Shake-up on the Glacier Twins board

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

The entire Glacier Twins board of directors resigned at their Oct. 13 board meeting, with the exception of longtime member Pat Sapa.

The members who resigned — Doug Golden, Bob Lockman, Rita Hanson, Mark VanNyhuis, Chris Hader, Jack Quatman, Tim Ridings and Steve Yogodzinski — had served the program cumulatively for nearly 56 years.

"The mass resignation followed a long and painful consideration on the part of these eight members as to what was best and right for the Twins program," former vice president Bob Lockman said. "Some very strong and assertive opposing views had been openly expressed by a small vocal group in the community during the past season and the last couple of months. These views, both written and spoken, before parents and players alike and others in the Twins community, were adversely affecting the enthusiasm that these members had for the program."

Lockman said the opposing group's underlying message was that the board had failed in their duties and obligations.

"Because they'd been unable to field a championship team, first and foremost, and that nothing else really matters," Lockman said. "They stated very adamantly that a change of leadership, both on the board and coaching staff, is the only thing that will achieve that end. Rather than continue this disruptive atmosphere, which could ultimately affect player morale, the resigning members chose to step aside."

The Glacier Twins finished the 2008 season 2-22.

Remaining board member Pat Sapa didn't say much about the shake-up, except that change was needed.

"The Twins are trying to keep positive," he said. "We are going in a new direction."

There are currently five positions open on the 12-member board. New members Mike Gross, Mike Streeter, Colby Miller, Dick Sapa and Doreen Marcial have already been chosen.

Lockman said the resigning board members have worked hard to make the Twins program successful.

"Over the years, we have attempted to provide our young athletes with a first-rate playing facility and a quality program where they were able to learn the importance of teamwork, Americanism, discipline, leadership and good sportsmanship, all qualities strongly endorsed by the National American Legion Baseball Organization."

Under the watch of the old board, the Memorial Park sports facility has undergone numerous capital improvements, amounting to more than $333,000 over the past eight years.

"Thanks and good luck to all of the players, families and fans that we have enjoyed working with these past years," Lockman said. "It has been a great experience, and we will miss you. We ask the community to continue to come out and enthusiastically support the Glacier Twins program next year."

So far, former Lakers head coach Bill Sapa is the only person to submit an application for head coach.

For more information, call Pat Sapa at 250-5152.