Welcome everybody to Midday magazine for this Friday, October 11th, 2024.
Have your host James here with you and we're joined today by a couple of great people.
We're going to be talking about the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission.
We're doing that thanks to our friends at the Visit Wisconsin Rapids Bureau.
We say a big shout out and thank you to them, more information and how you can find out
about them in just a little bit.
But let's dive right in and introduce our guests today first.
We have Nathan Plim with us, Marketing Sales Manager with Wisconsin Rapids Area Bureau.
Nathan, good to see you.
Yeah, you as well James, it's called to be here.
We're not here enough, man.
We got to get you in studio more often.
It's good to have you here.
We appreciate you.
And Nathan, you brought in a good friend and an award winner here.
We have Mr. Dave Kantz with us.
Dave is the head coach for the, when it Wisconsin Rapid Swim Club.
Yeah, yeah.
Dave has been a really great asset to the, not just us here at the CVB, but also the sports
community, specifically the, the swim community here in Wisconsin Rapids.
So we're happy to have him.
We'll be putting Dave on the spot.
I mean, asking him questions in just a little bit.
No, Dave.
Thank you very much for being here.
Yeah, it's been a great, great opportunity to, to represent the swim club.
And I listen to your show all the time, so I'm glad to, to be a part of it today and looking
forward to it.
We appreciate that, Dave.
And appreciate you.
Nathan, before we dive into the event itself, the details, some of the new things that you
guys have added to it this year.
Can we talk a little bit about what the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission is?
Absolutely.
And for over 20 years, the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission has existed here in
our, in our city.
And we have, we have some really great growth in the past couple of years.
The, the sports commission has always been an entity that is trying to build sports teams,
facilities industry here in our area.
And there's some really exciting things that are coming up from this group in the past
couple of years.
We updated our, our mission, vision and purpose.
There's a lot more engagement in the, in the meetings in, in recent years, but, but
yeah, basically the sports commission is looking to empower and expand the growth and community
integration of, of local sports here in Wisconsin Rapids.
You know, we really focus on regional development for, for sports organizations, growth and,
and success.
And we're trying to be that central resource or, or hub, if you will, for sports organizations,
events, facilities, anyone looking in that space for information and help with whatever
their initiatives are, the sports commission is here to help with those ideas.
When it, when it comes to what sports is to society and to a community, on a, on a large
level, on a small level, it has its place.
And as, as we go on here in society, we're, we're seeing more and more how important and
how big sports can be.
For every one of us that love to take in every, you know, sport we can and, and I'm a
sports nerd, I'll admit, I grew up in a sports family.
I, I love winning and losing.
I love the scores.
I love the stats.
I love all of that.
But I think that when you get to this level of what we're talking about here, it becomes
so much bigger than wins and losses and, uh, championships and some of these things.
We talk about this a lot with a lot of the coaches that join us on our shows and everything.
And coach Paul, who'll be coming up a little bit later, joins us every other week from
the River Kings.
We talk with our rafters, guys and stuff.
And even on that level, there's this, there's, there's an underlying kind of story to sports.
And it's the human being and the human experience.
And for every kid and, and, and, um, you know, a coach, Dave, I'm sure that you can touch
on this better than I can.
For every athlete you have come in there and becoming a swimmer, we don't know if many
of them may go on and do Olympic swimming or continue swimming even in high school.
But we do know that they can learn some lessons while they're doing this.
They can learn sportsmanship.
They can learn working with others, communication, uh, teamwork, so many life lessons that whatever
they do in the future, those lessons will come in handy.
They will have a place.
They are able to learn these things through swimming, through sports.
Well, it's not just the swimming piece.
It's the real, um, the real event that they're coming to us.
They're having a lot of fun.
They're learning a sport and they're competing and what, what you just said about not only
winning, but there's also a losing factor of it.
And we try to celebrate each time that they hit the water because if they get a personal
best, well, then that means they've done their, you know, they've done what they're supposed
to do and they've done their best.
But, you know, it goes a lot further, uh, as being a substitute teacher here in Rapids,
I see the kids that are in sports are a lot more focused.
They're showing the class on time.
They're doing their homework.
