wss january newsletter
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WSS January NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
JANUARY NEWSLETTER
Hello to all from the Wisconsin Sports Services! Instead of writing e-mails that approach the
length of a novel, we’ve decided to collect and publish all the developments of the WSS in a
periodic Newsletter. The main objective of this newsletter is to keep all the Area Directors in
the loop as far as what’s happening in all the Hub Cities and in the front office. Because this is
the first of many, it will be the longest but we expect to release a monthly newsletter to
ensure everybody has the most up-to-date information.
WSS UPDATE WSS Hires Full-Time Marketing Director
We are pleased to introduce our new WSS Marketing Director, Brian Meeter. We met Brian
at our initial meeting with the La Crosse group in October. We were impressed at how well-
attended that first meeting was and it was all thanks to Brian and his hard work to ensure
that the relevant associations were represented. Brian was also instrumental in placing the
first official WSS event, the Badgerland Wrestling Nationals, at UW-La Crosse in March 2013.
Originally from Iowa, Meeter received his BA in Sports Management from Loras College in
Dubuque, IA. Two years later he earned his Master’s from the University of South Dakota
and is currently working on his doctorate in Sports Management from North Central
University in Prescott, AZ. Prior to being hired as the WSS Marketing Director, Brian held the
position of Executive Director of the La Crosse Sports Commission where he was responsible
for attracting events to the La Crosse area. Brian Meeter
Through his work for the La Crosse Sports Commission, Brian is a great resource for all sports in the Hub Cities. However,
his specialization lies within the sport of volleyball and his experience is extensive. Brian has coached sports at almost
every level, from middle school to NCAA Division II. Brian was awarded Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2000 for
his work as Head Volleyball Coach at Iowa Wesleyan College. Brian coach collegiate and club volleyball 9+ years.
Meeter has been an educator at four different universities in Iowa and Wisconsin since 1999. His most recent teaching
experience was as an Adjunct Professor at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he taught several courses in
Sports Management.
In addition to being charged with the duties that are required of a Marketing Director, Brian will also serve as La Crosse
Area Director for the time being. With his knowledge of the environment of youth sports in the area, we feel he will be a
good fit. As Marketing Director, Meeter will be traveling the state and meeting with potential sponsors and other
interested parties. He will be working closely with current MYAS Marketing Director, Dan Craighead, to ensure consistency
within the marketing initiatives of both organizations. We ask all Area Directors for their utmost cooperation with Brian as
he will likely be visiting your Hub City in the near future.
Brian and his wife Leanne reside in Holmen, WI, and spend their time shuttling their children, Maddie (7) and Joe (5) to
various sports and recreational activities across the Coulee Region.
Website Update We are working very closely with TST Media to finalize the website
design. Adam and Lance Klinkhammer have been working
extensively on creating and uploading content to the website for all
sports. The wrestling web page is live right now and we’ve already
received registrations for the Badgerland Nationals wrestling event
scheduled for March 2-3 at UW-La Crosse.
After we have received the dates from all Area Directors for the
Spring Basketball tournaments, we will be going live with the
basketball web page and opening the registration page.
We plan on having the bulk of the site go live by January 31. The
site will be a work in progress and we encourage all the Area
Directors to peruse the site and provide feedback on functionality
and any additions that can be made to continue to development of
the WSS website.
WSS Apparel
Recently, we submitted a sizeable order to our official apparel supplier, Signature Concepts, to be able to
outfit all the Area Directors. The WSS requires that all Area Directors wear official WSS apparel at all
meetings and events. The MYAS has been working with Signature Concepts since 2000. The apparel
company has many large clients such as Holiday Station Stores, Dairy Queen and Hendrick Motorsports
among others. They are also the official apparel supplier of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the
University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Wild and the minor league St. Paul Saints. We work with
Signature Concepts on all MYAS program apparel and intend to work with them for WSS program
merchandise. We plan to order merchandise for the WSS Spring Championships in June, which is the
culmination of the Spring Basketball program. This is another component you can highlight when meeting
with prospective host groups as the Host receives 15% of all apparel sales.
