Who we are
Our Story
SickBirdie was founded by Jason Whitelock and Martin Charlo in 2022, inspired by the motto, 'Be positive. Have fun. Believe.' Their vision was to introduce and grow the sport of disc golf with a focus on creating a fun and enjoyable experience on the course. Since then, SickBirdie has evolved into a nonprofit organization, SickBirdie Disc Golf, Inc., allowing them to better support and serve the disc golf community in Western Montana.
Our Mission
SickBirdie Disc Golf, Inc. specifically aims to promote physical and mental health and outdoor recreational opportunities through the sport of disc golf. While we proudly serve the entire disc golf community, we are especially dedicated to growing participation among women and junior players by hosting leagues and events tailored specifically for them.
Meet the Board
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Board Member at Large
I am originally from Northern New York, just south of Canada and north of the Adirondack Mountains. I moved to Montana temporarily in 2009-2011 where I was first introduced to disc golf at the Blue Mountain Course in Missoula.
After permanently moving back to Montana, I was reacquainted with disc golf in 2018 when I would play a made up obstacle course around the VA grounds throwing at trees, signs, etc. I played a round here and there for the next few years as I finished school, but really started playing again in 2022 when I Started working at the VA again. In 2023 I found the tournament scene and local leagues and I have not looks back, other than to ask myself why I waited so long to get the disc flying!
When I'm not playing disc golf in usually dying discs or hanging out with my wife and 4 kids.
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President
I grew up as an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes from the Flathead Reservation, raised in Arlee, MT and currently live in Pablo, MT. Hometown course is Salish Kootenai College (SKC)
At the end of 2019 I found an unmarked disc while walking at SKC and started throwing. A few months later the pandemic hit and disc golf was a great way to get out and be active.
While not playing disc golf, I enjoy time with my family, hiking, spending times in the outdoors and playing any sport that keep me active.
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Board Member at Large
I was born and raised in Helena, MT but moved to Missoula in 2006.
My dad introduced me to disc golf back when we were throwing at targets, tones, and tape lines on trees on Mount Helena in the early 90's. Though I would get sidetracked with baseball, golf, and any other sport I could get into, disc golf always found its way back to me. It was always a hobby to try and make a course anywhere I could find a few light posts or garbage cans placed just far enough apart to be separate holes. Joining league in Missoula introduced me to other people who could nerd out about discs even better than we could throw them. I really enjoy talking to people new to the sport and especially those trying to figure out how to use their past athletic experience (or lack thereof) to shape their disc golf swing.
If I'm not on the course, these days you'll find me playing kickball, or just out biking around.
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Board Member at Large
I am from the San Antonio, TX area but recently moved to the Bitterroot Valley - Stevensville, MT!
Christmas 2019, my spouse, Bethany, decided to give me an Innova starter set as a way for us to get out and be active. We went out and played our first round on a cold, windy day at a rough course and almost gave up. Then when COVID hit, we discovered that disc golf was a safe way to get out and meet up with people. I eventually got connected to a similar group of amateurs around the same skill level and started playing just for fun. We went on to form a league and host tournaments in the San Antonio area. I’m looking forward to helping grow the sport in Montana!
When not playing disc golf, I love spending time with family, hiking, running 5Ks, fishing and playing video games.
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Treasurer/Secretary
I grew up in a small town near Waco, TX (home of the BEAST!) Sadly, I lived there way before I knew disc golf was a thing.
I was introduced to disc golf by my brother-in-law in December of 2021. After we played a few rounds together, he bought me a bag and a few discs for Christmas that year and the rest was history! From there I immediately joined the PDGA and started playing tournaments. In November of 2022, I moved to Western Montana and joined the Garden City Flyers the following spring. It is here that I found my disc golf home and met some of my best friends!
When not on the course, I enjoy traveling, fly fishing, woodworking, photography and, most importantly, spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
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Board Member at Large
I was born in Abilene, Texas and essentially grew up around disc golf.
My dad played disc golf and I would walk the course with him until I was able to play without slowing them down. I played my first handicap league at age 6 with the MA60 guys! This commitment my dad made to me on getting me out was formative in my disc golf career. After moving to Oregon when I was 9, I would play in an all women’s tournament, The Chick Flick at Horning's Hideout, that had over 100 women competing in the tournament. The event was run by a wonderful team of ladies and a huge support staff of husbands, friends and sponsors. Being surrounded by this many competitive and supportive women in a setting that had been almost strictly men in every other context was nothing short of inspiring. I feel extremely lucky to have had this experience and hope to share, create and provide as much of that support and connection to anyone wanting to learn and grow within the sport. Having not had the ability to play in as many tournaments while playing sports in college, I am now excited to compete more and grow disc golf in Montana.
Outside of disc golf, you can find me adventuring with my dog and two cats, listening to music (or an audiobook because I consume a LOT of those) and working out at any of our local fitness studios. I am passionate about coaching, connecting and growing with people!