Chris Anderson: Golf Course ManagerContact: 728-8629, canderson@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Oversee the entire golf course operation including: the playability and maintenance of the course, the management of the pro shop and its merchandise, and the food and beverage operation.
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: I would have to say playing 9 holes of golf at The U of M Golf Course because the wildlife and the scenery are second to none. But climbing the M and overlooking campus and Missoula is a close 2nd!
Eric Aschim: Facility ManagerContact: 243-6157, eric.aschim@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Eric mentors our student staff to ensure a welcoming, clean, and safe environment at the Fitness & Recreation Center. Eric is also a Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: Rock Creek... Big bugs and big fish!
Tom Burt: South Campus Grounds SuperintendentContact: 728-8629, tom.burt@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Tom meticulously maintains the University Golf Course, Dornblaser track field, Grizzly Soccer field, and South Campus recreational fields.
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: University of Montana Golf Course and Canyon River Golf Courses because of their stunning views and sunny summer days.
Elizabeth Fricke: Outdoor Programs ManagerContact: 243-5176, elizabeth.fricke@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Elizabeth coordinates all outdoor classes and trips, and the climbing wall. She collaborates with academic departments on campus to offer outdoor education classes for credit (including beginning and intermediate rock climbing, trekking and mountaineering in Peru, whitewater kayaking, backcountry ski camping). Elizabeth partners with the US Forest Service and Fish Wildlife and Parks on permits and utilizing the land and rivers around Montana. She also partners with the Missoula Avalanche Foundation to provide avalanche education classes and permits for those classes. She received a B.S. in Recreation Management from Appalachian State University and and M.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana.
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: It depends on the season! Summer – on a river; either the Alberton Gorge or the Blackfoot river with my family. Fall – rock climbing at Lost Horse or Kootenai Canyon, winter – skiing somewhere. Spring – the Lochsa! All seasons – on my yoga mat, playing with my two daughters and husband, and walking with my dog on Mt. Sentinel!
Brian Fruit: Assistant Director, FacilitiesContact: 243-6157, bfruit@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Brian directs all aspects of Campus Recreation's facilities including the state of the art Fitness & Recreation Center, Grizzly Pool, and outdoor fields on Riverbowl and South Campus. He leads a professional and student staff to provide excellent customer service in a clean and friendly environment. Brian is a current member of NIRSA.
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: Although our very own Campus Recreation facilities have been a staple in my exercise regime for many years, as of late, I have come to enjoy running on the various trails and endless roads in and around Missoula! Mount Sentinel in particular has a certain allure, mystic and therapeutic quality that I find unique and special.
Jefferson Heath: Facility ManagerContact: 243-6157, jefferson.heath@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Jefferson is responsible for evening and weekend facility management.
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: UM Golf Course, Snowbowl, and on the river.
Natalie Hiller-Claridge: Intramural Sports and Outdoor Rentals ManagerContact: 243-5295, natalie.hiller@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Natalie is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Intramural Sports and Youth Camps programs. She mentors a student staff of 30-35 employees and one Assistant Manager. She also manages the Outdoor Program Rental operation, where she is responsible for the purchasing, inventory management, repair, issuing, and maintenance of all equipment. Natalie also coordinates all aspects of the Outdoor Adventure Lecture\Films Series and the semi-annual Outdoor Gear Sale. Natalie is actively involved on campus by being a member of Staff Senate, The Diversity Advisory Council, Enrollment Management Council, and Chair of the Outstanding Staff Awards Committee. She received a B.S. in Recreation Management, B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. of Public Administration all from the University of Montana. Natalie is a current member of NIRSA and is in the process of applying to be on the Registry of Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals.
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: I enjoy hiking Blue Mountain the most because it is so dog friendly, leash free. During the winter my favorite place is Lolo Pass for some extreme snowshoeing. If I’m on my mountain bike I love the Rattlesnake Recreation Area. Truly though, I could recreate anywhere as long as I’m with my two favorite people, my wife and daughter (unless I’m catching passes on the flag football field, then I’d have to say Riverbowl fields with my favorite Assistant).