You should be receiving your WSS apparel within the next month, and it should be worn when performing
the duties of an Area Director. No corduroy here! We’ve ordered some slick threads, people. We want
our ADs looking good!
Screenshot of the WSS Design Mockup
WSS UPDATE
On the Road in God’s Country Since October 2011, the WSS crew has been back and forth across the state of Wisconsin more than a
dozen times. We’ve met with individuals in all of our Hub Cities and then some. The feedback we’ve
received regarding our plans in Wisconsin has been
overwhelmingly positive and led to the formal creation
of the WSS. Our most recent adventure brought us first
to the Chula Vista Resort in the Dells for the Wisconsin
Park and Rec Expo, where the WSS may have had the
most frequented booth out of all. The WSS is currently
a second-year member of the Wisconsin Park and Rec
Association. We were the Name Badge Sponsor at this
event which meant that everybody in attendance had
the WSS logo and web address highlighted on their red
name badges.
We even won an award! (See picture at right.)
From Chula Vista, we then drove to Sheboygan for the
Wisconsin CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) State Convention. WSS Executive Director Dan
Klinkhammer was invited by Wisconsin CVB State President Julia Hertel to be a Special Guest Speaker to
introduce the WSS and its initiatives. The state was well-represented in the room and there was a very
encouraging Q&A session after the formal introduction speeches.
Going Forward
Originally, the plan was to have a WSS office in Wisconsin by January 2014 but things have changed a bit.
We are now planning on securing an office in Wisconsin by April 1, 2013. The location has not been
determined yet as we are still weighing the options and considering a couple different communities.
Madison is the current front-runner as we feel that having an office centrally located would allow us to
service the entire state and have reasonable access to all the Hub Cities. We will be making a trip or two to
Madison in the next few weeks to scout office location possibilities and living accommodations.
The WSS accepting a Special Recognition Award
from the WRPA at the WRPA Expo at Chula Vista
Bios and Photos for Website
Please send a bio and updated photo to [email protected]. We would like to publish the staff
information on the website.
WSS UPDATE
Area Director Packets We have been organizing a collection of documents and materials that we believe will allow all Area
Directors (ADs) to perform their duties. These materials include but are not limited to:
Business Cards - We are currently printing temporary business cards for all ADs. Official business cards will be
printing and distributed once an office location has been selected.
WSS Brochures - Some of you may have seen the bi-fold color brochure that we’ve been handing out to anybody
and everybody but even if you have not, we will be supplying you with 100 of these brochures. The brochure is
also available in digital form as a PDF file on the Home Page of the WSS website.
Spring Basketball Handbooks and Host Contracts - The Spring Basketball Handbooks will spell out all the
competition details and should be distributed to all area basketball associations/teams/coaches. The Host
Contracts are necessary when negotiating with a potential host group for the Spring Invites. All of the details
such as what is expected of host groups and how the money split between the Host and WSS will be included in
the Host Contract. Both these documents will be available on the website as well.
List of Frequently Asked Questions - This is a good resource for those who are interested in learning how the
WSS works. Available online.
National Background Check Application - Because we practice what we preach , we are requiring all
Area Directors to complete the Background Check form and return to the WSS office. Background checks are
good for five years and the WSS will be absorbing all expenses. Please complete the form and return as soon as
possible.
Mileage Log - Through the creation of a statewide network of WSS Hub Cities, our intention was to limit the
amount of travel for ADs but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any travel. Fear not, we will be reimbursing you
for any mileage you’ve accumulated as long as you properly keep track of mileage spent on WSS initiatives. The
mileage rate is $0.50/mile and will be paid on a monthly basis provided you submit your reimbursement form.
Event Work Form - This form is designated to compensate ADs for their event work as a Tournament Director.
Event work checks will be processed after we receive the Event Work form.
