Happy Holidays!

New and Exciting

Winter Games

Post Op Report

First and foremost let me thank you for the outpour of concern regarding my situation. I am overwhelmed to say the least.

Secondly, it is early, but all three surgeries were successful and I am now operating on a generator placed below my left breast plate. The rehab is 6-8 weeks where I am unable to drive, lift more than ten pounds, and have stubbornly had to resort to walking only to keep my workout streak alive.

Thirdly the prognosis appears to be good and hopefully the result of my attempt to increase the quality of life is intact.

Fourth, I believe we are in strong and capable hands with Gary, Tara, and Bret at the helm and my being able to communicate from home. We are very lucky to have such qualified people in place.

My desire is to encourage all of you to continue to support our efforts with the Essay Contest and the upcoming 43 sport Winter Games festival.

Thank you again for your strength!

H.A.T
Wid

"Ten is Heaven!"

Our Tenth Annual Winners Circle Weekend is another packed house!
I look forward to another exciting evening with our friends at the DoubleTree!



Wid

"Joe Pa"

A tragedy to say the least.....a lesson to all of us!
Just do the right thing. No one is above the law, the game, or the institution.
This is about people and life.
It's a sad day!

Wid

"Nearly 1400"!

I love when the Art Contest is well and good! "Nearly 1400 entries this year"! A great turnout and as usual the talent exhibited was amazing! The Contest makes us relevant, and the creative expression is truly refreshing.




Next up ......The Nations largest Essay Contest!



Wid

Auction

Can't Wait

"C'om on man ! "

A boy named Suh.....Ndamukong that is!A fantastic defensive lineman for the Detroit Lions.So happens they played the 49ers last week and my son-in-law,Adam Snyder as you know, had the dubious task of being matched up against Suh for most of the afternoon. At days end Suh had 2 assisted tackles!
"C'om on man!"

Wid

Hope to see you there!

"Number 1"

Our first Art Contest entry! Always exciting and good signs of things to come.

From a 2nd Grader...check this out




~Wid

"Life's Clock"

The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just where the hands will stop
At late hour or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed:
To lose one's health is more;
To lose one's soul is such a loss
As no man can restore.
The present only is our won,
Live, love, toil with a will~
Place no faith in "tomorrow"
For the clock may then be still.

"Not that anybody cares!"

I'm going to have another grandchild! Number 6! Guess who?
I've been asking my kids if they know what causes that?
I get such a hoot out of the lil'tikes!
"Not that anybody cares!"

Wid

With a little help from my friends

Hats off to Tara, the volunteers, Arizona Office Technologies and our entire team in producing and distributing the nations largest Art Contest! This opportunity for people of all ages to express themselves creatively through this friendly competition is a special and intricate part of our overall program.

We encourage all of you to visit our website at www.gcsg.org for the details. The deadline is October 31st. So bring your creative imagination to the forefront and we challenge you to compete in this worthwhile endeavor.

Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!

God Bless America!

~Wid

"Ten is Heaven ! "

Just received news from our good friends at the Doubletree that the confirmed date for our 10th Annual Winners Circle Weekend will be November 18Th! Save the date!
Always a weekend to remember, as we thank our sponsors, athletes, commissioners, and volunteers for all there time and effort on behalf of the GCSG!
"Ten is Heaven!"

Wid

The Recipe has 6 Ingredients

In any finely tuned concoction the right ingredients must be in place.
For the Grand Canyon State Games our formula is as follows:
1. Loyal Staff
2. Supportive Board of Directors
3. Competitive Athletes
4. Knowledgeable commissioners
5. Tireless volunteers

6. and last but not least Committed SPONSORS

It is fundraising time at the Grand Canyon State Games. Your assistance and continued dedication to our program is deserving of a heartfelt thank you! To maintain your ownership is essential to our continued progress. Your willingness to bring others on board is much appreciated. Together we have built something quite substantial!

Get Up! Get Active ! Get Involved! Get Healthy!

God Bless America!