They have a, in some cases, in many cases, they have a good parental background.
So that the parents are on board with all of the activities that they do.
So we look at this as an educational piece, not only for, uh, the student to become more
of a, a citizen, but it's also a recreational piece, you know, as, as we compete in other,
other communities, we're exposing our kids to Black River Falls, uh, ladies, Smith,
Merrill, you know, other communities that we go to and it just gives them a, a better
overall activity that we really enjoy with our kids.
And when I see, when I go into, like I say, a, a middle school, I can pick out the athletes
right away.
One of their in track or bass, bass basketball or if they're in the softball, I mean, right
away, they just have a look about them that is just a little bit above, you know, what
you're going to see in the normal students that might be around.
Yeah, that's good note.
Thank you for that day.
I appreciate it.
Uh, the sports commission, uh, Nathan also me is, uh, meeting quarterly.
I wonder, uh, let the audience know about that as well.
Yeah.
Yep.
So the sports commission is, um, a group of, of local sports organizations, facilities,
teams, um, people involved in the sports industry coming together.
Uh, like you said, quarterly, um, to talk about things that they're doing individually
with their programs and also what the sports community could use in terms of resources,
help and support.
Um, so very, very much color, uh, focused on collaboration.
And we would love for more people to become involved in those quarterly meetings.
Those meetings are open to the public.
Typically, they've been taking place on the first Wednesday of the, of every third month.
So the next one coming up is going to be Wednesday, December 4th at 5 p.m. and that's
held in the Lincoln High School Flex Room.
If anyone's looking to get more information in advance about that, they can reach out
to me or the convention and visitors bureau, um, and we'll, we can give our contact
information later.
We will definitely wrap up with that.
And great to hear, uh, not only that, uh, this, the, you guys meet quarterly.
I think that's a great time for that.
But the idea of opening this up to the community and, and, and all are welcome to it and
everything.
That's a really cool way to do this.
And, and, and I imagine brings a lot of feedback, a lot of data that you can use from
that.
It, it does.
I mean, we, we, what we do at the CVB, we can't do it in terms of sports promotion and
marketing.
We can't, we can't do that without the support of our local teams, facilities, partners,
and the individuals behind those organizations.
Um, we, we rely very much on the expertise and, uh, skill, skills of, of these sports leaders
in our community.
And that's what these meetings are all about is engaging each other, sharing resources
and finding ways for people not involved in sports to perhaps get involved, um, find
new opportunities and, and see what they can do in the sports realm.
Let's talk about the award ceremony.
Uh, we'll give you the details when it's coming up in a moment.
The first, let's talk about the awards themselves and what's new this year.
Yeah.
So, so for, for many years now, the, um, Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission has been
hosting the, an annual MVP award celebration, um, and the purpose of that award was to acknowledge
individuals that demonstrate commitment, creativity, and dynamic energy toward, um, growing
sports here in our community, um, and, and sports tourism.
Now, some, like I mentioned, there are some exciting things happening this year specifically.
So for the 2024 award celebration, the sports commission has added two new award categories
in addition to the previous MVP award.
Um, those two categories are rookie of the year and, and lifetime achievement.
Um, so we're really excited to have some more, uh, options for, for the award celebration.
Um, and I'm going to break down what those awards mean a little bit.
Um, so starting off with rookie of the year, um, that, that award honors a, a new leader
in the sports industry who, you know, shows exceptional talent and dedication and, um, is
in their first one or two years of being here in Wisconsin Rapids and working with a local
organization.
Um, the, the most valuable person award or the MVP award honors a coach, leader, manager,
uh, or even a supporting volunteer who has at least three years of experience, um, and
active involvement, uh, with, with their organization locally.
Um, again, exceptional leadership, dedication and, and contributions to the sports industry.
And, and finally, we have lifetime achievement.
Now, a lifetime achievement award recipient is, is very much recognized as having extensive
experience and, and lots of, um, positive impact on the area.
So this individual will have 20 or more years of significant lasting impact.
Um, and again, all of this is focused on the Wisconsin Rapids area.
So not just the city, but our surrounding communities as well.
