2012 Board Candidate Bios
Mark Verrochi – 2012 is going to be a great year for Disc Golf! With new courses being established and the club gaining more support, it is imperative that we elect a board capable of handling the challenges of the upcoming year. I have been a board member for 1.5 years and am hoping to continue serving in 2012. Tasks performed over the past year include: participating in just about every San Diego Aces Event working and/or playing), directing tournaments, providing clinics for new players, running doubles leagues, Disc Golf community outreach, and leading work parties. Thank you for your support.
Brian Akerson – I am a run of the mill disc golf player, no champion by any means. I’ve been playing on and off for about fifteen years. Growing up in the Sacramento area learning the ropes at Shady Oaks (Orangevale, CA) and then moving down to San Diego and playing the courses here. I’ve played at course all around the United States. This year alone I’ve played around 250 rounds at Morley and more rounds at area courses and in the Santa Cruz and Sacramento area. I was one of the lead photographers at the 2011 PDGA Pro World Championship and also a sponsor. My love for the sport is unconditional and I plan to keep playing until my body tells me no. This year I finally participated in my first tournament, not doing great, but still happy, at the Sun Valley Open in the novice division. I am also a PDGA Certified Official. Sincerely, Brian Akerson, PDGA #49948.
John Heaton – I grew up in a golfing family and have been a Frisbee® player since the 5th grade. I started playing disc golf in 1987, was awarded PDGA Rookie of the Year for 1988, and I’ve been a passionate disc golfer ever since. I’ve participated in several hundred tournaments and have played over 550 courses around the country. I have a 27 year background in sales, marketing, and product development of surgical and medical devices and equipment. I would like to put this experience and background to work, as an Aces Board Member; helping grow the sport of disc golf. Thank you for your consideration and support. See you on the links, John Heaton, PDGA # 4409.
Donny Olow – I have been Available to ALL the Players at MorleyField Disc Golf Course…. DAILY !!! I have ALWAYS attended Every Board meeting at EVERY location. No Excuses !!!! I constantly bring in revenue to the San Diego Aces Disc Golf Club to Support New Courses !!!! I Really go out of my way to do my Job Everytime !!!! You can count on me ………………Never Dropped the Ball !!!! I have Signed up atleast 75 New members for the Club in 2011 !!! Not bad for someone who is not able to play Disc Golf . I have been on Disability since 2008. Not able to stand or walk for 20 minutes at a time. Most Folks did not know this. My Passion for Disc Golf , knowledge of Discs , Baskets and Courses is Professional. I have Played Disc Golf since 1976 and if I was playing , I’d be a Professional Grandmaster. Please vote for me , I will not let you down !!! Thanks , Donny Olow donnyotime@yahoo.com. http://morleyfield.com/2009/05/07/morley-player-profile-donny-olow/
Allen Risley – I have been throwing Frisbees and playing disc golf for quite a while, playing in my first competitive event in Florida in 1978 when I was in high school. I joined the PDGA in 1979, played in three Pro Worlds in the early 1980′s and created the first PDGA Course Directory in 1985. After a break from disc golf for a few years I started playing again and was one of the first members of the S.D. Aces when it formed in 2007. When Montiel Park added its disc golf course in 2008, I joined the Aces Board as a Course Rep. and have continued in that post until today. I organized and designed the three courses in San Marcos (Montiel, Sunset, CSUSM) and was one of the designers for Goat Hill. I have also been pretty busy organizing events – acting as Tournament Director for several Ice Bowls, Ace Races, World’s Biggest Disc Golf Events, weekly doubles in North County and PDGA tournaments at Goat Hill and Emerald Isle. I have played over 200 disc golf courses in 26 states and Canada (some of them well). For the past two years I have been managing the Aces’ web site, Facebook page and Twitter account and was recently elected to the post of Communication Director for the SoCal Disc Golf Association. I feel like my track record shows that I am an active and effective supporter and promoter of the sport of disc golf and disc golf in San Diego County. I would appreciate your support. Respectfully, Allen Risley, PDGA #1752.
T.J. Cruz - When I grew up in San DIego there was only one place to play disc golf. I moved away for a few years, and upon returning, have found the game to have grown. There are now multiple course and a larger following then I ever though possible. All because of a group of golfers that decided it was time to take matters into their own hands – The San Diego Aces Disc Golf Club. I was nominated as a course representative in the middle of 2011 and since then have tried to create a positive impact on the game of disc golf and our club. I, along with the help of 4 others, set out to utilize a set of tee pads and baskets that had been recently acquired by the club. After many unsuccessful meetings with local parks and recreation departments we have found success and are moving to bring a new course to San Diego in 2011. My goal when I returned to San Diego was two fold. First: 18 holes a years. It’s that simple. I will get 18 holes in or help facilitate that every year I can. Secondly, I will actively pursue a PDGA Worlds Event in San Diego until I am successful. With that I ask for your vote in allowing me to serve another term as one of your board members, as we continue our pursuits in the name of disc golf and the San Diego Aces. Tj Cruz, #48052, Aces member since 2011.
