March 14th Evening Meeting - Donna Dennis, Olympian and Motivational Speaker
Join us on Thursday March 14th for our monthly meeting at Cheney Stadium's Summit Club. Food service will start at 5:00 and the meeting will start at 5:30.
We are excited to have Donna Dennis as our speaker for the meeting. Donna is an Olympian, motivational speaker, and Clover Park High School Alum. During the meeting we will also receive an update on TCC basketball and the playoffs. This will also be our last night meeting of the year. With daylight savings having been last weekend and the days getting longer there will still be light in the sky when we are finished with the meeting. - Click here to register to attend.
Donna Dennis, Olympian and Motivational Speaker - Donna Dennis is a military brat. Her father Jerry D. Dennis was stationed Fort Lewis. Growing up on the military base. Donna would watch the soldiers on a daily basis march and chant, “I don’t know what you been told,”etc…. and gained the understanding for discipline and respect. Donna used this experience to navigate through her athletic career and breast cancer journey. A 1982 Clover Park High School graduate, Donna Dennis remains to this day the greatest female sprinter to come out of the State of Washington. In 1982, she won the U.S. Junior Track & Field Championships in the 100 meters (11.52 seconds) and 200 meters (23.39 seconds). That same year, she won both events at the Pan American Junior Championships in Barquisimito, Venezuela. Dennis came to Clover Park High School as a multi-event track champion at Woodbrook Junior High. She didn’t miss a beat at Clover Park, winning state 200-meter titles from 1980-82. She also won the state 100-meter championships in 1981-82, and anchored Clover Park's state champion 400-meter relay team in 1981. Her 200 mark of 24.13 seconds in 1982 still stands as the Class 4A state meet record, and her 23.39 in the 200 is still the fastest ever run by a Washington high school female. At the University of Washington she was a three-time NorPac champion in both the 100 and 200, and she was an NCAA finalist in both sprints. Dennis ran a 23.40 in the 200-meter dash in 1983, still the fastest 200 ever run by a woman at UW, and she ranks second on the 100-meter list, clocking an 11.53 in 1983. Dennis also ran a leg on the UW’s fastest 400-meter relay team – 44.74 set in 1985. She ran in the 1984 Olympic Trials and was a finalist in the 200, qualifying as an alternate on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team in Los Angeles.
David Tate took his final trot around life’s bases on March 22, 2023. An inspirational coach, compassionate teacher, and dedicated husband and father, Dave passed at home after a year-long battle with cancer.
Dave’s first at bat began in Lakewood, WA on July 30, 1955, when he was born to Adron and Faye Tate. Early education began at Tyee Park and Woodbrook, leading to his graduation from Clover Park High School in 1973. Dave would continue his higher education at Fort Steilacoom Community College, Washington State University, and finally Pacific Lutheran University for his MA in 1985. A gifted baseball player, Dave played throughout his educational years, starting in the second grade under the coaching of his father, and ultimately finishing his baseball career playing second base at Fort Steilacoom.
Dave’s passion for the sport of baseball continued into a successful coaching career, including a 20-year coaching stint at Rogers High school, leading the Tacoma / Pierce County All Star Baseball team with Tacoma’s sister city in Kitakyushu, Japan, and becoming his son’s little league coach for almost a decade.
Dave’s love for mentorship and coaching seamlessly transitioned into the classroom, where he was an educator for thousands of young minds during his 35+ year career in the Puyallup School District. Dave’s legendary stories (like bicycling from Washington State to South Dakota) often preceded his unique teaching style (like standing on desks during lectures). Always adorned in a button-up shirt and tie, Dave was known for his disdain of cell phones and his love for journaling, encouraging his students to put down technology and pick up writing, even if only for his one-hour class period.
Recognized both in the classroom and on the ball field, Dave’s awards include being selected as the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1992, Pierce County’s Coach of the Year in 1993, and Rogers High School’s Dick Halleen Sports Person of the Year in 2002. Besides his 4th grade championship baseball trophy for Tyee Park, Dave’s most cherished accomplishment by far was winning over the love of his life, Cindy Fabulich, and raising their son together. While Dave would say his irresistible dance moves while chaperoning the Rogers High School homecoming dance were what eventually won Cindy over, most everyone else (including Cindy) would say it was Dave’s compassion for others and love of adventure that truly captured her heart.