Tournament Director Manual - This manual has been created to assist ADs working in the capacity of a
Tournament Director.
Reimbursement Forms - The WSS does not expect ADs to pay out of pocket for anything related to WSS
activities. Please keep track of any personal expenses you’ve incurred.
Progress Reports - Please submit Progress Reports and all other monthly forms (expenses, mileage logs)
to the WSS office by the 10th of each month. Checks will be cut within 48 hours of receipt.
WSS UPDATE
WRESTLING UPDATE 2013 Badgerland Nationals
We are less than two months away from the first official WSS event in La Crosse! The Badgerland
Nationals is an extension of the Gopher State Nationals held annually in Monticello, MN in early February.
The Gopher State Nationals averages about 1,200 wrestlers each year and has earned the reputation of
being one of the most competitive and well-organized wrestling events in the region. The WSS will be
utilizing the bracketing software used at the Minnesota tournament in an effort to duplicate the level of
organization and professionalism that has come to be expected from this event.
PROGRAM NOTES & INFO Badgerland Nationals will be held at Mitchell Hall on the UW-La Crosse Campus
Grade based event held March 2-3, 2013 (Weigh-Ins start at 7am - Wrestling begins at 9am both days)
March 2 - Grades 3 & 4, 5 & 6
March 3 - Grades Pre-K & K, 1 & 2, 7 & 8
Entry Fee is $30 per wrestler—Entry Deadline is February 20
Wrestlers from all states are eligible - we are advertising this event on every wrestling website from
here to Colorado.
Dick’s Sporting Goods has been secured as the Title Sponsor
UW-La Crosse Wrestling and the Holmen Viking Wrestling Club are the Host Groups
Registration is currently OPEN. Wrestlers can register online or through the mail. Entry Packets are
available on the website.
Officials will be High School Certified
1st-6th place will be awarded custom medals
A full concession stand will be available
Medical Trainer will be on-site for the duration of the event
Area Director Responsibility We ask for assistance in spreading the word in your area about this event. We are expecting 400-500
wrestlers this first year and we need your help getting to that number. We’ve created a list of youth
wrestling tournaments in your area and we ask that you distribute our flyers at these events along with
any other communication you can utilize (e-mail blasts, meetings, sending links to the website).
BASKETBALL UPDATE
PROGRAM NOTES & INFO
Area Director Responsibility
BASKETBALL UPDATE
PROGRAM NOTES & INFO
Area Director Responsibility
2013 Badgerland Spring Championship Series
We now have dates (listed below) for all five weekends in the Eau Claire, Wausau, & Green Bay Hubs. La
Crosse shouldn’t be too far behind as Brian has been speaking with potential host groups in his area and
we’re encouraged by the progress that we have made up to this point. We are still trying to identify Area
Directors in Madison and Milwaukee. However, Lance and Adam may be handling the responsibilities of
those two Hubs for 2013. If you know someone with interest in being an AD in these areas pass them along
to us or the Wisconsin Park and Rec website, wpraweb.org, as we have the job posted for the Area Director.
We are currently building up the Basketball portion of the WSS website; our ADs will be the first to know
when we go live but our internal deadline is January 31.
Eau Claire Wausau Green Bay
April 20-21 Boys Girls Boys
April 27-28 Girls Boys Girls
May 4-5 Boys Girls Boys
May 11-12 Girls
May 18-19 Girls Boys
June 8-9 TBD TBD TBD
Spring Invitationals (April-May)
4-Game Guarantee; Open Registration
3rd-12th Grade; Combined divisions if numbers
are too low at respective grade level
Divisions I, II & III - Not based on WIAA definition
3rd-4th Grade $260 Entry Fee
5th-12th Grade $275 Entry Fee
Spring Championships (June)
4-Game Guarantee
Open Registration
Seeded by Coaches
3rd-12th Grade; Divs. I, II, III
3rd-4th Grade $310 Entry Fee
5th-12th Grade $325 Entry Fee
Spread the word about the Badgerland Spring Basketball Program throughout Wisconsin at local
tournaments/leagues in your area. Educate local youth basketball administrators about the WSS and
disperse WSS materials as they are provided to you by the state office. Educate local population about the
WSS website and opportunities to post tryout information and independent tournament listings on our
website.
