Last week, ISC II Vice President, Bob McGowan informed us of his decision to resign his position with ISC for personal reasons. Bob held two separate ISC positions, Vice President of ISC II and the Canada East Vice President.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bob McGowan who came on board with us in 1996 and is truly the father of ISC II. It was Bob's vision, planning, administrative and presentation skills that made ISC II a reality in 2002. It marked the first time in the history of ISC that we entered a different level of competition. Previously, ISC had no team classifications and the ISC World Tournament was open for any team, regardless of their competitive level of play.
Bob's departure at this time is due to the situations at hand in 2007. With the tournaments returning to Kitchener, Bob feels the host organization is both experienced and talented so a change in ISC II leadership won't be a hardship or strain for the Kitchener Committee. Also, Bob feels the various individuals currently in place in ISC II are likewise talented and dedicated to continue their jobs without a hitch.
As an organization, we extend a sincere thanks to Bob for his hard work and dedication to not just begin ISC II but to see it flourish and continue to be a very successful part of the International Softball Congress.
With Bob's resignation, we announce the following appointments with approval from the ISC Executive Committee.
ISC II Vice President - This position will be assumed by Jim Williamson of Yakima, WA. Although Jim has only been with ISC since 2004, he has a lifetime of dedicated service to the game as a player, manager, sponsor and administrator. Jim's administrative talents were recognized earlier this year when he was named as a non-voting member of the ISC Executive Committee so we could utilize his vast knowledge and planning skills. He has also worked on various Special Projects since 2004.
Canada East Vice President - This position will be assumed by Blair Setford of Mississauga, ON. Blair will continue his role as ISC II Commissioner but in becoming Canada East VP, he will become directly involved with both the ISC II and World Tournament portions of our operation. Blair has long been recognized as one of the hardest working people we have in the ISC. He initiated the ISC II team rankings process, has maintained the ISC II Pitcher List, has served as an ISC II Streaming Broadcaster and is ISC II Managing Editor of the annual ISC Guide book.
Regional Commissioner - Canada East - Joe Todd of Ingersoll, ON has been selected as a new Regional Commissioner for Canada East. He joins Blair Setford and Colin Smith as a voting member of the ISC Board of Directors. Joe was a coach/manager for 25 years and is a long-time fastball administrator who has served as an ISC II Game Controller since 2003. He does scoring and announcing at various leagues and tournaments and has been a part of the ISC II streaming broadcast team since 2003. In 2006, Joe was named a "Legend of the Game" at the Woodstock invitational in Woodstock, ON.
We are confident that Jim, Blair and Joe will continue their dedicated efforts for the betterment of the International Softball Congress and the sport of fastball.
These two interim Vice President appointments continue through the 2007 season. In August, the ISC Board of Directors will conduct regular bi-annual elections for all ISC Officers who comprise the ISC Exective Committee.
Please join us in thanking Bob McGowan and wishing him success and enjoyment in his future endeavors.
Ken Hackmeister
