TS 2009 – Selinske In Our Thoughts

Throughout the USDGC week Innova icon Tim Selinske will likely be in the hearts of many disc golfers and tournament officials he touched over the years. Selinske, a beloved disc golf organizer and co-founder of Innova Discs, died in August from Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis.

The fondness for the man was especially evident at the tournament’s kickoff event, the player’s meeting, as images of the smiling Selinske flashed occasionally on screens along with other past tournament scenes. Later, two of the night’s main speakers, Innova East Owner Harold Duvall and 2008 champion Nate Doss reflected on the loss to the disc golf world.

Duvall, greeting the hundreds in attendance, wore a L.A. Dodgers baseball cap, a symbol for Selinske and the team he followed. He recounted a warm man full of hugs and compassion.

When it was Doss’s turn to take to the podium after accepting his first USDGC ring, he spoke of fulfilling a dream by being there, but also he spoke touchingly of Selinske and their friendship, which help support his disc golf journey early on.
“2009 is for you,” Doss said concluding his speech.

The last time Doss saw him, at a similar banquet at the World Championship, Doss said circumstances didn’t allow him to speak to Selinske. After the player’s meeting Tuesday, Doss said his words about Selinske during his ring acceptance speech were like the farewell to his friend he never got to have.

Doss remembered first meeting the longtime tournament director when he was 11 years old and he continued to enjoy Selinske’s tournaments and encouragement during the successive years.
“He always had this big smile,” Doss said of the fellow Californian.

He said that after he won his first World Championship in 2005, Selinske was overjoyed and told him he couldn’t have picked a more deserving winner. That meant a lot, Doss said.
Doss said the thing was that he made everyone feel that way. He made everyone feel special, he said.
“He was a great man and he’ll be remembered and missed a lot,” Doss said.

In preparation for the tournament, Doss said he wrote “T.S. 2009″ on his tournament shoes to honor Selinske’s passing.

More than just Doss will be honoring Selinske during the tournament. USDGC Event Director Jonathan Poole said Team Innova sponsored players and others are also honoring Selinske with special pins attached to their clothing, hats or bags.