MIAMISBURG – What do you do with a parent who knows almost nothing about soccer, wants to volunteer and has great graphic arts skill? You put him to work designing your t-shirt, program and signage.
Jeff Stapleton, 46, and a partner at Graphica, is not shy about admitting his ignorance of the game. “It took me until my son starting playing U19 to finally figure out the off-sides rule,” Jeff says candidly. But, he still loved the game and knew he could contribute his skills to making the tournament better.
According to Stapleton, the consistent graphic look of the event – from the signage on the highway to the shirts, the program and even the name badges worn by the volunteers – all set the Mead CUSA Cup soccer tournament apart. “It connects all the participants to the same event,” he adds. As the tournament continues to grow by attracting teams from various states, it becomes apparent that the branding efforts are effective.
Stapleton has been designing a unique logo each year for the Mead CUSA Cup since 1996. Because his kids have grown beyond the club, 2006 will be his last year as he turns over the reigns to someone new. He plans on spending more time with his wife and daughter, who also volunteer in various other areas of sport and the arts.
Will he miss it? “I don’t know yet.” But Stapleton is looking forward to some time off.
PHOTO: Stapleton glances through the 2006 Mead CUSA Cup program book.