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The UPA College division is one of the largest and most successful endevours that the UPA has ever undertaken. Still, however, there is no full-time National College Director. [The NCD works for a stipend ($1000, plus $500 for travel.)-TH] Does the UPA College Division need a full-time staff-person? Please defend your answer in terms of the benefits or costs of having this person on staff, assuming a $25-35K yearly salary.

I struggle to see how the efforts of one individual over the course of a season could provide the college division, having the structure it does, with $25,000 to $35,000 worth of value. A majority of the competitive college season is stationed within Cultimate, and minimally involves the UPA. There are plenty of opportunities out there for teams to compete, and the level of quality at those tournaments meet the needs of the large majority of all college teams. I would rather see the UPA take that salary and invest it in expanding the awareness of the college division. That large pool of assets could do so much in regards to funding special events, working to expand membership, or even increasing the quality of the press coverage at college nationals. If the UPA expanded their involvement in the college division and started hosting tournaments during the winter season, I might then see a purpose for a National College Director position. Until that happens, this position is not what the division needs.

The Central region has its own characteristics. Without needing a UPA mandate (in other words, without a Board vote), what can you do as a Board member, by yourself, to leverage your position and help with a Central Region issue?

I am indeed running for the Central region position, and therefore will serve the board with a stance that is best aligned with the needs of the Central region. The most obvious difference between our region and many others is the inability to play Ultimate outdoors during a large portion of the year. I would like to work with various programs and organizations within the Midwest to make sure all UPA members have opportunities to continue to be active during those months. Indoor leagues, tournaments, and practices are very helpful development tools, especially for those who are new to the sport. I will offer myself up as a resource to individuals who are interested in hosting some sort of event, and put the necessary efforts forth to provide an indoor playing opportunity for the UPA members in their area. I am extremely active in both the college and club divisions, and attend the vast majority of all Ultimate events held in the Midwest. My ears are always open to members, and I am dedicated to providing only the best for the Central region.