I've been working, uh, behind the scenes for quite a while, trying to get Nathan to
also add on to the list, uh, greatest sports host of a local sports show, uh, uh, no
reason, no reason whatsoever, not because I will host playmakers at all, um, uh, in
all seriousness, uh, what a great idea to add these to this.
The MVP award is really cool and, and, and wonderful, but what a great idea to be able
to highlight other individuals in our community.
One, certainly the people that have put so much time into this industry, much like Dave,
a lot of our coaches are, are also teachers, gives us an opportunity to highlight that to show
the work that these individuals do for our community and for our kids. Um, but the idea of the
rookie award is, it's got so many layers to it. One, wonderful to highlight these individuals
that are new to this area or new to the sports field. Um, that's fantastic.
That's fun. It's also an introduction. It's also another way to really introduce them to the
community or to let the community know about them and the particular sport they're doing.
And that's exactly what we're hoping to do with the, uh, award celebration every year is,
it's an opportunity for not just for people involved in sports to learn more about what's
happening or what, um, has been accomplished in the past year, but also for community members
who may have no idea about what, what's happening in the sports world, learn about all the great
opportunities in Wisconsin rapids. I mean, we have sports that, that people don't really
associate with central Wisconsin, everything from, um, you know, baseball and softball to swimming,
to curling to, um, you know, all, all these different, uh, sorts of organizations were really
grateful to have, um, such a variety here in central Wisconsin. And, uh, certainly all of this,
that we've touched on is really important. And, uh, it is also worth noting that, uh,
what sports bring in economic wise, uh, to the area. And our area has flourished in many ways,
because of our sports and vice versa, because of the community supporting these sports.
There's a whole lot of communities that have a local, uh, baseball, uh, two local baseball teams,
a hockey team, along with all of the great high school sports that we have and high school
activities that we have. Yeah, yeah. Like I said, central Wisconsin is really blessed to have, um,
so many different facilities and a variety of those. So, you know, from, from golf for all levels of
play, um, to a beautiful Rapids area sports complex, being able to host more of those
regional and statewide tournaments, um, even to things like the Southwood County Rec Center
and, and hosting the River Kings and our hockey teams and, and other events, different
utilizations of that facility. It's, it's awesome. I didn't even mention we had got a great curling
club, right? A stone throw away from us here and everything. Yeah, it's so much great sports in
this area. And all of it, uh, not only is great and fun activities, but also the economic impact
that it can make and, and that is certainly noteworthy when it comes to this conversation too.
Absolutely sports and recreation, um, coming to Wisconsin Rapids is crucial for economic impact
and the economic development of our area. We're, we're because of our central location,
we and our affordability here in Wisconsin Rapids. Um, we, we're really a prime destination for
tournaments, games, different organizations to bring their events here to Central Wisconsin,
um, and, and support our local economy by bringing those people in. They're putting people in
hotels and, and other lodging properties. People are coming for a sports tournament and then going
out for dinner and seeing a show, you know, they're, they're experiencing more than just the sports
game. And that's what we're here to help with. The largest watersky show tournament in the world is
here. You know, I mean, yeah, yeah, we, we really do bring a lot to this area. And being in Central
Wisconsin, we're pretty much two hours away from anything. Exactly. If you're a school in Madison,
if you're a school from up north or something, having an event here, it, it, it, it makes sense.
It works out for all teams and everything. There's a, a lot of advantages with this.
Sports are able to take advantage of in our area and really highlight. It's, it's wonderful.
When it comes to these awards, do we know who won these awards at? Do we have the individuals
named yet? Yes. And we are very, very excited to be announcing these. Um, so for, um, the,
the rookie of the year, the 2024 rookie of the year award, um, is actually our very own Dave
Coons with the Wisconsin Rapids series. Yeah. Yep. So, um, Dave is our rookie of the year of
award recipient. Congratulations, Dave. We're very, very happy to, um, you know, be able to
recognize all the great work that you've been doing. Oh, thank you. It's, yeah, too. We're just
in our first year. So we're starting our second year, school year with, uh, with the kids. And we
had, uh, tryouts here last week. And we have 17 new families to add along with our
traditional 35 Summers that we already have. We had four state competitors last year that
did a fantastic job with us. And we, uh, we're involved with, uh, a number of cities here,
because we actually have a full conference that we have anywhere from Tomahawk to Black River Falls
and all parts in between real quick. When I mentioned Dave, Dave is, uh, head of the Wisconsin
Rapids swim club, the Kraken, uh, we didn't get to mention that. So just for the audience to know
what you're talking, it's referring to there, sir. Okay. And again, congratulations for
thank you very much. It's been, been great to be recognized by the community. And we are part
of the wreck department. And they've just done a fantastic job for us. And we, we've now formed
our own parent group. So we are a traditional 501 3C organization here and down. So we have the
wreck department handling our registration fees, uh, coaching salaries, those types of things.