Tonya Kiser: Grizzly Pool ManagerContact: 243-5335, tonya.kiser@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Tonya manages all aspects of the Grizzly Pool including Programing, Staffing, Facility Scheduling, and Staff Training. She also sits on the Campus Risk Management and Safety Committee and is the Safety Coordinator for Campus Recreation. Tonya is a current member of NIRSA.
What is your favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: There are many areas in and around Missoula that I love to recreate in. I don’t know that I have a favorite, but I probably spend more time in the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area than any other because I can get to it quickly from work.
Kate Oyler: Office and Operations ManagerContact: 243-2806, kate.oyler@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Kate manages the day to day operation of Campus Rec, including technology, marketing, membership, accounting, and facility scheduling. Kate also sits on the Student Affairs Web Governance Team, Griz Card Advisory Board, Campus Event Resource Group (CERG), and is the Sport Club Union advisor. She received a B.S. in Management and Marketing from the University of Delaware, and a M.S. in Information Technology from Pennsylvania State University.
Favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: Rattlesnake National Recreation Area because I can trail run for endless miles in beautiful mountains with my husband, Jared, and friends from the local running club.
Zach Sherbo: Intramural Sports Assistant ManagerContact: 243-5295, zach.sherbo@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Zach assists in management and administration of Intramural Sports and Youth Camps.
Favorite place in Missoula to recreate, and why: I love being able to leave from my house, not have to drive anywhere and find a trail to run, hike, walk or bike with my family. I also enjoy the number of parks in the Missoula community; tennis courts, trails and playground equipment. In the warmer weather, I could spend a good portion of each day at Larchmont or the University of Montana golf courses.
Steve Thompson: Director of Campus RecreationContact: 243-5269, stephen.thompson@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Steve is responsible for ensuring the professional staff and student workers have what they need to provide the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Montana safe and quality programs and facilities. He provides strategic vision, fiscal oversight, and long range planning to the department as well as continually striving to extend the overall reach and relevance of Campus Recreation. Steve is also responsible for being a husband (to Angie) and a father (to his daughter Kaelin), and making sure that his work life and family life exist in harmony. Steve is a professional member of NIRSA, and served as a former President, Vice President, and board member of AORE, in which he is still actively involved. He received both his Bachelors in Communications and his Masters in Communication Theory from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Steve is currently working on his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Sam Houston State University.
Favorite place in Missoula to recreate, and why: I enjoy cross country and alpine skiing, climbing, hiking, biking, and floating rivers... so pretty much every where.
Sonja Tysk: Fitness Programs ManagerContact: 243-2833, stysk@mso.umt.edu
Responsibilities: Coordinates all group exercise, personal training services, and campus-wide wellness programs. Sonja also serves on the Student Affairs Assessment Council and authors Campus Recreation’s annual assessment report. She received a M.S. in Health and Human Performance from the University of Montana and is a current member of NIRSA.
What is you favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: I love to play in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area because it offers great outdoor fun all year around. Winter time brings beautiful cross-country ski days, and the rest of the year I can be found trail running, mountain biking, or just enjoying a beautiful hike. All of that, only a few minutes from my back door!
Kevin Verlanic: Business ManagerContact: 243-2823, kevin.verlanic@umontana.edu
Responsibilities: Kevin joined the University of Montana in 1980 as the Superintendent of the UM Golf Course. In his current role, he is responsible for serving as the Business Manager of Campus Recreation where he provides financial vision and support for the Grizzly Pool, University Golf Course, and Fitness & Recreation Center. Kevin is also a current member of Missoula City Conservation Lands Committee, Missoula Youth Justice Council, Blue-Eyed Nellie Conservation Group, and NIRSA.
What is your favorite place to recreate in Missoula, and why: Mt. Sentinel provides a great workout, wildlife, scenic views and solitude.