Dave is survived by his wife, Cindy, son Bradley (Andrea) Tate, brother Phil Tate, nephews Andrew Tate, Gavin Tate, and nieces Julie Tate and Jennifer Ferguson. He was preceded in death by his father, Adron Tate, his mother, Faye Tate, and his brother, Greg Tate.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 1:00 PM at Governor John R. Rogers High School. A reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rogers High School Leadership in memory of David Tate. Checks can be sent to Rogers High School, 12801 86th Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98373. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Please sign the guestbook here: https://www.mountainviewtacoma.com/obituaries/David-Tate-8/#!/TributeWall.
We are excited to announce that the portal is NOW OPEN for students to apply for two of the scholarships that the Tacoma Athletic Commission awards each year, the Clay Huntington Sports Communication and the Stan Naccarato Sports and Civic Betterment Scholarships.
The Clay Huntington Sports Communication Scholarship is for students that have been, or are interested in, pursuing sports communication and journalism. The scholarship is for $2,500. Click here to learn more about the Clay Huntington Sports Communication Scholarship and apply.
The Stan Naccarato Sports and Civic Betterment Scholarship is for students that have been involved in both sports and volunteering within their community. The scholarship is for $2,500. Click here to learn more about the Stan Naccarato Sports and Civic Betterment Scholarship and apply.
We appreciate your assistance in sharing this information with students that would be good candidates for our scholarships. The deadline for application is May 19th.
The WIAA State Basketball Championship for 3A and 4A will be held at the Tacoma Dome March 1 - 4. The WIAA Hardwood Classic Tournament Host program will be happening again and is looking for hosts. The TAC has budgeted to host 2 teams. Tony Anderson is taking the lead for one team and we are in need of a lead for the second team. Please contact Karyn Siegrist (KarynTAC@gmail.com) if you are interested in representing the TAC as a tournament host, or helping to host our two teams.
What is a Tournament Host?
A Host is a person, family, company or local business that supports a high school basketball team who makes it to the WIAA State Championship tournament and treats them like family. The Host remains with their team for the duration of the team’s participation in the State Basketball Championship.
What is a Tournament Host expected to do?
A Host is required to invest time and a small amount of money during the annual March tournament. You and/or a designated representative must attend the pre-tournament meeting that is held in the late afternoon on the Monday prior to the tournament to receive your assigned team as well as review pertinent information and expectations. You or a designated representative are expected but not required to attend each game that your team plays in. When your team takes the court, as a “Tournament Host” you will have 4 courtside seats at the end of your team’s bench. As a host, your responsibilities may include providing information as it relates to suggesting a practice facility, places for the team to eat and provide any information about our beautiful city should you be called upon. It is required that you meet your team and introduce yourself as their host Tuesday night at the Dome “Walk Around”. At this time you will present your team and staff with tournament programs (No More than 20). In addition, but not required you may choose to give your team a goodie bag with treats, water or anything you seem fit to commemorate their trip to the State Tournament. Hosting a lunch or dinner with the team is also sincerely appreciated. We can provide a list of a few local restaurants that have discounted pricing for the teams. Because you are considered a part of the team you are expected to behave, dress and engage in an appropriate manner at all times and cheer your team on for victory.
What do you receive for being a Host? 4 Passes for the duration of the tournament. Ability to sit courtside with your team when they take the court and most importantly A BIG THANK YOU! When people from around our state come to Tacoma we want them to remember what a great place it was with amazing people.
The January 12, 2023 meeting for the Tacoma Athletic Commission will be held at Tower Lanes (6323 6th Ave, Tacoma). 11-30 - 12:00 is social time and time to get your lunch. The meeting will be from 12:00 - 1:00. This meeting is also offered via Zoom. Please see Zoom information below.
The program for the meeting will be Golden Gloves. We will hear about the Golden Gloves event that is coming up on January 28th along with guests Tom Mustin, Tacoma Boxing Club Head Coach and Emitte Linton Jr, Golden Gloves Champion and World Champion.
We will have updates from committees and hot off the press are the new TAC membership cards. Mark Mininger will be sharing with the group about the discount partner program and the exciting benefits you receive with your TAC membership.
We hope you can join us either in person or on Zoom.
Join us on Thursday December 8th for our noon meeting at Tower Lanes (6323 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406). Our speaker will be Tony Ventrella. Tony spent 40 in years television and radio broadcasting. He was the Sports Director in Indiana at WANE for four years before coming to Seattle and joining KING-5 as a sports anchor for over 12 years. In 1994 Tony joined KIRO-7 as sports director and from 2008 to 2016 he was the digital media host for the Seattle Seahawks.
Tony is a very positive person always seeking solutions for people to find their potential in life.
Specialties include live on camera work, Keynote speaker, Workshops on positive thinking and actions, voice over work for radio and TV. TV commercials, film work.
