Elections were held November 9th and results are as follows - the top 9 are elected Trustees with terms through November 2010:

John Emerson - 244
Jeff Petro - 230
Len Kosatka - 222
Chris Andreano - 217
Tom Kaperak - 217
Brigid Beattie - 216
Joe Ploplis - 213
Scott Brown - 209
Andy Topolovich - 207
-------------------------
Regis Coustillac - 206
Deirdre Callahan - 124
Kevin Elkins - 109
Andy Dubeansky - 95
Mike Kolschetzky - 95
Dave Green - 91
Mark Wardeiner - 86
Ray Osolin - 58

Mentor Soccer Club Trustees are elected by the MSC membership in November.  This year, voting will be held on Monday, November 9, 2009 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm (expanded hours) at Garfield Park Lounge (inside the white building).

All MSC members are eligible to vote.  MSC members consist of parents or guardians of Mentor Soccer Club youth players, and any other interested adults who support Club activities by coaching, refereeing, or participating in Club committee activities.  In order to vote, you will need to bring photo ID.  Voting is by private ballot.

The following is the slate of candidates.  Nine (9) Trustees will be elected.  Asterisk (*) denotes incumbent Trustees.

** Update:  Self-submitted Trustee Candidate bio's/statements are listed below. **

  Chris Andreano   (nominated by Russ Csaszar)
* Brigid Beattie   (nominated by Tom Kaperak)
* Scott Brown   (nominated by Ken Werner)
* Deirdre Callahan   (nominated by Scott Brown)
  Regis Coustillac   (nominated by Tom Kaperak)
  Andy Dubeansky   (nominated by Mark Wardeiner)
  Kevin Elkins   (nominated by Mark Wardeiner)
  John Emerson   (nominated by Tom Katoch)
  Dave Green   (nominated by Mark Wardeiner)
* Tom Kaperak   (nominated by Kate Lezan)
  Mike Kolschetzky   (nominated by Mark Wardeiner) 
* Len Kosatka   (nominated by Jeff Petro)
  Ray Osolin   (nominated by Mark Wardeiner)
* Jeff Petro   (nominated by Len Kosatka)
* Joe Ploplis   (nominated by Brigid Beattie)
  Andy Topolovich   (nominated by Mark Wardeiner)
  Mark Wardeiner   (nominated by Andy Topolovich)

Below are self-submitted bio's/statements from each of the 17 Trustee candidates.

CHRIS ANDREANO
Volunteer since 2004
- 2 daughters in Rec (U8/U15)
- Rec Commissioner  - 4 years
- Rec Head Coach - 6 years
- Rec All-Star Day volunteer - 3 years
- "Strongly endorsed" - https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees

I feel the Board needs a voice from Rec. The majority of MSC kids play Rec soccer.  The Rec program introduces soccer and instructs the players in a fun and enthusiastic manner, while it instills the love and passion of the game into players that may decide to play for the Academy program.  A balanced Board ensures this important part of MSC continues to provide fun soccer for all players and is not overlooked.


BRIGID BEATTIE
- Current Trustee
- Involved with Mentor Soccer Club for 6 years.
- Have a daughter who started in Rec, went to Travel, then played for the Wave.
- Have a son who played Rec.

Volunteer Background:

•  Volunteer Coordinator
•  Marketing and Publicity
•  Coach Handouts
•  Soccer Exchange
•  Rec Tournament Registration
•  Volunteer Recruiter - Travel/Wave tryouts
•  Travel/Wave Tryout Registration
•  Fundraising
•  Team Manager

"Strongly endorsed" by current MSC Officers - https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees

Philosophy:  I believe when a person decides to accept a seat on the MSC board...you sacrifice making your own child first priority within MSC.  Every child becomes first priority within MSC.


