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From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community
Bud Dunbar, "Father" of the Ski Club, in 1954, placed an Ad in the Daily Oklahoman reading "WANTED: Skiers interested in organizing a club contact Bud Dunbar." 22 people responded and met at the urging of Ruth and Bud Dunbar to form the Sooner Ski Club. The Sooner Ski Club was incorporated in 1965 with 164 members. In the 1980's, the Club membership reached over 2,000 members. In 1992 there were over 1,000 members. The Oklahoma City Ski Club has developed into an exciting multi faceted organization offering opportunities to enjoy skiing and other sports, to meet people, to make lifetime friends, and to participate in varied group activities.
The first ski trips were made via cars to Colorado and New Mexico. In the good old days a weeks lodging in Aspen was $70.00 per couple! As the prices rose so did the enthusiasm and membership in the Club. Harvey O'Mealey, the Club's first official President, 1959-60, told of their first trip to Aspen. There was one SINGLE chair lift and it took 45 minutes to get to the top. The lift operator would throw a fur coat around the skier on the way up and then it would be sent back down on a chair. The good part was that you could get a week's ski lessons for $20!
Alene Greene, the 2nd President, 1960-61, knew the Club was outgrowing the meetings in people's homes sought larger quarters. Through the years the meeting places have included the Last Chance Saloon at Frontier City, Knights of Columbus Hall, Twin Hills, Shrine Temple, Top of the Mall, Sportsman's Club, Town Hall, Habana Inn, and Elks Lodge.
In 1962, the Club chartered its first sit-up bus for a trip to New Mexico. The Ski Club was the originator of the idea that Oklahomans are overnight from most of the Colorado/New Mexico ski areas, and in 1966 convinced a local bus company to build a sleeper bus, guaranteeing the Company 10,000 miles the first year. There were 13 trips that year. The Club had difficulty meeting the commitment and the bus would stop along the way through western Oklahoma and the Panhandle, picking up people in order to meet the needed quota.
By 1970 trips were leaving most every weekend and the name was changed to the Oklahoma City Ski Club. Trips to Canada, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Europe had been added to the trip schedule.
Nick Denner's Era and the Enduring Legacy of Joan Sneed
Nick Denner, president 1970-71, claims his was the best year of all because that was when Joan Sneed became Executive Secretary. She had said she would take the job for one year only, but how fortunate for all of us that she didn't keep that promise. Patty Sneed Cason, Daughter of Joan and Lee, has maintained the family tradition by being the present Club Administrator.
There were bus problems throughout the years, but one of the most memorable was the Golden Eagle Bus in 1980-91. It got off to a disastrous start by arriving 7 1/2 hours late to pick up the skiers. Everyone gathered at the Myriad at the usual 5:30 PM. loading time. After several hours, with the skiers lined up sitting along the Myriad wall eating their sack lunches and rodeo spectators staring at them, Joan took off in her orange VW; cruising around the city to see if she could find the bus! A call to their Dallas headquarters brought the response that they had left at 1:00 PM., however, it rolled in at 10:00 PM. John Perkins, President at the time, referred to it as the "Golden Goose."
Though the Club continues to be a great organization, people join not only because of an interest in the sport of skiing/snowboarding and other planned activities, but mostly because of the strong camaraderie among members.The fun is endless and the friendships will last a lifetime. After 52 years in business, the club remains strong. The Oklahoma City Ski Club is truly a club for all seasons.
Past Presidents
Randy Carter 2021–Present
BJ Todd 2018–21
Charlie Wood 2015–18
Stefanie Fields 2014–15
Stan Solo 2012–14
Dave Dyer 2010–12
Dolores Hopeman 2009–10
Janie Hlincky 2007–09
Dolores Hopeman 2005–07
Barry Campbell 2003–05
Frank Newcomb 2001–03
Sandy Jarman 2000–01
Jim Seabolt 1999–2000*
Beverly Anderson 1998–99
Ron Jarman 1997–98
Ron Jarman 1996–97
Joe O'Brien 1995–96
Joe O'Brien 1994–95
Tim Holland 1993–94
Robert (Dr. Bob) Anderson 1992–93
Sherri Bradford 1991–92
Bill Becquart 1990–91
Kay Lackey 1989–90
Jan Douglas 1988–89
Tom Baker 1987–88
Steve Downham 1986–87
Bill Starkey 1985–86*
Jack Rector 1984–85*
George Myers, Jr. 1983–84
Janet Blankenship 1982–83
Paul Voyles 1981–82
John Perkins 1980–81
Dick Dodson 1979–80
Darrell Beil 1978–79
Don Brooks 1977–78
Dan Almond 1976–77
Wiley Rice 1975–76
Jerry Cord Wilson 1974–75*
Joe Dean 1973–74
Jim Cole 1972–73
Bill Medley 1971–72
Nick Denner 1970–71
John Carney 1969–70
Joe Deupree 1968–69
Jim Meade 1967–68
Bill McAlpine 1966–67
Cooper Burk 1965–66
Jack Love 1964–65
Jim Henson 1963–64
John Miller 1962–63
Bud Meade 1961–62
Alene Greene 1960–61
Harvey O'Mealey 1959–60