David Brock, Strategic Planning Committee Chairman
Kim Elliott, Tennis Committee Chairman
Charlie Milner, Secretary
Email the Board of
CHEF TORIAN NAMED 2025 ACF DALLAS CHEF OF THE YEAR
The Dallas Athletic Club is proud to announce that Executive Sous Chef Torian has been named the 2025 American Culinary Federation (ACF) Dallas Chapter Chef of the Year — an honor voted on by his culinary peers.
Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Chef Torian attended culinary school in Overland Park and joined DAC in 2022. He was promoted to Executive Sous Chef in 2024, where his leadership and passion continue to elevate the Club’s dining experience.
A competitive chef, Torian captained the USA ACF Youth Team in 2020 and earned top honors in national and regional competitions, including the Jeunes Chaine des Rotisseurs
NEW TEAM MEMBER WELCOME CYERA TO DAC!
We are thrilled to welcome our new Communications & Administrative Assistant to DAC! A native of Sweetwater, Texas, she studied Broadcast Journalism at the University of North Texas and has a background in marketing, media, and sports content, most recently at Dave Campbell's Texas Football.
You’ll see her around the Club capturing special moments, assisting with communications, and supporting our administrative team. Outside of work, she enjoys dance, collecting vinyl records, and coaching cheerleading — a passion that has earned national titles and international recognition.
Please join us in giving her a warm DAC welcome!
DAC STAFF MOMENTS CUPID STRIKES AT DAC!
Competition. On March 19–20, he will compete in the ACF Central Regional Chef of the Year Competition, preparing three finger foods (vegan, pescatarian, and lacto-ovo vegetarian) followed by a duck-themed entrée served “Russian-style” on a self-serve platter. A win would advance him to the national stage in July.
We are proud to celebrate Chef Torian’s talent and dedication, which reflect the high standards and culinary excellence our members enjoy daily. Please join us in congratulating him and wishing him success in the upcoming competition!
FUN FACTS
What's your favorite hobby?
Coaching cheerleading. I’ve won five national titles and placed second at Worlds!
Any fun adventures? Yes, two! I modeled at New York Fashion Week at 18 AND I interviewed Vince Young, Mack Brown, and Colt McCoy!
Tell us a random fact about you.
I was featured in a Hulu documentary: Miss Snake Charmer
Any accolades you're proud of?
Top 10 finalist, Miss Texas Teen pageant
Employee
ANNIVERSARIES
Celebrating One Year
Jorge Camacho
Victor Lira
Aiden Garcia
Alex Torres
Jennifer Carcamo
Celebrating Two Years
Jack-Henry Canada
Amanda Allen
Koby Hatch
Bobby Enriquez
Celebrating Three Years
Lauro Hurtado
Wilfred Gillett
Adolfo Esparza
Cameron Probey
Norma Arambula
Josefina Mendoza
Jason Melton
Celebrating Four Years
Rafael Soto
Jose Manuel Soto
Jose Soto
Yolanda Aguirre
Marysa Castillo
Brayden Billingsly
Shanymarie Lopez
Celebrating 5+ Years
Jose Torres (5)
Yulet Ramirez (5)
Natalia Prinz (5)
Mila Luna (5)
Roger Vasquez (8)
Nicholas Maurry (8)
Cory Kirkwood (9)
Mari Ann Ezpeleta (7)
Celebrating 10+ Years
Phil Callahan (14)
Celebrating 20+ Years
John Ezpeleta (20)
Rebecca Beard (22)
Ronald Bobadilla (27)
Celebrating 30+ Years
Roberto Martinez (30)
Jose Espitia (35)
Many smiles and sweet moments from our Staff Valentine’s Day celebration, featuring our lucky winner of the couples dinner gift card!
Congrats Jorge!
A DECADE OF OPPORTUNITY
How the DAC Scholarship Fund continues to invest in education and support employees and their families
For more than 10 years, the DAC Scholarship Fund has reflected our Club’s commitment to investing in people. What began in 2015 as a golf tournament to support an employee scholarship has grown into a meaningful initiative advancing education for DAC employees and their dependent children.
Since awarding its first scholarships in 2016, the Fund has helped 53 recipients attend universities across the country, with more than $273,000 awarded. Each scholarship represents more than financial support—it creates opportunity, encouragement, and a brighter future for DAC families.
