Eric Stutzman:  My name is Eric Stutzman and I would like to be considered for the open Board of Directors position with Burke Athletic Club.

Born and raised in Florida, I grew up involved in various youth sports, including Little League and ice hockey. My love for ice hockey continued when I attended Florida State University, playing at the club level. After college, I relocated to Northern Virginia and have over 20 years in federal service as a civilian with the Department of Defense.

In 2007, I met my wife Tristan, a Burke native and teacher for FCPS. Our three children now  participate in many youth sports across the area where I coached or found other ways to volunteer. From XC and swimming to basketball and soccer, our kids continue to experience opportunities to play as part of a team, embrace perseverance, and instill confidence in themselves as they develop into well-rounded adults.

As a family, we have been with BAC since 2019, experiencing both the rec and travel side of the club’s soccer program for the boys’ and girls’ teams. I have volunteered as a coach with the girls U9/10 age group as well as a team manager for our U10 girls’ travel team and learned so much from working with the children and parents. I cannot express enough appreciation for the experiences and culture that our club offers to the children and the relationships that we have made with so many great families. My children thrive in their experiences with BAC because of the community and camaraderie from so many people working together.

I am applying for a board position because I want to give back to a club that has been such a positive experience for my family. I enjoy the time that I have given to this community and have the time and skills to help the club be a standout pillar of the DMV area. Thank you for considering me for a position on the board.

Jim Freije - I began volunteering with Burke Athletic Club (“BAC”) in the fall of 2020. Our youngest had just turned five, and like many families, we were looking forward to regaining some sense of normalcy after a COVID-disrupted spring and summer. It quickly became evident that BAC’s volunteer coaches and age-group leaders were fully committed to creating a positive experience for the kids — going above and beyond despite the unique challenges of that time.

Inspired by their dedication, I stepped into a coaching role in the Rec Soccer program the following spring and continued coaching for several seasons. I currently serve as a Team Manager for one of our Travel Soccer teams.

Through these experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for the commitment of BAC’s employees and volunteers and wanted to find additional ways to serve the club. In the spring of 2022, I was elected to the BAC Board of Directors. Since then, I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous time and effort invested in supporting the Burke community — from our soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse leagues, to coaching education, fitness and injury prevention initiatives, and scholarship opportunities for our college-bound athletes and volunteers.

Serving on the Board has been both rewarding and educational. I have gained a deeper understanding of the complexities that accompany youth and adult sports and have worked diligently to contribute thoughtfully and collaboratively.

As we recently celebrated BAC’s 25th anniversary, it was a meaningful reminder of the strong foundation built by so many dedicated volunteers, coaches, families, and leaders over the years. I am proud of how far the club has come and excited about the opportunities ahead. I am honored to again submit my name as a candidate for the BAC Board of Directors and look forward to continuing to help guide BAC into its next chapter — strengthening our programs, supporting our athletes, and serving the Burke community for years to come.

Herb Wamboldt began coaching girls’ soccer within BAC over a decade ago.  Over time he took on the volunteer role of age group coordinator for the U13-U19 rec girls’ programs and continues to do so even after all his daughters have graduated.    In addition, he plays in the adult soccer league and serves as the BAC's adult soccer commissioner, working to build up opportunities for all in our community to stay with the game.