USSSA SOFTBALL UPDATE First, a little history…
USSSA was big in Wisconsin adult slow pitch about 10 years ago. The National Tournament was actually
held in Milwaukee for years until the people at the top began fighting over the direction of the program.
There were pockets of USSSA stuff going on for a while but as of today it’s completely non-existent. It
appears that people in Wisconsin are still playing softball and there seems to be a healthy Carnival cash
tournament circuit but not a lot of teams are playing sanctioned ball. The main reason for that is because
the only association present in WI is the ASA. Without going into too much detail, a lot of people are up-
set with the way ASA is being run. The discontent is prevalent on every softball forum we’ve researched
and one of the reasons is that the State Director is literally running this program out of his basement. He
has a full-time job and it sounds like he took the State Director position because no one else wanted it.
There was actually a post by this individual in the forums stating if everybody hates the way he’s doing
things, they are welcome to take over. This is good news for us. The ASA website is also a shell of what
our site will be and it’s just plain cheaper to play USSSA on all accounts.
SANCTION FEES
USSSA - $25/team
ASA - $55/team
REGISTRATIONS
2012 USSSA Class D (MN) - Almost 2,100 teams
26 teams participated in D State
2012 ASA (WI) Class D - Unknown
13 teams participated in D State
2012 USSSA Class E (MN) - 990 teams
32 teams participated in E State
2012 ASA (WI) Class E—Unknown
10 teams participated in E State
(8 were from Sheboygan)
USSSA vs. ASA - By the Numbers
INSURANCE
USSSA - $197 team/year (liability only)
$336 team/year (liability & $250 deduct)
ASA - $247 team/year (liability only)
$478 team/year (liability & $500 deduct)
POSTSEASON COMPETITION
ASA Nationals - Class D
4 teams from 4 states
USSSA - Class D Worlds (True National)
172 teams from 38 state associations
USSSA National Tournament - Nationals are Regional events. There were 15 different National
tournaments in 2012 in Class D alone. Teams must qualify for this event.
USSSA World Tournament - Worlds is a National event. Teams from across the Nation to compete for
a true “National” Championship. Teams must also qualify for this event but do not have to participate
in a National Tournament to compete in the World Tournament.
USSSA STATE TOURNAMENT
Once the Regionals have been run, we’ll get a better idea on which classes/division we will offer in the State
Tournament. Because of lack of facilities in any one area, we’ll probably have to split up some of the classes/
divisions between some of the Hub Cities. The plan is to have the State Tournament hold World Qualifier status for
those interested teams. The USSSA World Tournament is held every year at the Disney complex in Florida.
USSSA SOFTBALL UPDATE Plan for 2013
REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS
We will be offering four regional tournaments in 2013, one
in each region per the map on the right. ———>
The regions are consistent with the regions as they are
defined by the Wisconsin Park and Rec Association. We will
be marketing the event to the Park and Rec directors that
run softball leagues in their communities as they should
have knowledge of these boundaries already.
Teams must compete in a regional tournament to be able to
participate in the State Tournament.
We have yet to determine what classes/divisions we will be
offering but it will be something like this in each region:
Men’s - Open, C, D, E
Women’s - Upper, Lower
Mixed - Open, D, E
The plan is to have the Regionals hold National Qualifier status for teams that have any interest in playing in the
postseason. The USSSA Great Lakes Nationals are being held in Sterling Heights, MI so the travel is reasonable for
WI teams.
AREA DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITY
We’ll need our ADs to spread the word regarding the Slow Pitch program.
We have created a list of the Park and Rec contacts in your area and be-
cause they do the majority of the adult programming, we feel like they
should be made aware of this new program first. We also would like to
know about any of the tournaments currently being held in the area to
attempt to schedule around them.