In July 2025, the Fund was renamed the Dallas Athletic Club Brent Burkhart Memorial Scholarship Fund, honoring a legacy of leadership and service within our Club community.
53 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$273,000 AWARDED IMPACT NUMBERS
24 UNIVERSITIES/ COLLEGES
In the coming months, we’ll be sharing more about the people, milestones, and impact made possible through the DAC Scholarship Fund. This enduring initiative reflects the strength of our community and the values that define DAC.
SCHOLARSHIP DISTRIBUTION
Texas University of Texas at Arlington – 5 University of Texas at Dallas – 5
Texas A&M University – 5 University of North Texas – 4
Texas Tech University – 2
Tarleton State University – 1
Eastfield College – 2
Paris Junior College – 3
Richland College – 2
Dallas Community College – 2
Texas State University – 1
Texas A&M, Commerce – 1
Mountain View College – 1
El Centro College – 1
Oklahoma University of Oklahoma – 3 Oklahoma State University – 1
Arkansas University of Arkansas – 1 Hendrix College – 4
Louisiana Tulane University – 1
Alabama Auburn University – 1
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS
These new members began their membership at DAC between December & January.
FROM THE DESK OF CARI WHEATLEY CELEBRATING OUR DAC SENIORS
It seems like just yesterday they were racing to the pool, attending camps, and growing up right before our eyes. Now they’re preparing to take their next big step. Our Club has always been a place where milestones are shared, and this one deserves a special spotlight.
We’re excited to recognize the graduating high school seniors in our DAC Family with a Senior Spotlight feature in the upcoming July/ August newsletter. This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, reflect on how far they’ve come, and cheer them on as they head into their next chapter.
We invite families to submit your senior’s photo along with their current high school and the college they plan to attend by June 2, 2026. Help us honor the Class of 2026 and the memories they’ve made along the way. We can’t wait to celebrate them with you!
Cheers,
Cari WheatleyMembership Director
DAC Wants to Celebrate our Club Graduating High-School Seniors!
Please submit your graduate's information to be featured in the July/August newsletter.
Scan the QR for the submission form.
Welcome to our newest & littlest DAC members!
Shepard Davis Sella October 6th, 2025
Proud Parents: Ed and Ashley Sella Fia Nilsson November 15, 2025
Proud Parents: Christian and Stephanie Nilsson
Campbell Quinn Schwartz November 17, 2025
Proud Parents: Steffen and Brittany Schwartz
New addition to your family?
We want to celebrate our littlest new members! Please e-mail cwheatley@dacstaff.org a picture of your newest addition along with their name and date of birth to be included in the following newsletter. I will also make sure they are updated in your DAC Member Profile!
Get ready to meet one of our most tennis-loving families at the Club! The Martinez family has embraced the courts as a place to learn, compete, laugh, and grow together, one point at a time.
From friendly family rivalries and clever drop shots to postmatch traditions and valuable life lessons, tennis has become a true family affair for Alex, Crystal, and Nicolas. We caught up with them to hear more about their favorite moments on the court, what keeps them coming back, and why tennis has been such a meaningful part of their Club experience.
What do you love most about spending time together on the tennis courts at the Club?
What we love most about spending time together on the tennis courts is that we all started playing around the same time, so we’ve been learning the game together. We’re all competitive, so playing 105 and points against each other always keeps things fun and entertaining.
Who in the family was the very first to start playing tennis — and who caught the tennis bug next?
Alex was first followed shortly after by Crystal and Nicolas.
If your family had a team name for tournaments or clinics, what would it be?
Alex and the Chipmunks
Who is the most competitive player in your family
All of us. The only thing we agree on is that none of us will admit it’s ourselves.
What’s your favorite junior tennis activity at the Club — clinics, camps, match play, or just hitting around?
Nicolas loves his lessons, especially when he wins points against Coach Jack and Coach Joe!
What’s your go-to snack or treat after a great day of tennis?
Nicolas is all about the sausage omelet and fruit bowl after a great day on the courts, while the rest of us are happy knowing the tennis shop fridge is well stocked with La Croix—thanks to Alex’s special request.
What’s one thing tennis has taught your family — on or off the court?
Tennis has taught our family to never give up and to take things one point at a time on the court and in everyday life.
