Organized disc golf has little to do with how one arranges their bag. With coordinated efforts we can have improved courses, better events, and insightful growth in disc golf. The Wisconsin Disc Sports Association is made up of dedicated individuals who have worked together to raise the level of disc sports throughout the state.
Seed money starting this organization came from The Professional Disc Golf Association 1998 Amateur Disc Golf World Championships held in the Fox Valley. Most of the current Board of Directors were involved in hosting 1998 Worlds, as Team Wisconsin. Here is an introduction of the current Board of Directors of WDSA.
Terry Miller, Milwaukee: Terry recently graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a double major in Information Technology and also Communications. At the age of 27, he already possesses 13 years of playing and touring experience. "By running and organizing tournaments and competitions, I hope to bring growth and exposure to this sport, which can be enjoyed by so many. I will forever remain passionate about playing, traveling, and promoting disc sports."
Eric Paulson, Menomonee Falls: Eric began playing disc golf around the summer of 1984 at Brown Deer Park. A group of local players formed the disc golf club The Milwaukee Breeze in 1987. Eric was the club treasurer. For the next few years, the Breeze set high standards for tournament organization. Eric recruited a few tournament directors, and organized the original 1993 Wisconsin Summer Series; this series has since grown into the very prestigious Wisconsin Disc Golf Tour. Eric was on the Team Wisconsin staff as well as a participant for the 98 Worlds which became a benchmark for other events to be measured by. Eric has played in other nationally recognized tournaments held in the Midwest and plans to have his contributions to this sport continue for a long time. "I hope to be able to continue to contribute in the future as a player and supporter of disc sports."
Barry Schultz, Sheboygan: Barry grew up near Volrath Park in Sheboygan (WI's 1st disc golf course) and started winning tournaments in the junior division. His winning has not stopped, but has gotten bigger. Has won many of the biggest tournaments on Earth including Masters Cup, Mad City Open, many top four PDGA World Championship finishes with two runner-ups. He one the 2001 United States Disc Golf Championship and took a close second in 2002. He was the Gold Medal winner at the 2001 Aikido World Games. While playing at such a high level, he was awarded the 2000 Bob West Sportsmanship Award, which speaks for the honor he uses on and off the course. This WI Disc Golf and Frisbee Hall of Famer is the first real Professional Disc Golfer in Wisconsin, earning his living as a touring tournament and clinic pro, complete with sponsors. He also is involved in directing tournaments, including 1998 Am Worlds in Appleton.
Randy Schukar, Stevens Point: Randy started playing disc golf in Iowa in 1978, finding it to be a great activity. After moving to Stevens Point in 1990 he was disappointed to find no course. With considerable help from Waldo Stolpa, Keith Mansavage and others they managed to build four popular courses. Randy has staffed four World Championships and several other tournaments including 1998 Am Worlds in Appleton. "I believe that a heavy immersion in all aspects of the sport is important as we guide our growth on the local and state level. Above all, my primary interest lies in bringing responsible quality elements to the continued growth of our courses and our events. Randy was the point man of the current WI Disc Golf Tour for many years.
Tom Jenkins, Appleton: is a professional family man with 23 years of competitive disc sports experience (guts, ultimate, golf, overalls). Been promoting disc sports for the same 23 years though numerous club leadership positions, tournament director experience, and through the design and installation of golf courses since 1996. "I hope to continue helping all disc sports grow any way I can." Tom was a major contributor on the 1998 Am Worlds Team Wisconsin. He is the Wisconsin Tour Director for 2003.
Duster Don Hoffman, Blue Mounds: "I was born on September 26th (same as Elver Park Disc Golf Course) in 1945, to a couple of people I had never met before! Twenty five years later (still in my childhood) I learned how to toss a Frisbee and then, how to play golf." With good friends Pete Boersma and Dan Madden, Duster worked to get Madison's first disc golf course installed. The year was 1992 and I began to get actively involved in the promotion of the sport; started running tournaments; took on the responsibilities of Regional Coordinator for the Pro Disc Golf Association; helped get disc golf into the Badger State Games as commissioner of disc golf . I also joined the Disc Golf Course Designers Group as a Master Designer and have designed or consulted on a number of courses in Wisc. and elsewhere. In 1998 I was TD for the Amateur World Championships, held in Appleton Wisc. I was the "Ace Reporter" for Disc Golfer (an early PDGA newsletter). PDGA awards include: 1990 Senior Sportsmanship ; 1994 Volunteer of the year; 1999 TD of the year. Great Lakes Disc Golf Club Ace Award 1995. President Emeritus Madison Area Disc Club. I am a member of the Wisconsin Disc Sports Association; a charter member of the Wisconsin Disc Golf and Frisbee Hall of Fame. In 1991 I placed 3rd in the grandmasters division at the PDGA World Championships. In 1992 at the Senior World Championships I won first place in freestyle. I am now a v.p. on the board of the Disc Golf Foundation. Creator of Mad City Open which is now one of the top PDGA Super Tour showcase tournaments.
Brad Wendt, Madison: "As a basketball junkie out of school, I was seeking competition. UW Milwaukee held a distance/accuracy and freestyle tourney in 1977. I bite hard, learning ultimate and what ever Frisbee game any one cared to make up." Brad has been competing in and directing overall, disc golf, and ultimate tournaments since 1978. The biggies include; a few Ultimate Players Association Regionals, 1991 Collegiate National Championships, 1993 World Flying Disc Federation Ultimate Club World Championships, a number of WI State Overalls, Mad City Open, and the 2003 World Master/Junior Overall Championship. He has course directed BSG, MCO and 1998 Am Worlds as part of Team WI. Brad also operates a frisbee show business, Sportacular Flying Disc, and runs clinics in schools and recreational programs. He serves as Hiestand Course Pro and MADC President since 1997. "It is an honor to work with the other very fine WDSA Board members."
As you can see the group of people on the board bring a ton of experience, a variety of skills, much love of the sport, and a never ending enthusiasm to attempt to make decisions that are positive for flying disc sports in WI. We try our best to promote and enhance the sport with a very limited budget each year. Please fill our ears with ideas, wants and needs.