Wid

"Tahoe"

Everybody needs to spend time with their family! It's not always easy but important!
Our recent family reunion at "Lake Tahoe" was simply amazing.My daughter Erika and her husband Adam did an incredible job of organizing the week long vacation.

In a period of 26 months I went from having 0 grandchildren to 5 ! Spending time with them was priceless.All special in their own way with a ton of energy and changing by the day. Watching my children nurture their young is a study in itself.
It makes me very proud.

Wid

ps Elvis was also in the house...

"The Crowning Jewel"

Coming off the 4th of July I would be less than honest if I didn't share with you the excitement I have for our upcoming Lori Piestewa National Native American Games. We must never forget the history of all of the military personnel that have put their lives on the line to give the rest of America the chance to enjoy our freedom.

I view the Piestewa Games as not only a tribute to Lori but also, in our own way, a thank you to all of those that have fought for our country.

It is no secret that I do the Native Games as the "Crowning Jewel" of a our year long, state and nationwide format. A heartfelt thank you to all that participate in this unique opportunity.

God Bless America!

~Wid

"We're Truly Valid!"

I was up at 4am Sunday in anticipation of our expected layout in the Sunday Showcase of the Arizona Republic! I have to admit it brought a tear to my eye when I saw with his family looking on ,2-year old Vaughan Verfurth grabbed a light green6-pound bowling ball with both hands, turned his body and threw it down the lane.
Vaughan is the youngest participant ever for a Grand Canyon State Games event in our 19 year history!
We're alive and "We're Truly Valid!"



Wid

"Odds and Ends!"

1.The Heat and Mavericks were outstanding!
2.The Fiesta Bowl hit a home run!
3.We have 114 Basketball teams in our Summer Games tourney.
4.ASU has been great!
5.I love to eat at Valle Luna.
6.I haven't seen "Idol" for awhile!
7.Grandchildren are growing up fast!
8.We are very busy!
9.My knee is super!
10.Family get together in Tahoe!
11.God Bless America!

Wid

"facebook"

On my 17th anniversary at the Grand Canyon State Games, Tara posted the information on "facebook". To my amazement there was some positive response.Thank you one and all for the kind comments.
Admittedly, I'm not as versed in social media as I should be. It is my intention to become more current. I look forward to the challenge.

Wid

"NFL Lockout!'

With an NFL background and a son-in-law playing in the league,people assume I might have some inside information...I don't!
What I do know is the work-stoppage has far reaching implications.Not only owners and players are subject to the lock-out, but coaches,player personnel people,trainers, public relations people, video crew,equipment department, ticket sales, as well as the FANS!
The NFL has become so much to so many.One prominent player has gone so far as to say it will have an "evil impact,as in the rise of crime"!
Here is hoping they can solve there differences sooner than later.

Wid

"ASU!"

What a distinct pleasure it has been to work with Arizona State University as our Title Sponsor for the upcoming Summer Games! I have found them to be warm, sincere ,accommodating, professional and attentive to detail! All qualities which I admire.What a comfort to have them on the "TEAM!".

Wid

"Fiesta Bowl"

$1,000,000.00 fine! I feel bad for the Fiesta Bowl's recent misfortune. I know a lot of people with ties to what I think has done wonders for so many for a long period of time.
I like what I'm hearing about how they are taking care of there business....no stone unturned!
I wish them the best as they move through the long and I'm sure, tough process.

Wid

"Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions!"

The Celebration Banquet is behind us! I was very proud of our "TEAM!" They performed admirably and went beyond my expectations in many cases. Great bunch!
If the phone is not ringing off the hook post event...that's a good thing.All response has been positive.The "Game Plan" worked!
"Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions!"
SUMMER GAMES POSTCARDS went in the mail today. No rest for the wiery!

Wid

"Sold Out!"

It's a Celebration! A terrific time to recognize hundreds of people for their accomplishments as sponsors, commissioners,athletes, volunteers, and Art/Essay contest winners.
I always look forward to this evening as one of the highlights of the year.
Our Celebration Banquet!
Can't wait to see you all there.
We're Sold Out!"