If a new family just joined the Club and wanted to get plugged into tennis, what advice would you give them?
We would tell them to expect some ups and downs, but don’t quit. Stick with it, have fun, and before you know it, tennis will become something your whole family looks forward to. Also, we’ve met great people and new friends by playing tennis.
When you’re not on the tennis courts, where can we usually find the Martinez family around the Club?
You can find us at the family restaurant or chilling on the grass beside the pool.
GETTING THE COURSES READY FOR SPRING PLAY
Spring is always a busy time of year for our golf and grounds maintenance operations. As the season ramps up, our team is not only preparing both courses and club grounds for a full tournament schedule but also executing several important agronomic practices that set the foundation for strong summer performance.
Key seasonal maintenance includes aerating greens to promote healthy root growth and improve surface firmness, adjusting mowing patterns and heights to match growth rates and playing expectations, and applying preventative weed and disease control treatments. We will also complete fertilizer applications to all areas in order to promote spring growth and expedite healing of any remaining construction-related scars.
With no major construction planned this year, our focus will shift fully toward elevating daily operations and taking a more rigorous approach to essential cultural practices. This includes aeration, vertical mowing, and strategic sand topdressing of high-traffic areas such as tees, fairways, and approaches. In addition, we will update several landscape beds to enhance the Club’s aesthetics, continue targeted drainage improvements, and complete ongoing sod projects to strengthen turf coverage.
These efforts are critical to ensuring both courses continue to improve in playability and presentation as we move deeper into the season. We appreciate your patience during maintenance activities and look forward to delivering the best possible conditions throughout the spring and into summer.
Travis Moore Course Superintendent
WGA Kickoff Party
WGA Spring Fling
TaylorMade Tour Van Cobra Fitting Day
Pots of Gold Sale
XXIO Fitting Day
Nicklaus Cup Qualifier #1
WGA ABCD Scramble MGA 4
Titleist Fitting Day
Nicklaus Cup Qualifier #2
Masters Par 3 Tournament
WGA Play Day
WGA President's Cup
MGA Heaven & Hell
Senior Club Championship Couples Golf
Ladies Big 12 Championship
MGA Money Ball Begins
WGA Play Day
MGA Money Ball
TURF TALK
A MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF GOLF
MASTERS PAR 3, FOUR BALL MATCH PLAY & MORE
Renaldo Chiang, DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION
Spring is right around the corner, and it’s one of the most exciting times of the year at Dallas Athletic Club. March and April bring great golf, great energy, and a full slate of events we’re really looking forward to.
We’ll start the season with the return of the Masters Par 3 Tournament, we have some fun new elements to this event this year and will have flights for Men, Women, and Juniors. This year also marks the inaugural Season Long Four Ball Match Play, a new event we’re excited to introduce that brings a fresh, competitive team format to the calendar.
GOLF LESSON
WHEN IT'S BREEZY, SWING EASY
Ryan Bowey, PGA HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Spring is right around the corner, and with that comes wind! I want to make sure you are making the proper adjustments when playing in strong wind. The saying “when it’s breezy, swing easy” makes a lot of sense!
Tim Brown HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Now that Tournament season is here, let's go over a couple of basic golf rules that we all need to remember.
We’re especially proud to host the Ladies Big 12 Championship at the end of April. With national coverage, it’s a tremendous opportunity to showcase our golf course, staff, and club on a national stage.
Thank you for being part of what makes DAC special. Our team is excited for the season ahead, and we look forward to seeing you out on the course this spring.
Good Golfing,
Renaldo Chiang Director of Golf
This spring also kicks off the Nicklaus Cup Qualifiers, a new element to the event that we know will add an extra level of competition and camaraderie as players compete to earn their spot.
When playing into the wind, you generally want to take spin off the golf ball. If you generate a lot of spin, the ball flight will be higher, and therefore it will be more affected by the wind. Higher spin is generated when we swing hard with a lot of speed.
Wind is obviously difficult to judge, but I think 10 mph equals one club. If I am hitting into a 20 mph wind, I will go up two clubs. The key is to hit it lower with less spin, which I achieve by having the length of my swing AND my power or effort (swing easy) be at 80%.
I hope this helps! Please reach out if I can help in person.
14- Clubs is the maximum amount a player can have in their bag. (Yes, that includes your putter).
