Meet the committee
Founder
Shawn Rea founded the Phoenix Hellraisers flag football league in 2005 and the city first participated in Gay Bowl V. He formed the team after moving to Phoenix from Los Angeles where he had played with the L.A. Motion in Gay Bowl IV. Shawn has been a participant in the Surf-n-Turf tournament hosted bySan Diego, the Quake & Shake tournament held in L.A., and the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. Prior to moving to Phoenix, Shawn was a player in the San Diego and L.A. flag football leagues. Aside from football, other sports interests include volleyball, basketball, and softball. The history and relations that Shawn has with the NGFFL make him an invaluable member of the Gay Bowl X host committee.
Tournament Director
Jared Garduno has been an active member of the gay sports community for the past seven years. Upon moving to Phoenix from Denver Colorado in 2007, Jared discovered the Phoenix Hellraisers. He instantly gained the confidence of the league’s board and players to become the Director of Marketing. His marketing experience has served the Phoenix Hellraisers very well in the past year growing from 15 members and one sponsor to over 80 players and seven sponsors. A well rounded athlete Jared has competed in numerous National tournaments NGFFL Gay Bowl, NAGAAA World Series, and NAGVA Championship Tournaments. Participating in these major national tournaments gives Jared an understanding of what the Gay Sports community both expects and seeks. He is extremely proud and honored to be serving as the Tournament Director.
Director of Festivities
Joseph Betancourt is a native Arizonan who has participated in sports for over 30 years. Joseph is currently a member of the Hellraiser’s Flag Football League, a coach and player in the Cactus Cities Softball League. As a past Director of Volunteers, Joseph has led 200 volunteers in major sports events in Phoenix at one time. Joseph has volunteered for the Saguaro Cup Sports festival for 4 year now and was a Co-Founder of the Arizona Gay Volleyball League. Joseph is looking forward to having the opportunity to host Gay Bowl X and to show off his beautiful hometown to all the NGFFL Board members, players and fans.
Co- Director Sponsorship
Scott Bowerman moved from California to attended college at NAU, Flagstaff from 1990 through 1994; and has remained an Arizonan since. He is a huge fan of all sports, played football both in high school and on a recreation level throughout college, and has been playing in the Cactus Cities Softball League for five years now. He recently assisted with the Saguaro Cup Sports Festival as the Deputy Director of Sponsorship. His knowledge of organized sports and tournaments, as well as his personal and professional contacts makes him a great asset to the Gay Bowl X host committee.
Co-Director Hospitality
Wesley Fuller is native Arizonan who has been involved with sports his whole life. He currently plays in the Cactus Cities Softball League and has been playing in the league for four years. He recently assisted the Director of Hospitality & Accommodations during the Saguaro Cup Sports Festival. His knowledge of Phoenix and the surrounding area, along with his contacts from past tournaments, makes him a great asset to the Gay Bowl X host committee.
Director of Volunteers
Mike Grimm, grew up in Winnebago Illinois (a rural farming community with a population of 1,600 – have you ever heard of “tractor day”??) and after spending 15 years in HMO administration is now a consultant in the Healthcare I.T. industry. In 2008 Mike joined the Phoenix Hellraisers – having never before played team sports - was shown how to run a route, catch a pass and played linebacker during the second annual Chicago Pride Bowl proving you are never too old to step outside of your comfort zone and make time for a little weekend fun. Excited to have been given the opportunity to support Gay Bowl X, Mike looks forward to meeting the teams and spending another incredible year with the Hellraisers.
Co-Director Hospitality
Fai Mo has been an active member in the Cactus Cities Softball League as both a player and volunteer for the annual softball tournament, Saguaro Cup Sports Festival. Fai served as the Hotel and Accommodations Chair for six straight Saguaro Cup Sports Festival tournaments, seeking comfortable and reasonably priced accommodations for the players. In the role, Fai lead a team of dedicated members who ensured that all players and guests had a wonderful time in Phoenix. Fai’s excited to serve as the Director of Hospitality and wants to show the rich Phoenician culture to everyone coming for Gay Bowl X.
Director of Graphic Design
Nick Padula is a native Arizonan who been involved with sports his entire life. He has recently changed careers to graphic design. Nick has been more than happy to donate his time and skill set to do a lot the graphic work for the Gay Bowl X promotions. He is planning on trying out for the upcoming Phoenix Hellraisers season and is looking forward to continue his involvement in the community. Nick's affinity for sports, art, and outgoing nature make him a great asset to the Gay Bowl X host committee.
Co-Director Sponsorship
David is a native to Phoenix, Arizona that has just returned to the valley after almost a decade away. A 14 year veteran of the hospitality industry David brings a vast background of tour and travel to our team. David got his start in gay sports right here in Phoenix playing softball. He took that love of softball and sports on the road with him to Ohio where played and coached several teams in Columbus . He then went on to be commissioner and eventually elected to the board as Fundraising Director which put him in charge of Bat-N-Rouge, Columbus ' closing event to it's Pride weekend, attracting over 5,000 people. David once again took his passion for sports on the road with him moving to Los Angeles and coaching his softball team there for several seasons. In his role as Co-Director Sponsorship for Gay Bowl X David is excited to combine his experience and love for sports and help us put on one of the best events the valley has seen.