We hope that you can attend the meeting. Tower Lanes will be preparing a special holiday lunch for the group. This is a great meeting to bring a guest and potential new members to.
The TAC will be participating in the 2022 Tacoma Santa Parade on December 4th. We are looking for TAC members that would like to participate in the parade. Our entry will include students that have been nominated for the Fall Athlete of the Year from schools throughout Pierce County along with TAC members, friends and family. The parade starts at 4:30. The route is along South Tacoma Way between 50th and 54th Streets. We are asking that all participants arrive by 3:45 for staging. We are one of the first entries in the parade, we estimate that you will be finished with the parade about 6:15. Please let Karyn Siegrist know if you are interested in participating - KarynTAC@gmail.com or 253-307-9096 for more details.
The parade is part of a full afternoon of festivities. Come early and enjoy bands, shopping, food and more. The festival starts at noon.
John S. Anderson passed away on September 3rd, 2022, at the age of 88, following complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was born on December 27th, 1933, in Kent WA, to John and Dorothy Anderson.
John grew up in O'Brien and graduated from Kent High School in 1951. He attended University of Washington and Central Washington University before enlisting in the Navy during draft time. After several Navy stations, he and his high school sweetheart, Myrna, married on July 31, 1954. They spent one year in Detroit, Michigan for John's last year of Naval service before returning to Washington for John to finish college. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University and a master's degree in school administration from University of Puget Sound. With help from his friend Willie Calhoun, John built their home in Sumner, WA, and established residence in 1960. John had a successful 35-year career as a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Sumner School District.
John was the head football coach for 16 years at Sumner High School, leading teams to a record of 114-52-6. He won five league championships, two state championships (1975 and 1977), was named State Coach of the Year in 1977, and was inducted as a member of the Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988.
John also served 16 years as the Sumner School District Athletic Director. He was voted the 1988 Washington State Athletic Director of the Year and was inducted as a member of the Washington State Athletic Director Hall of Fame in 1996. During his years as the Athletic Director he also found time to serve for 8 years as a member of the WIAA Executive Board.
John was an active member of Sumner Rotary, serving as Club President in 1994 and later serving as Assistant District Governor for three years. He was most recently honored with a Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his service to his community and Rotary District 5020. He was a true servant leader and lived his life according to the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self."
In addition to Rotary and his highly successful career as a teacher, coach, and administrator, he was an exceptionally talented wood craftsman. He built a multitude of beautiful fine furnishings that his family will continue to value, relish and appreciate as a part of his legacy. He was an avid snow and water skier and taught all his kids to ski. In their retirement, John and Myrna enjoyed many cruise ship travels throughout the world along with sunshine weeks in Arizona, Central Oregon, and Cabo San Lucas.
John is survived by his wife, Myrna, son Brian (Michelle), son Eric (Nancy), daughter Kerri, brother Robert (Penny), 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy, son Craig, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Michelle, and son-in-law Dean.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 1st, at the Swiss Sportsmen's Club in Bonney Lake, WA. An additional memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 2nd at Mt. View Lutheran Church in Edgewood, WA.
Donations in John Anderson's name can be made to the Kevin Anderson Scholarship fund at Sumner High School, Sumner Rotary Club, Mt. View Lutheran Church, or a personal choice of fund in his memory.
John was the most patient, generous, calm, and kind man who cared deeply about his family, friends, and community. He will be greatly missed.
Our October meeting will be on October 13th at noon at Tower Lanes.
The speakers for the meeting will be Steve O'Brien and Ben Talbot from the First Tee South Puget Sound. First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. We’re Building Game Changers through our junior golf programs.
The meeting will be in person and offered via Zoom. We hope you can join us.
Meeting ID: 852 1218 2813 Passcode: 327379 One tap mobile +12532158782,,85212182813#,,,,*327379# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 852 1218 2813 Passcode: 327379 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kyIf32hE2
The 2022 Tribute to Champions was on May 17th. Visit the Tribute to Champions page to learn more about the recipients of the Distinguished Achievement awards and the inductees to the Sports Hall of Fame.
Photos from the event are available for viewing and purchase from the respective photographers.
The Tom Names Salute to Sports event will be June 16th at the Hotel Murano's Bicentennial Pavilion. Doors open at 5:30 and the program will start at 6:00. This program will be when we honor the Spring Athletes of the Year and awarding $50,000 in scholarships to Pierce County high school students.
If you are interested in attending the event, click here to purchase online. The prices is $20 per person and current TAC and Sports Museum members can receive $5 off of their ticket price when using discount code STS2022. We hope you can join us for an evening of celebration.