SCOTT BROWN
My qualifications/experience with the Club:
- Rec coach for 5 years in the girls' U7 - U10 age groups.
- Parent Coach for U12 Girls Academy Blue Team
- Rec All-Star Day volunteer 2008
- Assisted with lining fields in 2007 - 2008 season
- Field Lining Coordinator 2008 - present
- MSC Board member 2008 - present

Recommended by the Officers of Mentor Soccer Club


DEIRDRE CALLAHAN
Since 2002, my children have played soccer for MSC:
*       7 years recreational
*       6 years travel
*       2.5 years premier

My experience:
*       4 years Team Manager for 9 teams
*       Developed and delivered Team Manager training
*       Board member since January 2009
*       Worked on Academy program development

My goals:
*       Provide development opportunities to all players
*       Improve consistency and transparency of club operations and finances
*       Promote involvement throughout club

I truly believe that the best club is built on the involvement of its
members.  It would be an honor to represent you on the Board.


REGIS COUSTILLAC

• Coached dozens of Rec, Travel, and independent indoor teams since 1998. Ages ranging from U6 to high school players.
• Been a trustee with MSC from 2001 to 2004.
• Coordinated financial audits and formulated strategies to insure MSC complied with IRS requirements for 501c3 non-profits..
• Raised $9,000 - $11,000 each year as sponsorships coordinator.
• Own a business, located in Mentor, since 1994.
• Have been critical of coaches who abuse their authority by intimidating and/or humiliating children.
• "Strongly endorsed" by all MSC Officers.

For more information, view:  https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees


ANDREW DUBEANSKY

• Father of a 12 year old recreation player in the Mentor Soccer Club.
• Father of a U8 Wave Blue player
• High School Coach (Boys and Girls, Varsity and JV) for 19 years.
• Greater Cleveland Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year (2005)
• Four time LEL Coach of the Year.
• Three time Plain Dealer Coach of the Year (Lake and Geauga).
• University of Notre Dame, summer camp coach for the last 4 years.
• Former Wave coach.
• National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) member.
• State and Advanced Regional Certificate for Goalkeeping (NSCAA).
• State and Advanced Regional Certificate for coaching (NSCAA).

KEVIN ELKINS
I want to provide leadership for MSC, while committing to each child's needs at the Rec. and Premiere levels.
 
I have been involved in MSC for 8 years.
-  Rec. coach for 4 years.
-  Assistant travel coach for 3 years.
-  Travel head coach 1 year.
-  Wave Assistant coach 2 1/2 years.
-  Wave game day coach 1 year.
-  Rec. All-Star game coach.
-  Assisted with field lining.
-  Assisted with Rec. equipment handout.
-  Organized Rec. and Travel medical kits.
-  Washed practice pennies for Rec. and Travel team handouts.
-  2 daughters in Wave U-12 & U-14 leagues.

 
JOHN EMERSON

• Current Wave Assistant Coach (unpaid) - U11 Boys
  • Assist/coach games without own child on team
• MSC Volunteer since 2003
• Rec Head Coach - 7 years - Boys/Girls
• Elected Head Coach - Rec All-Star Game - 2007, 2008
• Travel Assistant/Game Day Head Coach - 2008-09
• "Strongly endorsed" - https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees
  

As coaches, we are ambassadors for the Club.  By showing respect for players, parents, coaches, and referees, it positively reflects on the club, and provides a positive experience for players and parents.

MSC is very special to me and I’m asking for the opportunity to serve with integrity and in the best interests of the children and their parents.


DAVID A GREEN
Employment:  Lake Count Crime Laboratory, 21 years of service, Crime Scene Investigator

Leadership Experience:  Seven years of board experience serving of the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists, a 1000 member of forensic scientists located in 7 states.  Offices held include past president, and member at large, committees include membership, audit, ethics, and training and education committees.

MSC Experience:  My daughter Madyson has been involved in the Mentor Soccer Club for 8 years.  I have coached 3 of her recreation teams, and was team manager for her U10 girls travel team, U11, and U12 Wave team.


TOM KAPERAK
- Current Trustee - 9 years
- Field Coordinator - 5 years - liaison between MSC, City of Mentor, and Mentor Schools to handle all field
  and facility issues.
- Field Lining Coordinator - 5 years - all MSC fields
- Rec Tournament Field Marshall - 6 years
- Scholarship Committee - 7 years - reviewed applications/made recommendations to MSC Board
  for awards
- Endorsed by Officers - https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees

I have never received any money or reimbursement for any of my services to the Mentor Soccer Club. My daughter, who is now 26 years old, grew up in the Mentor Soccer Club and my involvement since she left the program is my way of "giving back".