Wid

"71 Read!"

Yesterday a good friend named Wayne Clark stopped by for lunch after driving down from Tucson! Wayne was the quarterback when we played together at Cal Western University some 40 years ago. We were a fairly dynamic combination as I still hold the carer receiving record for the school!
It was great to recall the old days and I'm sure the stories we told were slightly embellished!
But we both decided that"71 Read" would still work!

Wid

New Family Member

Powerade joins the Grand Canyon State Games family as the new Presenting Sponsor for the next 3 years. Thank you Jen Bening.



Focus, Hustle, Hydrate, Believe


~Wid

"March Madness!"

This weekends Basketball Winter Games competition lived up to our own version of "March Madness!" Highlighted by spirited competition,talented athletes,and our share of "ruffled feathers" from the parents!
Turnout was strong and the staff was terrific in there execution of the event and the other sports such as Equestrian which set an all time attendance record!
As the Winter Games wind down we need to focus on the Celebration Banquet taking place on April 29.
The "Madness" never seems to stop....that's a good thing!

Wid

7/11

(A copy of an email sent to Dr. Rund, Vice President of Student Activities at Arizona State University regarding the results of one of the more significant meetings I have had in my 16 years as the Executive Director of the Grand Canyon State Games.)

Dear Dr. Rund,

7/11

We’re back! After “7” long years away from ASU in 20”11” and until the year 2016 the Grand Canyon State Games will again create the Olympic village atmosphere on the campus of ASU with our Summer Games / Winter Games / Opening Ceremonies / and Celebration Banquet.

Our meeting with the “TEAM” yesterday was euphoric. They were very enthusiastic, professional, and accommodating. Thank you for your obvious influence on the results of our visit.

Now the other “Two Heads” of the “Three Headed Dragon”!
1. Sponsorship
2. SportsWORLD

When may we visit?

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Wid

You are invited

"One of my First Trips"

One of my first trips when I got this job 16 years ago was to drive to Flagstaff, AZ to meet with the General Manager of the Snowbowl JR Murray. My intent was to convince him that the Grand Canyon State Games should be a year-round event. I remember distinctly how impressed I was with the reception I received from not only JR but from Brian Beamer, the President of the Flagstaff Ski team and Rick Smith the Director of the High Altitude Center. The meeting took place in the Hart Prairie lodge. JR had set up a nice meeting area, a grease board, and some brochures with information about the Snowbowl and Flagstaff. Thus, the Winter Games were a reality.

We started with skiing and hockey in Flagstaff in our first year. Now 15 years later, we are the largest Winter Sports festival in the country featuring 42 sports and over 10,000 athletes.

This past weekend, in our signature event, the atmosphere was abuzz with Snow. The Flagstaff ski team lead by Lynda Fleischer executed a flawless event. With the help of veteran staff members like Dave Smith from the Snowbowl, Brian Beamer from the Ski Team, and Pat Bell former GCSG employee, the support was strong. Another highlight of the weekend was our very own staff member Tara Heinrichs son, Hayden (age 4) learning to ski for the first time with the help of the very talented ski instructors at Snowbowl. Snow, smiles, and exhilaration were plentiful on the mountain this past weekend.

Thanks JR!

~Wid

"It Wasn't the Same"

After attending our adult Track meet as a part this country's largest amateur Winter Sports festival, featuring over 10,000 athletes in 42 sports, something was missing. James Smith, our Track Commissioner, was fabulous. Tara and Gary were stars as always. The interns were plentiful and tremendously effective. But something was missing.

Michael Slaughter and Roy Clark were not in attendance. They have recently passed away but still stand strong in my mind as stalwarts not only in our community but in the sport of Track and Field. We will do our best to remember their contributions and their intense inspiration they gave to one and all. The Power Player Award will be named in their honor as a small token of our sincere feelings towards these two role model athletes. "Something was missing."