The next TAC lunch meeting will be this Thursday, June 9th at Tower Lanes. The menu for the afternoon will be a BBQ.
For the program portion of the meeting we will be reviewing the strategic consulting project that the UPS students did for the TAC. They did a great job with the project and summarizing their findings. It is now up to us to review and determine how we want to move forward with the information that they have provided. During the meeting we will be reviewing some of the key finings. For those that are interested in reviewing the whole case study, it is uploaded on the TAC website, click here to access a copy. I have also uploaded the video from when the students delivered their project to us. Unfortunately, there were some sound issues in the room that we had the presentation and it may be difficult to hear the speaker at various points throughout the recording. Click here to watch the video.
For those that are interested in joining the lunch meeting via Zoom, here is the info:
The application period is open, and the foundation is accepting applications through March 15.
One student athlete will be selected from each of Pierce County’s 32 high schools, and one from Ben Cheney’s hometown of South Bend, to receive the $3,000 scholarship.
Through this scholarship, we aim to follow Ben Cheney’s vision and support outstanding student athletes in Pierce County who plan to attend a vocational, 2- or 4-year school in the coming fall.
Basic criteria include;
Must be a high school senior
Graduating this year from a Pierce County or South Bend high school
Who played at least one year of a WIAA varsity sport
And plans to attend a voc/tech, 2- or 4-year college in the fall
The Tacoma Athletic Commission is in the process of implementing a new online software call Club Runner. This software will help manage membership, event, our website and much more. Included with this implementation is a smart phone app. This app provides easy access to many features of the new website. The app is available for iPhones and Androids.
Completely, free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to the website, learn more about upcoming events and speakers, and view meeting details, right from your smartphone or tablet!
Immediately view the most up to date member directory, upon login. You can browse your member profiles which give you the necessary contact information you need to connect with just one click. Make a call or text, email them directly from your device, or even add them to your contacts list.
View the latest feed of home page stories that are on your own website and your district's site, directly on your phone, so you never miss any information!
Access all of your upcoming events and calendar items, and view event details, including associated links, download files and venue map.
View your meeting day, time and venue, complete with a Google map for directions through the new Club Info page right from your phone.
The Tribute to Champions will be held on Tuesday, May 17th from 5:30-8:00pm at the McGavick Conference Center in Lakewood. The Distinguished Achievement Awards will be presented and the Class of 2022 inductees into the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame will also be honored.
This event is in need of sponsors and souvenir program advertisers. Visit our downloads page information for details. Save the date and contact Marc Blau at 253-677-2872 or at mhblau@comcast.net for additional information or if you would like to support the event.
The Last Hurrah—the final banquet of the Tacoma-Pierce County Baseball-Softball Oldtimers (a TAC function) will be held on Sun., March 20th from 2:00-6:00pm at the McGavick Conference Center in Lakewood.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Old-timers Baseball-Softball Association was conceived and organized to recognize and honor those participants whose commitment and dedication has resulted in a significant contribution to the history of those sports in the Tacoma-Pierce County community.
Class of 2022 Oldtimers Hall of Fame Inductees
Dill Howell Award: Bobby Adams, Rosy Ryan, Mikal Thomsen, Ben Cheney
Meritorious Service Award: Gary Brooks and Sandy Molzan
Marv Scott Coaches Award: Barry Aden, Dennis Mullens, Joyce Wolf, Roy Young
Cy Greenlaw Oldtimers Award: Mary Jane Bramman Cooper, Kathy Hemion, George Grant, Earl Hyder, Dick Zierman, Lloyd Blanusa
Baseball: Tony Barron, Henry Bender, Mike Brooks, Gregg Leach, Jim Nettles, Mike Wholey
Fastpitch:) Audrey Lakowske Vaughn (Women’s) and Brian Sonntag (Modified)
Slowpitch (Women’s): Rhondi Adair, Lisa Barron, Cindy Van Hulle
Slowpitch (Men’s): Steve Bull and Danny Cooley
Umpires: Craig Bolton, Melodie Fox and Lola Morrone
Broadcasters/Sports Writers: Mike Curto, Bill Doane, Jerry Howarth
Sponsor: Durobilt Furniture (Al Scott, mgr)
Teams:
1915 South Tacoma Tigers Baseball team
1970s-80s Little Jim’s Pub/Evergreen Excavation Slowpitch team
1980 NEAA Tacoma Longshoremen Connie Mack team
Tipping the Cap:
Ron Zollo Assistant GM, Tacoma Tigers baseball team.
