Nick Sechrist
President
Nick Sechrist was born and raised in Grand Junction, CO. He started playing Rec soccer at age 6 here in the Grand Valley. He played through High School and was among some of the first traveling competitive teams. He has three children, two of which play in the Club. He has owned his own business, a lifestyle wellness facility, since 2003 as a chiropractor, bestselling author and speaker. He is driven to help others succeed in their health and life, and with the knowing that our bodies are designed for motion, there's nothing better than getting kids active in a sport like soccer when they are young! The health and social benefits are priceless and he looks forward to helping grow youth soccer in our community!
Brandon Giddings
Vice President
Brandon has been involved with Fire since 2007 when his oldest daughter started playing in the Recreational program. He now has one daughter and one son in the competitive program: ’02 Premier Girls and ’07 Premier Boys. His middle daughter also played in the Recreational program but is currently focusing on Gymnastics.
Brandon has been on the Board of Directors since 2016 and was recently nominated and shortly after was elected by his peers as President for 2 years. Brandon has owned and managed an oilfield service company since 2010. In his free time when he is away from the soccer field he loves to hike, has a passion for cooking, enjoys recreation in the mountains, and loves spending time with his family.
Tom Halberg
Tom has been involved with Fire FC since 2009 where all three of his children played for the club - one currently on the U16B Premier team and another plays NAIA college soccer. Tom owns a construction supply business in Grand Junction, is active in his church, and helps with various fundraisers/projects in the community.
He’s played soccer since 8 years old, through high school and on various club/adult teams. Tom holds a USSF E Coaching License and Grade 8 Referee Certification. He’s coached youth players in 5 different clubs in addition to Fire FC’s PDP Program, United teams, and as a Premier assistant coach. No stranger to Fire FC Board, he was previously a Director from 2011-2014 and held positions as VP and President. During 2012-2013, he was also on the Colorado Soccer Association Board of Directors.
Tom is excited to help guide club direction and positively impact the game of soccer for families on the Western Slope.
Jess Lyman
* Coming Soon *
Jennifer Stephens
Jennifer Stephens has been involved with Fire FC for the last ten years as a parent, team mom, and now a board member. She has been married to her husband, Scott for 22 years and has two children, Tyler is serving in the USAF and Keeli who has played in the rec, PDP, WSSL, and competitive programs with Fire FC. Keeli is currently a freshman at GJHS.
Jennifer is excited to play a role in the future of the club and encourage all parents to find a place in the club where they can get involved.
Sam Kearl
I have been involved with Fire FC since 2011. Have long coached both of my daughters through recreational soccer up to when they both joined competitive teams. Having seen the positive effect this club has had on so many children and the community I decided to give back and joined the Board in 2019. I look forward to helping other families enjoy the positive experience I have had with Fire FC Soccer.
Karen PramenkoAs a passionate advocate for youth sports, I am honored to be a member of the board of directors for Fire FC. Soccer is not just about stinky shin guards or half-time oranges, but is truly an amazing team sport grounded in athletic discipline and dedicated teamwork. The coaches and staff at Fire FC consistently promote an enthusiastic, rewarding environment for all, from beginners to advanced players. Our community is clearly fortunate to have such a respectable organization.
In my “spare time” I am happiest with my family, exploring the mountains, on a trail run, skiing, mountain biking, or heading out on a family vacation.
Raul DeVillegas-DeckerRaul De Villegas-Decker and his family have lived in Grand Junction since 2010 after moving from the Washington, DC area. Raul is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of a consulting firm that specializes in executive coaching and behavioral health integration in various medical settings. Raul’s love for the game began at an early age. He has been coaching his daughter’s team for the last 6 years and has earned his US Soccer “D” License. He joined the Fire FC Board of Directors in 2015 and is looking forward to the 2017-2018 season. As a Board member, he is most interested in the continued development of young players and believes that the club can continue to become more competitive and represent our community throughout the state and region. He is the chair person for the competitive committee and would welcome any feedback from club members on how to continue making our club stronger.
Tom LillpopReferee Advisor
Tom attended his first soccer referee course in 1978 because his oldest daughter’s team needed a referee. Because her team also needed a coach the next season, he received more training and coached daughters’ teams for a few seasons. In 1981, “Black Sunday” forced him to find a weekend job that meant he had to be satisfied with stories from his daughters about their soccer games.
In 1992, Tom’s younger daughters decided to play soccer. Can you guess? Their team needed a referee, so it was time for him to take the referee course again. The second time around, he was able to continue (except for one season following a knee injury that happened during a coaches/referees game) refereeing until the present.
In 1994, the club needed a new referee assignor and someone to serve on the Board of Directors as a liaison between the club and the referees. The person in this position is also the Supervisor of Referees for the club. The referees selected Tom.
Tom became a referee instructor certified by U.S. Soccer in 1999. He has instructed clinics across Western Colorado in 20 different locations between Steamboat and Durango. He has made many trips to Denver for re-certification meetings for assignors and instructors. In 2015, he was inducted into the Colorado Soccer Hall of Fame.
Tom turned over the assigning duties to Chris Day in 2017, and has enjoyed helping Chris get started matching local referees with games hosted by Fire FC.
Two grandchildren have or are playing in Fire FC programs.
He says preparing training materials for Fire FC team volunteer referees, training referees, assigning referees and mentoring referees has been as much fun as officiating games for Fire FC players. Getting to know the board members has been enjoyable as well; plus working with administrators and coaches.