Staff

Vice President of Operations - Donald Stone, III

Donald, a former hockey player, is beginning his first full season with the RoadRunners, working closely with our sponsors and fans in order to continue the RoadRunner’s standing as one of the most successful franchises in the NAHL. Donald brings a youthful enthusiasm to the front office and an unbridled passion for hockey in Topeka.

Prior to relocating in Topeka this year, he was the Assistant Director of Marketing for a sports radio station in Atlanta, Georgia (680 The Fan). During his 5-year tenure he worked closely with the Atlanta Thrasher Radio Network and became their Executive Producer. In addition, he produced radio shows for the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks.

This year Donald plans to bring a top notch game day atmosphere to Landon Arena, rewarding the best fans in the league for their support.

Donald comes from a large family with 6 younger brothers, all of whom are current or former hockey players. In his free time, Donald enjoys working with the youth hockey program and relaxing with his dog, Jackson.

Executive Director of Business Operations - Joe Clark

With more than 20 years of experience in professional hockey, Joe Clark joined the Roadrunners organization in October of 2012 and will oversee the business operations of the NAHL franchise.

Clark and his family arrived in Topeka after spending the past five seasons as the GM of the Odessa Jackalopes, and guided the West Texas franchise from professional hockey to the junior ranks a year ago. He was also named the team’s first-ever head coach in 1997, and helped the organization to back-to-back league “Franchise of the Year” awards.

He returned to Odessa after being away for eight years, most recently serving as a scout for the NHL’s New York Islanders and coaching in their minor league system in the ECHL. From 2008 to 2011, the Jackalopes served as a “AA” affiliate of the Islanders, and were instrumental in getting several Odessa players opportunities in both the AHL and NHL. During those years, the Jackalopes were also named the CHL’s “Most Improved Franchise” and were recognized as the league’s top team in community relations twice.

Clark also spent 10 years as a head coach in Europe, splitting his time between the Danish and Norwegian National Leagues. Prior to his days in Europe, Clark started his coaching career as the goaltending coach at the University of Maine, one of the nation’s top NCAA programs. During his days at Maine, he helped the Black Bears to their first-ever NCAA appearance in 1987, as well as the school’s first Frozen Four appearance in 1988.

Outside of hockey, Clark put his journalism skills to use and served as an editor in the sports department of the Omaha World Herald for four years, as well as the Lewiston Sun and Kennebec Journal in his home state.

During his first season as the Jacks’ coach, Clark met then Odessa College women’s basketball coach Stephie Thomas at a charity basketball game between the two teams. A year later, the two were married and now have three children – daughter Sydnie (13), son Tanner (12) and daughter Ella (4).

Director of Athletic Training - Morgan Campbell, MS, ATC, LAT

Morgan has been a part of the RoadRunners mediacl staff since they came to Topeka. She is now the Director of Athletic Training for the team, and oversees the Athletic Training Internship Program: facilitating medical oversight and communication with the entire medical staff.

In addition to her responsibilities with the 'Runners, she is employed as an Instructor in Athletic Training at Kansas State University. Recently, she traveled with Cirque du Soleil's arena touring show Alegria as a performance medicine therapist and was the Head Athletic Trainer for Topeka High School.

Morgan is originally from California and enjoys her 4 dogs and family in her spare time.

Athletic Trainer - Jessica Hutzul, ATC

Jessica Hutzul enters her first season with the RoadRunners. Jessica will be working closely with the players on a daily basis, providing feedback to the director of athletic training, team physicians and coaches. Her goal this year is to keep all of the players in top shape!

While earning her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Athletic Training with Minors in Biology and Chemistry from Methodist University in 2007, she played NCAA Varsity Softball for four years. She earned her Master of Education in Exercise Science with a concentration in Athletic Training in 2012 from Auburn University.

Working with the US Army Infantry Basic Combat Training Soldiers at Fort Benning, Georgia, Jessica completed a 1-year Graduate Assistantship at Auburn University. Over the course the 2011-2012 season, Jessica increased her athletic training experience in hockey while assisting the Head Athletic Trainer of the SPHL’s Columbus Cottonmouths team. Before working in Auburn, she spent the last five years working as an Athletic Trainer, Personal Trainer and Certified Kinesiologist with a variety of professional, collegiate, high school, amateur and recreational athletes, and insurance patients. She has worked with organizations in Canada and the USA including the CSL’s Brampton Lions Soccer Club, the SPHL’s Fayetteville Fireantz Hockey Team, Seventy-First High School Athletics Department, City of Brampton Fitness Centers and Kinesiologists Direct Inc. In addition to being a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Jessica is certified by the American Heart Association in CPR and AED support.

Jessica is from Brampton, Ontario, Canada and during her spare time she enjoys being outdoors and coaching youth softball.

Manager of Community Relations - Chris Engesser

Chris joins the RoadRunners family this year working full-time as the Manager of Community Relations and running game night operations. Working as a Roadshow Producer for WCNN Sports Radio 680 The Fan in Atlanta for six years, he developed a love for hockey while covering the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets of the NHL).

Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Chris served in the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Gloucester, MA. Working as a heavy weather motor lifeboat crewman, he performed Search and Rescue and law enforcement operations off the coast of Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Following his service, Chris earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA.

Strengthening the ties between the RoadRunners and the Topeka community will be one of Chris’ goals for this season, in addition to making our game operations the best in the NAHL!

Play by Play Broadcaster - Arch Ecker

Arch Ecker begins his seventh season with the RoadRunners. Since 1996, he has been broadcasting Junior A hockey games, beginning his career with the AFHL's Butte Fighting Irish for six seasons, followed by four seasons with the AWHL's Helena Bighorns, who later joined the NAHL. His well-rounded sports broadcasting experience spans over 925 games at the Junior A level, Pioneer League baseball games, as well as other high school sports.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, he relocated to Butte, Montana when he lived for 16 years before joining the RoadRunners. Arch says, "I'm proud to be a part of this organization. The ownership and coaches are first class."

Arch plays in a dueling piano show and plays bass guitar in local bands during the off-season.

Equipment Manager - Bob Pope

Bob Pope brings his lifelong love of the game to Topeka. He was involved with the RoadRunners when they first arrived in Santa Fe, NM, and then reunited with the team in the second half of the 2011-12 season. “For me, it’s all about the players,” said Pope, “ I just want to help give them a chance to win every night.”

Originally from Albuquerque, NM, he has been involved in hockey at all ages for 30+ years. Pope assists with the Topeka Youth Hockey Association in his spare time and has enjoyed the transition to NE Kansas. “The people here have been phenomenal and I feel right at home.”

Videographer - Matt Thiessen

Matt Thiessen is entering into his fourth season with the Topeka RoadRunners, having started as an intern in 2009. Hockey and videography are two subjects he is passionate about, making his position with the RoadRunners enjoyable. Matt feels that “Seeing the players achieve their personal goals and move on to the next level is by far the highlight of being a part of this team.”

Matt has a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Kansas. He works as a full time videographer for a court reporting firm in Topeka, in addition to doing freelance video work.

When he is not behind a video camera, he is playing hockey, watching hockey, or following the Kansas Jayhawks!