~Wid

Stimulating Creativity and Imagination: 2011 Essay Results Are In

The thoughts are on paper, pens are down, and the judges have completed the task of selecting the medalists. Grand Canyon State Games along with our proud sponsor, Arizona Christian University, formally Southwestern College, received an overwhelming response from 2,487 students from all the public, parochial, private, charter and home schools throughout Arizona and America. This year’s participation brings the fifteen year total of entries to 50,277, ranging from kindergarten to adults from 49 states in the US.



The goal was for the authors to express their dreams and ideas for a successful life and a better community. The essays were written to provide critical thinking and encourage the thought that one person can make a difference in a community. As a reward for the creativity medals will be given out to the top three finishers of all grade levels and the adult age groups. Eleventh grade, twelfth grade and adult participants will also receive scholarships from Arizona Christian University.



To celebrate all the winners, an invitation will be sent out for our Appreciation Banquet on April 29th. This will recognize all art and essay winners, sponsors and volunteers for their dedicated effort and hard work.



Congratulations to all participants!

Below are the list of the essay winners:

Kindergarten:
Gold: Katie Ritchie, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
Gold: Krisha Agarwal, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
Silver: Jairus Wong, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
Silver: Leyna Nguyen, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
Bronze: Chinmayi Bhagvat, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
Bronze: Kunal Ballapragada, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
Honorable Mention: Olivia Zhao, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori
Honorable Mention: Zubin Sidhwa, Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori

First Grade:
Gold: Sadhana Kumar,
Silver: Sloane Jenkins, Bios Christian Academy
Bronze: Shruti Ramkumar,
Honorable Mention: Ashlynn Kooima, Bios Christian Academy

Second Grade:
Gold: John Beate, Circle Cross Ranch
Gold: Clarissa Still, Bios Christian Academy
Silver: Jasmine Martinez, Circle Cross Ranch
Bronze: Macy Krahenbuhl, Circle Cross Ranch
Honorable Mention: Brooklyn Smith, Franklin NorthEast
Honorable Mention: Benjamin Vasey, Bios Christian Academy
Honorable Mention: Elias Crislip, Bios Christian Academy

Third Grade:

Gold: Mila MacLeod, Legend Springs Elem
Gold: Jack Greger, Legend Springs Elem
Gold: Michael H. Ernst, Legend Springs Elem
Silver: Olivia Cabelli, Charter
Silver: Chloe Elisebeth Tinguely, Copper Basin
Bronze: Savannah Hardinger, Copper Basin
Bronze: Trevor Jackson, Copper Basin
Honorable Mention: Sarah Leever, Legend Springs Elem
Honorable Mention: Danny Cetta, Copper Basin

Fourth Grade:

Gold: Sophia Moyer, Benchmark Elementary
Gold: Isabelle Kerns, Circle Cross Ranch
Gold: Jordyn Zurek, Benchmark Elementary
Silver: Bebe Katsenes, Benchmark Elementary
Silver: Will Lachapelle, Benchmark Elementary
Silver: Brady Wiley, Triumphant Learning Center
Bronze: Trerrin Dixon, Triumphant Learning Center
Bronze: Angela Kan, Legend Springs Elementary
Bronze: Savannah Martinez, Circle Cross Ranch
Honorable Mention: Hanna Loughlin, Legend Springs Elem
Honorable Mention: Kyra Ehrlich, Circle Cross Ranch
Honorable Mention: Rachel Clark, TLC
Honorable Mention: Emma Eide, Benchmark
Honorable Mention: Kassie Fischer, Circle Cross Ranch
Honorable Mention: Vara Tummala, Legend Springs Elem

Fifth Grade:
Gold: Kinner Patel, Legend Springs Elem
Silver: Hanna Morgan, Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies
Bronze: Bailey Williams, Legend Springs Elem
Honorable Mention: Brittani Rusnak, Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies
Honorable Mention: Christina Williamsen, Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Sixth Grade:
Gold: Diego Silva, Dodge Middle School
Silver: Jiaqi Wen, Legend Springs Elem.
Bronze: Sarah McMahon, Legend Springs Elem.
Honorable Mention: Marlee Baxter, Coatimundi Middle Sch.
Honorable Mention: Megan McMorrow, Cactus Middle Sch.