You can play with less than 14 clubs. (Not recommended)
If you hit a ball into the penalty area:
You can always hit from the spot you last played from. a
Always be aware of the last place your ball crossed the penalty area's margins/lines.
Remember to look for drop zones as a potential place to play the next shot from.
Last year at the Nicklaus Cup: Scott Dooley and George Zahar ready to tee off.
New Men's League
Thursdays 6:00 pm April 2-May 7
Cost: $125 per player for all 6 weeks including one beer/seltzer/soda ticket pet night.
USTA ranking 3.0+ with match play experience.
Registration opens March 5th.
For Registration & Questions contact Chris Bale at cbale@dacstaff.org or 817-471-4413
MARCH & APRIL ON THE
COURTS
NEW SEASON, NEW TEAMS, NEW CLINICS!
March marks the start of Junior Team Tennis! This season, DAC Juniors will represent the Club on seven different teams. For the first time, DAC will have juniors competing in the 8-and-under red ball division. Our juniors play every Sunday, so come cheer on our young players whenever you can.
We’re also introducing a new Cardio Clinic! This co-ed clinic is open to all levels and takes place every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Our adult league teams have started competing in the TCD Spring season. There are plenty of matches to watch every week, including women’s and mixed doubles league play, as well as our Mixed TCD Pickleball League on Fridays. We hope to see you on the courts soon!
WTA BIG HEART LITTLE HEART
Dressed in their Valentine’s finest, our WGA members took to the courts for a fun and festive day of tennis at the Big Heart Little Heart event.
CALENDAR TENNIS
105 Social 12
TEAM UPDATE MEET OUR NEW TENNIS PROFESSIONAL: OLIVER WELSCH!
Oliver Welsh joined Dallas Athletic Club on February 17th, bringing a lifetime of tennis experience and coaching expertise. Born in England and raised in San Diego, he began playing competitively at age 10 and was ranked in the top 20 in Southern California by 16.
He played collegiate tennis at Bryant University in Rhode Island, competing in both singles and doubles, and has coached at Fretz Tennis Center in Dallas as well as a country club in Rhode Island, where he served as Head Pro.
“I can’t wait to start working at DAC and meet each and every one of you,” Oliver says, ready to bring his passion for teaching and the game to our members.
FITNESS TIP
SPRING INTO FITNESS: REFRESH YOUR HEALTH & EXERCISE GOALS
Refresh your fitness routine this spring with our Body Burn & Cardio Boot Camp classes!
Looking to refresh your fitness routine this spring? Our March and April group fitness lineup features two dynamic class experiences designed to challenge, energize, and empower members of all fitness levels. Whether you prefer structured strength circuits or heart-pumping cardio intervals, there’s a class waiting for you.
Body Burn & Power Core
Tuesdays 8:30–9:30 am Fridays 8:00–9:00 am with Virginia Altick
Tuesdays: Mat-based dumbell circuits focused on muscle endurance.
Fridays: Station rotations with mixed equipment & core training.
Cardio Bootcamp
Thursdays 8:30–9:15 am with Lori Schmitt
High Intensity Intervals & Cardio Super sets
Formats include Tabatas & Endurance Rounds Options & Modifications for All Levels
No registration needed. All equipment is provided. Just show up in your workout clothes! •
REGISTER FOR EVENTS ON THE DAC APP!
To register, select "Menu" from the home screen. Scroll down to the Social section and select "Upcoming Events". Select the event or search for an event.
Registration can also be done online or with the Front Desk.
In The Elm
Tuesday Date Night
Every Tuesday Evening
Enjoy complimentary ClubKids when you make your reservation in advance with the Front Desk!
Wednesday Family Nights
Every Wednesday Evening, Kids 12 & Under Eat Free!
