USA Wrestling-Utah Adopts New Bylaws, Elects New Officers

In October, the Board of Directors of USA Wrestling-Utah voted unanimously to adopt a new set of bylaws, restructuring how the organization will function.  This followed close to a year of work by members.

Board Member Craig LaMont of Springville spearheaded the process creating the new bylaws.  He said that he took on the task because of his experience on other boards.  He said, "Most of my work week is working with organizations. I have been well trained in how bylaws can make or break an organization. I feel like the old bylaws were functional in the past, but did not allow for the growth of the organization. USA Wrestling-Utah needs to grow and we need to do it wisely. These bylaws empower the members a lot more and make it easier for people to get involved. It also establishes a process that both guarantees longevity and a steady turnover in leadership at the same time."

Board Member Greg Robbins of Lehi said, "Craig brought some expertise and know-how that no one else either had or kept putting off, so now just seemed to be a good time to clean up the old. I think that the new bylaws will help bridge a lot of present resistance to participating by some of the wrestling community in Utah.  I think the new bylaws will help create a new trust, and allow for it to continue to grow."

Following the adoption of the new bylaws, elections were held under the new electoral guidelines.  The new Executive Committee would consist of four positions: president, president-elect, secretary and treasurer.  LaMont, Kids Director under the old bylaws, was nominated for president, as was Mike Ripplinger of Brigham City, chairman under the old bylaws.  LaMont was elected.

For president-elect, Robbins was nominated, Junior Director under the old bylaws, as was Cole Kelley of Orem, secretary under the old bylaws.  Robbins was elected.  For secretary, Ripplinger was nominated, as was Bill Kilpack of West Jordan, public relations director under the old bylaws.  Ripplinger was elected.  For treasurer, Mary Piscitelli of Heber City, membership director/treasurer under the old bylaws, was nominated and elected. 

LaMont said that he sees USA Wrestling-Utah growing.  He said, "I see membership growing. I see many more people volunteering. I see communication being improved to all state members."

As the new president, LaMont said that there will be five areas of focus for his term as president:

1. Increase membership and participation

2. Support an efficient and working Board of Directors, complete with working committees

3. Create unity among all the different wrestling groups in the state

4. Bring at least one national event to Utah

5. Increase media visibility for wrestling in this state

Robbins said that the new officers will go through a learning curve but, they will do it with very "positive enthusiasm."  He said, "My personal plans are to help out in every area I can, mostly in talent development and opportunity for the kids to compete at every available level until someone who has as much passion and desire can replace me."

LaMont said, "I am excited about the board and the potential and experience. I am even more excited for the board to grow. I know that I have a lot of personal goals I would like to accomplish. I hope the rest of the state will rally around my vision so, together, we can take a great state and organization and make it even better."

USA Wrestling-Utah is a nonprofit organization affiliated with USA Wrestling. USA Wrestling is the official organization recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee charged with developing the sport of wrestling in the United States.  For more information about USA Wrestling-Utah, visit www.UtahWrestling.org.