YHUA / District 7 Umpire Staff
Our Staff
Your District 7 Umpire Staff (or YHUA Staff) is Comprised of Matt Heckel (Montana State UIC), Ken Linder (District 7 UIC), Chris Duncan (YHUA Treasurer), Gary Barnhart (Deputy UIC for Fast Pitch), Jared Silvey, and Victor Maxson (Deputy UIC for Slow Pitch). We are Dedicated to carrying on the tradition of officiating Softball in the same spirit that Rick Smith (a great teacher/mentor, partner on the field, and friend) taught us. Building on the foundation he provided to move forward in the promotion of umpiring, the way it was meant to be done.
Matt Heckel, USA Softball of Montana State UIC - Matt has an impressive resume in the slow pitch world, receiving his Elite status in 2022, he brings a wealth of knowledge of how to officiate the slow pitch game. Matt is also a member of the National Indicator Fraternity, and Montana’s First Slow Pitch Elite Umpire. As well as being the first Montana Umpire Inducted into the Mcquade Softball Tournament Hall of fame!
Ken Linder, USA Softball of Montana District 7 UIC - Ken is continuing to work towards his Elite status, reaching the Junior Olympic Cup in 2021 to work in his first qualifier. Prior to the JO Cup, Ken has worked in 3 Western National Tournaments and has worked the Championship plate position in 2. Ken is also a member of the National Indicator Fraternity, as well as a gold medals member.
Chris Duncan, USA Softball of Montana District 7 Deputy UIC - Chris has shown a lot in his short tenure of 7 years, receiving his Elite in slow pitch after 5 tournaments. Chris attended not only the Men’s C Slow Pitch this year, but was also asked to return a week later for the Men’s A/B Tournament. Chris is also a member of the National Indicator Fraternity, as well as Montana’s 2nd Elite Slow Pitch Umpire.