March 4th
SEAFOOD NIGHT - $28
Fish & Chips, Salmon Piña, Blackened Shrimp & Grits, Crab Cakes, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Grilled Vegetables, Bibb Salad, La Prada Salad, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Popcorn Shrimp, Fresh Fruit, Buttered Peas & Carrots, Sundae Bar
March 11th
BUILD YOUR OWN BOWL - $20
Assorted Grains and Rice, Marinated and Raw Veggies, Assorted Proteins and Sauces, Pita & Hummus, Salad Bar, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Iceberg & Ranch, Broccoli, Sundae Bar
March 18th
CLUB FAVORITES - $20
Pecan Chicken with Country Gravy, Mushroom Chopped Steak, Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Bacon and Onion, La Prada Salad, TX Spinach Salad, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Broccoli, Sundae Bar
March 25th
NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA BUFFET -$20
Variety of Oversized Pizzas, Chicken Wings, Italian Salad, Breadsticks, Cookie Pizza, Brownie Pizza, Popcorn Chicken, French Fries, Mac & Cheese, Broccoli
April 1st
BALL PARK NIGHT - $20
Jumbo Pretzel, Nachos, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Popcorn, BBQ Brisket on a Stick, Chili Cheese Fries, Walking Taco, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Broccoli, Cracker Jacks, Mini Batter’s Helmet Sundae Bar
April 15th
BACON BACON BACON - $20
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Chicken, Bacon Wrapped Wagyu Meatballs, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Bacon Wrapped Piña & Jalapeños, Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Cheddar Bacon Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Buttered Peas, and Fresh Fruit, Sundae Bar
April 22nd
TACO NIGHT - $20
Nacho Station, Taco Salad, Hard and Soft Shells, Assorted Taco Meats and Salsa, Refried Black Beans, Street Corn, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, and Fresh Fruit, Churros & Sundae Bar
April 29th
COOK OUT - $28
Strip Steaks, Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters, Pork Steak, Grilled Salmon, Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Salad, Au Gratin Potatoes, Chopped Tortilla Salad, Caesar Salad, Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Fresh Fruit, Sundae Bar
Steak Night
Every Saturday Evening, 5–9 pm
Prime Filet 6 oz., $42
Prime Strip Steak 10 oz., $42
Prime Ribeye 14 oz., $46
Served with a Wedge Salad or Cup of Soup du Jour
All prime steaks are served with a Steakhouse Baked Potato and Fresh Seasonal Vegetables.
For dessert, enjoy a slice of warm pie a la mode or your choice of an ice cream sundae.
OR The Month’s Featured Steak
Dining reservations in The Elm or 19th Hole can be made online, on the app, or with the Front Desk at 972-279-3671.
CLUBKIDS
March & April at ClubKids
Spring Has Sprung at ClubKids!
Spring is here, and we’re excited to welcome the season with fun, familyfriendly events at the Club.
This March, kids can enjoy our Pizza Cooking Class, a hands-on experience creating their own pizzas, along with our Spring Break Camp, filled with themed activities and creative fun for kids.
Finally, join us for Wednesday Family Night, where kids can enjoy making crafts and watching a movie in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
We look forward to creating meaningful memories with your family this spring!
Each day brings a brand-new theme-filled adventure with hands-on activities, outdoor games, and engaging challenges your child will love.
Camp Includes:
• Daily Activities
• Supplies
• Breakfast & Lunch
• Snacks
• Awards
Daily Themes & Activities
Tuesday – Around the World
Paint the Eiffel Tower, create Japanese lanterns, and fun global challenges
Wednesday – Island Adventure Treasure Hunt, Pirate Games & Treasure Map Crafts
Thursday – Mad Science Day Space-inspired fun in partnership with NASA
Friday – Club Olympics Relay Races, Tug of War & Awards Ceremony
ClubKids Valentine's Craft Night
WTA's Big Heart Little Heart
WhistlePig Whiskey Dinner
Hours of Operation
CLUBHOUSE
Tuesday-Sunday 7:00 am-Close
19TH HOLE
Tuesday-Sunday 8:00 am-Close
9 1/2 SNACK BAR
Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 am-6:00 pm
Friday-Sunday 7:30 am-6:00 pm
KITCHEN & THE ELM
Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 am-9:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am-10:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am-10:00 pm
Sunday 7:00 am-8:00 pm
FITNESS FACILITY
Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 am-Close
Sunday 6:00 am-Close
TENNIS PRO SHOP
Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 am-9:00 pm
Friday-Saturday 8:00 am-7:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am-6:00 pm
GOLF PRO SHOP
Tuesday-Friday 7:30 am-7:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday 7:00 am-7:00 pm
CLUBKIDS
Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 pm-9:00 pm* Parents must remain on Club grounds in order to utilize the ClubKids services. * Wednesday Evenings the ClubKids Building will be closed.