Don Mooney 1947 Tacoma Tigers batboy
Giovanni Tomasi 1948 Tacoma Tigers batboy
Ken Higdon 1978 T-Yankees batboy to Cal Angels clubhouse manager
Nick Tucci Usher/Ticket Taker-Tacoma Giants and Cubs
Quinn Wolcott Major League Baseball Umpire-Debut 5/27/13
Bill Ruth Senior Slowpitch—W.E. Ruth Realty
1988 Tacoma-Pierce County High School Sister City Exchange team
This event is in need of sponsors and souvenir program advertisers. Visit our downloads page information for details. Save the date and contact Marc Blau at 253-677-2872 or at mhblau@comcast.net for additional information or if you would like to support the event.
We would like to thank all our members for your continued support. If you are not a current member, we invite you to join the TAC. Renewing your membership or joining the TAC is simple. You can renew online with a credit card or you can complete the attached form and mail it into the TAC with your payment. Thank you to all of those that have already renewed their membership for the 2021-2022 year.
Your membership in the Tacoma Athletic Commission allows us to continue to support amateur sports and civic betterment in the Tacoma-Pierce County area. With your support the TAC is able to:
Honor student athletes each season for their athleticism, academics, and community involvement through our Athlete of the Year committee.
Present scholarships as part of the Tom Names Salute to Sports, in partnership with the Names Family Foundations.
Host events such as the Golden Gloves and our annual golf tournament.
Provide monthly meetings with guest speakers and a chance for fellowship with other sports enthusiasts.
And much more.
Aside from recognition and scholarships, over the years the TAC has contributed to sports and the community in a numbers of ways including:
Raised money and leading a successful campaign to vote “YES” for the Tacoma Dome
Secured money to build the multi-field Heidelberg Sports Complex
The formation of the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame.
Secured a $25,000 grant and contributed an additional $11,000 to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators for all Tacoma School District high schools and middle schools.
And many other projects.
Thank you for your continued or renewed membership which supports the TAC and amateur sports in Tacoma-Pierce County.
You may renew your membership online with a credit/debit card - CLICK HERE or you may complete a membership form and mail it along with your payment to the TAC at: Tacoma Athletic Commission, PO Box 11304, Tacoma, WA 98411
The work of the Tacoma Athletic Commission is possible because of members and the committees. There are 10 standing committees within the TAC. These committees are looking for members to help in a variety of capacities. There are positions that are hands on, behind the scenes, logistical, technical, and must more. Please review the list of committees below and see which one you would be interested in joining. If you are not sure which committee you would like to join and would like to discuss which one would be a good fit for you, contact Karyn Siegrist. The committees are listed below with their chairs noted. To sign-up for a committee contact the chair or Karyn Siegrist. You will see that there are two committees which currently do not have a chair. If you have been interested in taking a leadership role in the TAC, this is a great way to start the process.
TAC STANDING COMMITTEES
S-1 AOY (Athlete of the Year) (Chair: Willie Stewart)
*Tom Names Salute to Sports
*TV Tacoma AOY Broadcast
S-2: ClubRunner (Chair: Karyn Seigrist)
*Newsletter
*Member Communications
S-3: Corporate Partners (Chair: Mark Mininger)
*Sports Discount Card
*Fundraising/Grants
S-4: Finance (Chair: Terry Ziegler)
S-5: Golden Gloves (Chair: Greg Plancich)
S-6: Grant Awards (Chair:__________________)
S-7: Golf Tournament (Chair:__________________)
S-8: Membership (Chair: Pat Garlock)
S-9: Programs/Speakers (Chair: Jim Whitacre)
S-10: School Connectors (Chair: Aaron Roetcisoender)
2nd Thursday of the month in the Summit Room at Cheney Stadium.
Meetings are either at 11:30am or 5:00pm. Check our calendar for specific details and how to access the facility. You need to enter on Clay Huntington Way off of 19th Street.
March 14th Evening Meeting - Donna Dennis, Olympian and Motivational Speaker
The January 12, 2023 meeting for the Tacoma Athletic Commission will be held at Tower Lanes (6323 6th Ave, Tacoma). 11-30 - 12:00 is social time and time to get your lunch. The meeting will be from 12:00 - 1:00. This meeting is also offered via Zoom. Please see Zoom information below. 
The Tribute to Champions will be held on Tuesday, May 17th from 5:30-8:00pm at the McGavick
The Last Hurrah—the final banquet of the Tacoma-Pierce County Baseball-Softball Oldtimers (a TAC function) will be held