MIKE KOLSCHETZKY

• 70's and 80's I was a player under Sam Bothwell and JoAnn Koranko, the founders of MSC.
• Won the State Championship as a player for Mentor Rangers in the late 70's
• Played soccer for Mentor High and Wright State University.
• Volunteer and built Pavilion at Mentor High School and donated by MSC.
• Raised money for the lights and stands at Mentor High.
• Rec Soccer coach for my now 17 year old daughter and 15 year old son.
• currently coach for my 5 year old daughter.
• For 25 years volunteered as goalkeeper coach for MSC, The Wave and Mentor High School.

LEN KOSATKA
Current Trustee, served since 2003
State D licensed soccer coach
USSF grade 8 licensed referee.
2 children previously played in MSC
"Strongly endorsed" by Officers - https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees

Additional MSC volunteer activities include:
- developed MSC's newly adopted Referee Training and Retention program
- author of MSC Goal Policy, MSC Conflict of Interest Policy/Disclosure form, MSC Program brochure
- MSC Wave selection oversight committee.
- former MSC travel coach
- project leader for McMinn field upgrade
- Mentor High School liaison for MSC nights - 3 years
- field lining
- MSC tournament volunteer

Current club assignments include:
- develop club procurement policy
- develop new procedures for scholarship processing and review.


RAY OSOLIN
No bio/statement submitted.


JEFF PETRO

• Member of Mentor Soccer Club since 2006.
• Current Trustee - completing first year
• Current Rec Commissioner and Head Coach - U9-10 Girls Rec Division
• Endorsed by Officers - https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees
  
• Previous volunteer positions:

• 2008-2009 - U6 Instructional - Head Coach and Commissioner, also a Guest Coach during U8 Girls Rec All-Star Day
• 2007-2008 - U7 Coed - Head Coach and Commissioner
• 2006-2007 - U6 Instructional – Head Coach
• Elected coach during Rec All-Star Day

I would like to work with existing Officers and Volunteers to continue to find ways to improve Mentor Soccer Club and the programs it provides for its members


JOE PLOPLIS
9 years Head Coach - instructional, recreational, travel
2 years Assistant Varsity/JV Head Coach - Lake Catholic
USSF D Coaching license
NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma
3 children all played in MSC

5 years team manager
2 years travel tryout coordinator
4 years Rec commissioner
3 years Trustee
Rec all-star coach
Field lining

Goals:  foster children’s enjoyment of soccer, help players develop to their ability, and keep costs down through volunteerism.  I will continue looking for cost effective playing/training options for both recreational and academy players, and ensure equitable use of club funds.

"Strongly endorsed" - see https://sites.google.com/site/msctrustees


ANDY TOPOLOVICH

My name is Andrew Topolovich

• 30 years old
• BS in Mathematics from John Carroll University
• Summa Cum Laude graduate of MHS with 4.1 GPA
• Been involved with MSC for over 15 years as player, coach, and son of a former MSC president
• Played soccer at every level (rec, travel, premier, college)
• D-Licensed coach in charge of MSC U6 program, Wave Jr.’s program, and two MSC Wave U8 premier teams

I offer a young perspective and ideas and with my renewed perspective on life, I think I would be a great asset to the club.


MARK WARDEINER

I have been involved with MSC for over 20 years.
I have:
-         Developed and implemented
o       coaching guidelines at the rec. travel, and premier levels.
o       U6 rec. program.
o       training sessions for rec. U8 & U9 players and coaches.
o       technical training sessions for rec. travel, and premier.
o       rec. and travel coaching clinics.
 
-         Premier level coordinator for:
o       Tryouts
o       Pictures
o       Apparel
o       Referees
o       Practice fields
o       Registration
o       Uniforms
o       Parent contact
o       League representative
 
-Guest coach for rec. practices and rec. all stars.
-Conducted camps for rec. travel, and premier players.