Seventh Grade:
Gold: Maeve Kennedy, Mesa Academy
Silver: Monica Smith, Circle Cross Ranch
Bronze: Miles Bimrose, Connolly Midle Sch.
Bronze: Sakthi Kumar, Mesa Academy
Honorable Mention: Cayman Williams, Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies
Honorable Mention: Autymn Johnson, Circle Cross Ranch

Eighth Grade:
Gold: Meha Shah, Valley Academy Charter School
Gold: Chloe Cleveland, Bios Christian Academy
Silver: Tessa Williams, MAAS
Silver: Yliana Castillo, Cactus Middle Sch.
Bronze: Nathanael Pierce, Bios Christian Academy
Bronze: Alexis Diaz, Cactus Middle Sch.
Honorable Mention: Makayle Jaimes, Cactus Middle Sch.
Honorable Mention: Madison Gail Zuber, Franklin JR. High

Ninth Grade:
Gold: Alexander Gerard Ryan, Hamilton High
Gold: Jessica Fletcher, Bios Christian Academy
Silver: Lindsay Zapata, Hamilton High School
Silver: Yaneli Montijo, Rio Rico High
Bronze: Ashley Meder, Rio Rico High
Bronze: Patrick William Sarette, Hamilton High
Honorable Mention: Se Eun Amy Chung, Hamilton High
Honorable Mention: Diego A. Martinez, Westwood High
Honorable Mention: Marcus Schultz, Westwood High

Tenth Grade:
Gold: Benjamin Philip Palmer, Home School
Gold: Megan Babitt, Freedom Christian Academy
Silver: Elizabeth Bradley, Hamilton H.S.
Silver: Angelina McCaster, Hamilton H.S.
Bronze: Jakub Stechly, Hamilton H.S.
Bronze: Renae Hintze, Xavier College Prep
Honorable Mention: Reid Pierce, Bios Christian Academy
Honorable Mention: Jamie McNair, Xavier College Prep
Honorable Mention: Meredith Beasley, Xavier College Prep
Honorable Mention: Tori Colgan, Bios Christian Academy
Honorable Mention: Shelby Sparrow, Hamilton H.S.
Honorable Mention: Megan Ward, Xavier College Prep

Eleventh Grade:
Gold: Jacob Gregory Davis, Benson H.S.
Silver: Lorenzo D. Tervya, Poston Butte H.S.
Bronze: Dafina Haliti, Cortez H.S.
Honorable Mention: Samantha Edmiston, Benson H.S.
Honorable Mention: Jessica Naranjo, Poston Butte H.S.
Honorable Mention: Kimberly Brogan, Benson H.S.
Honorable Mention: Hallie Hillner, Poston Butte H.S.

Twelfth Grade:
Gold: Meadeshia Mitchell, Hartford, CT
Silver: Tamara Choate, Benson H.S.
Bronze: Savannah Quiroz, Benson H.S.
Bronze: Beth Sneed, Bios Christian Academy
Honorable Mention: Andrew Duran, Center for Academic Success
Honorable Mention: Vishra Patel, Village Academy H.S. (CA)
Honorable Mention:Emily Macrane, Bios Christian Academy
Honorable Mention: Shante A. Adkins, Agua Fria H.S.
Honorable Mention: Megan A. Sanchez, San Manuel H.S.

Adult Division 25+:
Gold: Brian J. Zahn
Silver: Ruthann Lundering
Silver: Mitzi Racine
Bronze: Swarna Sitaraman

Adult Division 19-24:
Gold: Kelley Levine
Silver: Celeste D. Orton
Bronze: Briana Radosevich
Honorable Mention: Janet Gutierrez
Honorable Mention: Rica Garcia
Honorable Mention: Kate Kautzky

SPANISH
12th Grade
Gold: Paola Hurtado, Cortez H.S.