We also need to know about the softball facilities
in your area including:
- Complex name, contact, email, # of fields
- Fence distances (300 feet is ideal)
- Lighted or not
- Proximity to other available fields
BASEBALL UPDATE Dave Wabick, the USSSA State Director for Illinois who has been dabbling in Wisconsin for the last couple
years, has teamed up with the Chula Vista in the Dells in their agenda to build the Woodside Baseball
Complex that was originally slated for Mauston, WI. To keep it short, the Mauston project fell through
with Juneau County and it was dead until Mike Kaminski and Wabick got involved, and now they have
tournaments scheduled at the Woodside Complex that has yet to be built or even break ground. After
speaking with Dave and his group it sounds as if they want to retain the State Directorship for USSSA and
run their tournaments under that banner. It doesn’t really affect us as we run our big tournament, the
Gopher State Tournament of Champions, unaffiliated. The first youth baseball program we plan on
offering is the 2013 Badgerland Tournament of Champions (BLTC) in Wisconsin. We’ve already begun to
create a list of existing baseball tournaments that we will reach out to and become BLTC Qualifiers.
Below is an explanation of how this program works:
We offer this program to traveling baseball teams from ages 9-15 in three different divisions (AAA,
AA, A).
We will be allowing organizations to advertise their invitational tournaments on our website. In
Minnesota, we charge a posting fee of $25 but have yet to determine whether to charge a posting
fee in WI the first year of the program.
Existing invitational tournaments run by those community organizations are identified as BLTC
qualifiers In Minnesota, we charge $40 to become a GSTC qualifier but will not be charging this fee
in Wisconsin in 2013.
At the completion of those tournaments, the tournament director reports their results to us and we
compile a list of teams that have qualified for the BLTC and publish this on our website.
In Minnesota, we had over 450 teams participate in the GSTC and it has earned the reputation as the
true State Tournament for youth baseball teams.
The tournament is usually held on three weekends in July after the 4th.
In Minnesota, we award the Champions of this tournament customized Josten’s rings at about $75/
player. This isn’t a problem in Wisconsin at the younger age groups but because of WIAA rules as
they are currently written, we don’t know if we can offer the rings to the 14 and 15 year olds. We
are currently working through this issue.
I advise you to check out the official GSTC Hub at http://myasbaseball.sportngin.com. Click on GSTC.
This area is still a work in progress. However, eventually we
plan on offering all of these programs.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
UPDATE
Dan Klinkhammer
WSS Executive Director E-Mail [email protected]
Work Phone 763-746-1714
Cell Phone 763-719-6762
Adam Klinkhammer
WSS Program Director
USSSA Slow Pitch State Director E-Mail [email protected]
Work Phone 763-746-1735
Cell Phone 763-639-7861
WSS Contact Numbers
and E-Mails
Lance Klinkhammer
WSS Program Director
USSSA Basketball State Director E-Mail [email protected]
Work Phone 763-746-1731 Cell Phone 763-232-0671
Jeremy Innes
WSS Program Director
Wrestling Director E-Mail [email protected]
Work Phone 763-746-1731
Cell Phone 763-232-0671
Brian Meeter
WSS Marketing Director
La Crosse Area Director E-Mail [email protected]
Cell Phone 608-780-2054
Lindsey Lewitzke
MYAS Program Director
Wausau Area Director E-Mail [email protected]
Work Phone 763-746-1733
Cell Phone 715-581-5871
Tony Groff
MYAS/WSS Program Director - Baseball E-Mail [email protected]
Work Phone 763-746-1728
Cell Phone 651-983-6803
Jen Johnson
WSS Green Bay Area Director E-Mail [email protected]
Cell Phone 920-309-0387
Dave Hazuga
WSS Eau Claire Area Director E-Mail [email protected]
Cell Phone 952-239-1911
NEED
PHOTO!
NEED
PHOTO!