Board of Trustee responsibilities:

• The Trustees elect the Officers of the Club.
• The Trustees will supervise all the business and activities of the Club within the limiations of the By-Laws.
• The Trustees approve the budget of the Club each year, as well as all expenses not included in the budget.  Trustees accept fiduciary responsibility.
• The Trustees shall have the right and authority to oversee the conduct of any player, club member, or coach.
• The Trustees reserve the right to approve all team coaches and teams that play as part of the Club prior to the start of league play, or prior to any coaching changes being implemented.
• Trustees are required to attend 6-12 Board meetings each year.  Missing 3 consecutive meetings, or 50% of the meetings to date, are grounds for removal as a Trustee.
• Trustees are expected to participate in sub-committee meetings for which they are members.
• Trustees are expected to be impartial in all matters regarding Mentor Soccer Club.
• Annually, all Officers and Trustees are expected to sign a Conflict of Interest Statement.
• Annually, all Officers and Trustees are expected to complete a Risk Management background check and submit a file copy of the results to the Club.
• Trustees may be removed from their position, for cause.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL ELECTIONS BE HELD?
When:  Monday, November 9, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Where:  Garfield Park Lounge (inside the white building)

WHO CAN VOTE?
All MSC members are eligible to vote.  MSC members consist of parents or guardians of Mentor Soccer Club youth players, and any other interested adults who support Club activities by coaching, refereeing, or participating in Club committee activities.  In order to vote, you will need to bring photo ID.

CAN BOTH PARENTS VOTE?
Yes.

I HAVE 3 CHILDREN IN MENTOR SOCCER CLUB.  WILL I GET 3 BALLOTS?
No.  One ballot per parent.

WHY ARE WE HAVING TRUSTEE ELECTIONS?
Mentor Soccer Club has always conducted Trustee elections at it’s November Board meeting.  But practically speaking, when there are equal or less candidates than the number of Trustee positions available, there is little need to go through the time and incur the expenses of conducting a club-wide vote.

WHY ARE WE BEING ASKED TO VOTE?
For the first time in at least 15 years, we have a contested election (more candidates than Trustee positions available).  It is important that every member exercise their right to vote.

DO WE VOTE ON OFFICERS?
No.  The Board of Trustees will elect the President, VP-Rec Soccer, VP-Academy Soccer, Secretary, and Treasurer.

HOW ARE MEMBERS BEING NOTIFIED OF THE ELECTION?
All information is posted on our website.  A special Board Election Information page has been set up, and it can be accessed from the home page of our website (www.mentorsoccerclub.com).

Also, a mass e-mail was sent out on Friday, October 16 with the initial announcement of elections and the list of candidates.  There will be another e-mail sent out around October 26 when candidate biographies/statements are submitted, and final reminder e-mail right prior to the election.  All e-mail messages are sent to the e-mail address on record for the person who registered the child for this soccer year.

WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ON CANDIDATES?
A special Board Election Information page has been set up on the website, under the Home tab.  Candidates have been asked to submit bio’s by October 26, and they will all be posted.

I AM GETTING E-MAILS FROM TRUSTEE CANDIDATES, ASKING FOR THEIR VOTE OR ENDORSEMENT.  IS THIS ALLOWED?
Yes.  Just as in our free society, candidates may choose to use their own personal networks and means to contact other MSC members (e.g. in person, via phone, via e-mail, via mail).  Please note that MSC member contact information has NOT been distributed to candidates.

HOW CAN I GET INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE MENTOR SOCCER CLUB OPERATES?
Club information is posted on our website under the Home tab, including:
- Club Mission
- Constitution
- By-Laws
- Listing of Board of Trustees
- Listing of Officers
- Club Calendar (includes Board meeting information)

In addition, you can contact us via e-mail at admin@mentorsoccerclub.com, via phone 440-954-4326, or talk to a Trustee or Officer, and we will respond promptly.

WHAT OTHER ELECTION GUIDELINES HAS THE CLUB PUT IN PLACE?
- The club has asked candidates to refrain from solicitations at the voting site (there is also a City ban on solicitations at Garfield Park).
- Members may vote for up to 9 candidates (out of 16 candidates).  Ballots with more than 9 candidates marked will be considered invalid.
- Elections results will be announced on Tuesday morning, November 10.

Thank you for your support of Mentor Soccer Club.  Please come out and exercise your right to vote on Monday, November 9th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Garfield Park.