And then our parent group is all behind us with the activities that we do, uh,
throughout the school year. I didn't mean to interrupt you, Dave. Uh, you were getting into a bit
of the details of, uh, what, what the Wisconsin Rapids swim club is and, and the different conferences
and some of that stuff. So please continue with what you're saying. Oh, okay. So we're part of the
Central Wisconsin swim conference. And it's an organization that oddly enough started right here
in the Port Edwards, YMCA, Wisconsin Rapids, uh, probably about 40 years ago. And has been
evolved now into probably 10, 12 teams, Reinlander, Rice Lake, Merrill, uh, Medford, Bloomer,
Oh, Claire, Phillips, and even Lady Smith, all have, all have swim teams. But some of them,
you know, a real small, they're not as large as we are, but there are some clubs too that are in
the 80 and the 90 area. So once we compete with our district area and our conference, we join
together as the Northern Lake Aquatics Club. And then we compete against the rest of the state.
And oddly enough, NLAC won the regional meet last year at the Fondelac. And then we went on to
swim, you know, with our age groups. We are an age group, um, type of team. So kids swim against
their own age groups. So we have eight and unders 11 and 12, uh, 13, 14, and then the seniors. So
there is, um, uh, it's not like you're, you're putting an eight-year-old against them. Right.
Right. Yeah. So they really get a chance to do that. So very cool. And what a, a wonderful
program for the kids and also certainly for, uh, you know, the parents and everybody involved in
this. That's a wonderful one. Dave, you also teach, uh, here at Lincoln as well. Yeah, I do. I,
bought a place out in city point and moved up here. And I sat out there for a couple of years and
saw, you know, I got to get back into this. So, uh, I, I, um, applied. And now I'm a substitute teacher
throughout the district for Wisconsin Rapids and assumption. So I get to see a lot of kids
moved here a couple of years ago. And I got my background in swimming as I did the same thing,
you know, age groups swimming through the high school, um, managed to make it to the Minnesota
state meet and NCAA tournament when I went to stout. Well done. Nice. And then got a chance to come
here and teach. Mm-hmm. And then I've been in the Milwaukee area for about 20 years and my
two children that moved up into this area. My daughter is, uh, fourth grade teacher for the,
the school system here and my son works for a local industry, a manufacturing industry. So I
decided to come and thought I would bring my talents. And here we are. Uh, thank you to, uh,
you for that end of the kids, uh, for, for the work that they're putting into the community and
everything. We appreciate you, Dave. And congratulations on the award. Very well earned and
deserves, sir. Oh, thank you very much. Um, we'll get to you, uh, we'll wrap up with you and, uh,
as well, Dave, of how people can find out more about the crack and in some of that. Uh, Nathan,
I wanted to touch on the other award winners and certainly the celebration itself in the last
couple of minutes we have here. Absolutely. So, um, for our next award, the most valuable person
or the MVP award, uh, again, going to a coach leader or manager, um, or supporting volunteer with,
with three years experience, I'm, I'm very happy to announce that that person is Paul Peckman with
the Wisconsin Rapids River Kings, USPHL hockey team. Um, Paul has been such a pillar in our community
for a couple of years now. And, and he really is been instrumental in not only opening up
opportunities for his, his hockey team players to move on to the next level, but also he is really,
really community focused. And, um, you know, the River Kings are out at tons of community events.
