and was ostensibly the reason he was there, but Nicky had a sister named Mollie, and, as everyone knows now, that Emmanuel Day Preschool crush had never been extinguished. Someone said that they were looking at photos from these years on the lake and noticed that Nate and Mollie always seemed to be in the same photos – not exactly together, but never apart.

Nate and Mollie were married on April 2, 2005 thus culminating a 24 year “courtship”. It was the happiest moment of their lives and a joyous time of celebration for all their friends and family. They soon began preparation for parenthood by acquiring, serially, three dogs: Merlin, Jasmin, and Mookie. Nate once asked his father, “Why did I buy that third dog?” and then promptly went out and bought a cat. And then it was time for the real thing: Fatherhood.  Nate’s Mom recalled enrolling him in a creative dramatics class when he was 3. To her surprise, he loved it. It might seem like a stretch to say that this was preparation for the most important role of his life, but if you saw him playing with his children you could see the elements of performance and the love and joy that ensued. It was theater of the heart. Daniel was the first born in 2006, then Andrew in 2008, and lastly Carmen in 2009. Nate took to fatherhood the same way he did to virtually everything in his life: with passion, energy and unbridled enthusiasm. If you’ve heard the phrase, “the Nate Bahner way” you’ll understand. It involved making sure that fun was had. By everyone.

Nate was the guy throwing himself headlong into life, lost in the joy of the moment. Nate used to debate his boys about who loved whom the most. Daniel, a big fan of Buzz Lightyear, told his dad, “I love you to infinity and beyond.” Nate, momentarily stumped, came back with, “I love you to infinity and beyond… and back again!” That phrase became a part of Nate’s permanent bond with his children. Nate, that’s how much we all loved you. And miss you.

Nate is survived by his beloved wife Mollie Bahner, his sons Daniel and Andrew and daughter Carmen, his mother Ina Bahner, his father Darrel Bahner and Penny Bahner, sisters Ashley Bahner and Lori Rhodes, brothers Brian Bahner (Tammy), Adam Shafer (Holly), and Ryan Shafer(Anh), his father-in-law Sam LeClercq (Melinda and her children Cody and Kristina Hall), his brothers-in-law Sam LeClercq (Sarah) and Nick LeClercq (Kasey).