Top Ten Schools With the Most Student Participation

Large Schools:

1. Legend Springs Elementary

2. Poston Butte High School

3. Circle Cross Ranch

4. Copper Basin

5. San Manuel JR High

Small Schools:

1. Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori

2. Mesa Academy for the Advanced Studies

3. Bios Christian Academy

4. Triumphant Learning Center

5. Dodge Middle School

~Wid

Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!

Get Up!
I can't!
Without the support of my lovely wife Cinda, I am not able as of yet, to get up from my knee machine that ensures constant movement for range of motion and my ice machine that’s on 24/7 to percent swelling. Both important factors in my rehab!

Get Active!
I actually got in trouble at the hospital for being overzealous in my activity. My one hour surgery turned into 3 hours due to the massive cleanup job my doctor had to do to fix the debris left over from the first two knee operations some 40 years ago. The price I have paid for the great game of football! I, in fact, set up a chin bar and used my stretch cord and attempted to push my limits. I have to stay active smarter and mind the doctor’s orders, but I did get out of the hospital one day early. I am on a fast road to recovery.

Get Involved!
I encourage all of you to stay involved in whatever makes your own world go around, whether it be family, friends, work, your faith... It is extremely important to prioritize the importance things in life.

Get Healthy!
Without your health you are nothing. We, too often, take our health for granted, as I have been reminded minute by minute through this ordeal. A special thanks to everyone that has expressed their support and encouragement. I can't thank you enough but I can try!

Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
~Wid

"Expectations"

Tomorrow is the day! I am finally going to have my knee replacement surgery. My expectations are that everything will go according to plan. I have taken many steps as far as preparation to give myself the best chance for a fast recovery. My strength is good. My endurance is good. I am actually looking forward to taking this positive step toward better health.

My expectations regarding work are particularly high. The staff has been very supportive and I am extremely confident in their competence to maintain our level of excellence that we have all agreed is very important.

I will pass along a status report early next week. Wish me luck!

~Wid

Quietly Pleased

Not long ago I received an email from a gentleman who at one time I considered my best friend. He mentioned that he had just completed reading every one of my blogs. After several complimentary comments about the content, I was somewhat taken back since I had lost contact with this friend over the past 20 years. To be honest, I took his remarks very seriously and was "quietly pleased".

Thank you my friend.

~Wid

"The Plan"

5 days and counting for the annual Essay Contest deadline. There is still time to get your essay submitted. Check out the details on our website at www.gcsg.org. As always we appreciate your marketing efforts in getting the word out!

Another opportunity to get involved with the Essay Contest is to volunteer! With essays coming in from all across the U.S., we need qualified individuals for screening and judging. The screening process will take place in the Games office beginning January 26th. There will be flexible shifts throughout the week to donate your time. If you are available please contact Tara at the games office at 480-517-9700.

The Nineteenth annual Grand Canyon State Winter Games sponsored by Prisma Graphics and Integrated Real Estate Services already the nations largest amateur Winter Sports Festival, is highlighting 44 sports over 17 weekends. The games will take place all across the state of Arizona from January thru April. Athletes of all ages and abilities are eligible to compete.

Entry booklets are being distributed to all marketing outlets and athletes this week. If you would like some additional books at your location to support our marketing efforts please contact Wid at the office at 480-517-9700.

Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
~Wid

I’m Back

Strong Finish to 2010
1. Wrestling event draws 100
2. Fifth Grandchild Lyla Joy born on December 15
3. 2nd Essay Contest Mailer went out
4. January 1~ 7 years without missing my daily workout
5. Move back to our offices in Tempe~ compliments of Integrated Real Estate
Services
6. 63 years old and never have missed a day of work
7. Winter Games Entry books finished and mailed

Fast Start to 2011
1. Make Family a priority
2. Pledge to renew Grand Canyon State Games philosophy
3. Decision made to have full knee replacement
4. Be prepared to adjust to our changing world
5. Make recruiting sponsors a personal mission
6. Make my own overall health a prime focus
7. Improve the competition, hospitality, and presentation of all Grand Canyon
State Games 100 events

The best to each and every one of you as we together embark on a prosperous and meaningful 2011

~Wid