Yeah. Um, he, Paul is teaching these guys how to not just be good hockey players, but to be good
humans. And, and that's essential in the sports community. Um, so congratulations to Paul and
the River Kings, um, very well deserved it. Like I said, pillar, pillar of our community and
River Kings are, are very much valued by the Wisconsin Rapids area.
Coach Paul be joining us on Monday. We'll be talking him, putting him on the spot on this one.
I'm going to talk, I want to know his speech. I want to talk with him about that one. He's a great,
great individual, a wonderful asset to this community. And what, uh, he brings to the community
is bigger than hockey. It really is. We appreciate him. Uh, and we got another award winner too.
Absolutely. So our last award category, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Um, again, an individual
that has had a significant lasting impact. Um, and this year, we're, we're happy to say that
that is Bob Galita from the Wisconsin Rapids public schools as, as his, um, his time as a baseball
coach. So congratulations to Bob. Um, he has a lot under his belt in terms of, uh, success stories,
not just as a teacher at Lincoln High School for over 34 years, but also, um, as, as a coach, you
know, he became, uh, the baseball head coach in 1994 winning four conference, uh, championships,
eight sectional appearances, uh, all during his tenure. And, you know, he, he's been inducted
into the Wisconsin baseball coaches association Hall of Fame. Uh, that was just last year in 2023.
Um, and, and there's so much more that I would love to share about Bob. We can spend the whole
show on, right? We can spend the whole show on him. Uh, we appreciate, oh, we appreciate your
Mr. Galita. Uh, he's still Mr. Galita to me. I still gotta call that. Uh, we appreciate you,
sir, and, and a great choice for that award. Uh, all great choices, all great things to go on for
a wonderful event. When is the event happening? What are the details, Nathan? Absolutely. Um, I did
want to mention real quick that all these nominations came in from the community. So those folks that
you're, um, hearing about receiving these awards, we received those nominations for each of these
from community members and their peers. And we're really excited to be honoring and recognizing them
on Thursday, November 7th at Bullseye Golf Club. That event is going to run from six to about
nine p.m. Um, it's going to have some really great chances for networking and a cocktail hour
hosted by the Wisconsin Rapids rafters. Um, and we're excited to be introducing a little bit of
entertainment this year for the first time at this event, um, by the Lincoln High School Jazz Band. So,
awesome. You know, connecting schools, connecting sports, and it's really great. Um, but yeah, so the
events we're going to have some or derives, you know, soft drinks, desserts, there will be a cash bar
available. Um, reservations are required for the event and the cost to attend is going to be $25
per person. Uh, there, there's going to be eight seats to a table and attendees have the option
to, uh, RSVP individually or reserve a table and what we're doing in hopes that we get some more,
more folks there. Um, Rick, if you, if you reserve a table, you can get one seat free. So, uh,
yeah, well, just 175 for the whole table there. Save some money. Um, bring your friends, family,
all the supporters you can for Wisconsin Rapids area sports. Um, RSVPs are due by Wednesday,
October 23rd, um, with the name and number of guests in your party. Um, and people can reserve
a spot for the event by calling the Wisconsin Rapids area convention and visitors bureau at 715-422-4650,
or sending me an email at marketing at visit. W-I-S-Rapids.com. Fantastic, man. We're really looking
forward to this Nathan. Thank you again for the time and all the information. And, uh, Dave,
Coach, Dave, I did want to, uh, well, let people know if they, if they have questions about the crack
and are one of the more about the swim team, is there a way to reach you? Yeah, the, the wreck department
really is, is taking care of our registration pieces and you can call the recreation department
at 715-421-8240. Perfect. And then, or you can go to the, their webpage, the recreation webpage,
or you can go to the, uh, uh, Wisconsin Rapids, simply a Facebook page as well. And we have all the
information listed there. Excellent. Our community is that much stronger and better because of the
individual works of you guys and so many of the people we mentioned today appreciate both of you,
appreciate all the conversation. You guys have a great weekend. Yeah, thank you very much.
Thank you as well. We want to send a big thank you to Pam Hilke and the amazing scheduling. She
does week in a week out too. We appreciate you Pam and appreciate all of you, the best listeners
in radio. We'll be back next week with more midday magazine right here at 97-5 FM 13-20 AM WFHR.
