Victoria Highlanders News Release -- www.victoriahighlandersfc.com
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
VICTORIA, B.C. – The Victoria Highlanders officially announced today the appointment of Mark deFrias as the team's new General Manager. deFrias, who will oversee the club's operations, will be taking over the vacant General Manager role which was last held by Drew Finerty.
Accepting the position of General Manager has required deFrias to step down from his current position, Athletic Marketing & Sponsorship Officer for the University of Victoria Vikes, a position he held for the past three years. deFrias is no stranger to the Victoria Highlanders, having served at the club in their inaugural season as the Sales & Marketing Manager in 2009.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” said deFrias. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think the Highlanders organization could be a winner both on and off the field. I know I’m up for the challenge. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help write the history of the Highlanders in the local community. We have a great group of staff and I know we’re all looking forward to making the Highlanders the best sports entertainment value in Greater Victoria.”
A graduate from Camosun College in Victoria, deFrias also serves as a Board Member for the Victoria International Running Society (which operate the TC10K and Victoria International Track Classic), SportHost Victoria, and the Ryan O’Byrne Youth Sports Society.
“Mark has done a phenomenal job for us in the past. He has a strong understanding of our community, our brand, and our fans,” said Highlanders majority owner Alex Campbell. “He has terrific energy and passion, and hiring him [deFrias] as General Manager is an indication that the Highlanders are here to stay. We have a tremendous group of individuals who are committed to our Club, and I look forward to Mark leading our team.”
Although there have been front office changes in the past, behind the scenes the Victoria Highlanders will continue into the 2013 season with their current full-time coaching staff from the 2012 regular season; PDL and U18 Head Coach Steve Simonson, W-League Head Coach David Dew, Director of Youth Development Neil Sedgewick, and Goalkeeping Coach Bob Stankov.