Staff

  • Ray Vasser

    Executive Director

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    Beth Ngo

    Executive Administrator

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    Sports Program Director

    TBD

sports committee staff

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    Basketball Chair

    details

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    Wrestling Chair

    details

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    Volleyball Chair

    details

Board of directors

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Ray Vasser, Executive Director

Ray’s journey is one of divine purpose, perseverance, and service. Rooted in his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, he seeks to honor God’s will in all aspects of life. Alongside his beloved wife, Deena, of 29 years, he cherishes the blessing of their 10 children and 4 grandchildren, walking this journey together with faith, love, and a shared commitment to uplifting others.
With over 20 years of expertise in nonprofit leadership, business development, and organizational growth, Ray has been called to empower others through strategic vision and transformational leadership. Yet, his impact reaches beyond the boardroom—his lifelong passion for basketball has been a powerful vessel for mentorship, discipline, and faith.
As a former collegiate and professional athlete, including time in the CBA with the Rockford Fire and Oklahoma City Calvary (now the NBA G-League), Ray understands the power of sports to shape character. His 35+ years as a player and coach, including an outstanding high school coaching record of 334-81, reflect his dedication to excellence, mentorship, and servant leadership.
Ray’s mission is clear: to glorify God through his passion for Jesus, life, and basketball. By mentoring and developing athletes, he instills values that transcend the game—discipline, resilience, and faith—equipping future leaders for life’s challenges on and off the court.
Man smiling in front of a dark background, wearing a gray polo shirt with a colorful logo on it.

Ben Feltes, Board Member

Ben Feltes serves on the Board of Journey Sports, and is a joyful member of Antioch Christian Church. 
Ben is married and has 2 children and has a passion to serve. 
Growing up playing soccer, football, basketball, wrestling and swimming, his life has been deeply influenced by his involvement in sports and the mentors and coaches he’s had along the way. 
Ben graduated from Eastern Illinois University after playing 4 years of Division 1 soccer. 
Ben serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of a local investment and planning firm, and he also enjoys spending time with family, his men’s group, reading, fishing, hunting, sand volleyball and being active with friends. 
Ben is driven to help Journey Sports Equip, Empower and Elevate our athletes in their sports and their lives. 
“I want what Jesus wants for these kids. I want them to have Life in Him, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,and have it to the full.”

Tyler Simoens, Board President

Tyler’s journey is a testimony of amazing life transformation through obedience to the Lord.  Walking a broken road most of his life, Tyler got tired of being a selfish person who spent most of his time using people, situations and things of the world to fill the holes in his heart.  
On April 26th, 2016, Tyler surrendered his life to Jesus and things have never been the same.  His wife, Alison, has been with him every step of the way, and they have 3 children who have become their most important ministry.
Throughout Tyler's journey, there have been a few constants in his life, sports being one of them.  He often looks back at different seasons, teams, teammates and coaches with fond memories and life long lessons that still stick with him today.
Serving on the Journey Sports team as board president has been a life giving and meaningful opportunity.  Being able to point kids to Jesus through athletics has provided another outlet for Tyler to testify about how important it is to be surrendered to Jesus, transformed by Jesus and on mission with Jesus. 
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Joel Grandon, Board Member

Joel and his wife Luann moved to Marion in 1986 and started attending Antioch that same year. 
They have 2 adult sons, one of whom is married, and 1 grandchild. 
Joel is self-employed and leads a staff of 5 employees. 
In addition to leading at Antioch, Joel has devoted many hours to leading in accounting organizations on the state and national level. He has also served on various nonprofit boards including journey sports. 
Joel enjoys spending time with family, cycling, and camping.