FOR CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — The Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission (WRASC) is pleased to announce Bob Birkhauser as the recipient of the 2023 MVP Award. Bob was nominated both in 2021 and in 2023 for his many years of work and dedication towards the Assumption Catholic Schools athletic programs along with Nekoosa area basketball, softball and baseball.

“One of the few times in my life I’m at a loss for words,” Birkhauser said, as he accepted the award. “I want to thank the CVB and the sports commission for sponsoring this event and hosting this event. I am very humbled and I say that sincerely. And I very much enjoyed all the talks by the other nominees. I thought they all presented themselves very well and I thought they did a great job and I admire all that they’ve done for the community also.”

Each year, the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission MVP Award acknowledges an individual that demonstrates commitment, creativity, and dynamic energy toward the growth of sports tourism in our community. Nominations were submitted by the community and their peers. The 2023 nominees were:

Bob Birkhauser – Assumption athletics; Nekoosa basketball, softball and baseball

John Krommenakker – Rapids Redhawks baseball; Rapids Area Sports Complex

Paul Pechmann – Wisconsin Rapids RiverKings

Brian Wendt – Rapids Raptors youth football & cheer; WRAMS/LHS football; Rapids Area Sports Complex and youth/LHS baseball

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such amazing leaders in our sports community,” said Nathan Plym, Wisconsin Rapids Area CVB Sports Commission Liaison. “The Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has seen a significant positive economic impact related to sports tourism in the past year, and we have the local sports organizations, venues and leaders to thank for that.”

The Sports Commission extends its gratitude to Ho-Chunk Gaming Nekoosa for hosting the event, those who attended in support of the nominees and Wisconsin Rapids Community Media for attending and recording the event. For a full video recording of the 2023 MVP Award Celebration, visit the WRCM YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z32CAGadQc&t=34s.

The Sports Commission will host their next quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Flex Room of Lincoln High School. The meeting is open to anyone interested in fostering the growth of our area’s sports organizations and opportunities. For more information about the Sports Commission and the upcoming meeting, please contact Nathan Plym via email at [email protected] or by phone at (715) 422-4650.

About the Sports Commission

The Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission (WRASC), an extension of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (WRACVB), provides a forum for leaders in the athletic community who are passionate about promoting the area as a sports destination. Members work to connect people and provide collaborative opportunities to achieve growth and success of our area sports organizations. Additionally, the group seeks to acquire new athletic events, and capitalize on our area’s valued recreational facilities and natural assets. The WRACVB plays a supporting role in the sports market assisting in identifying and writing proposals, helping with bid fees, and ensuring that the hospitality needs necessary to acquiring an event are fulfilled.