Where Excellence Gets Its Spotlight
The lights dim. The music swells. Conversations quiet into anticipation. On the final night of the Gold Athletics Champions Trip, the room shifts from celebration to something bigger — recognition.
This isn’t just a getaway. It’s the pinnacle. The stage where the best of the best in the Gold Athletics network are honored for the impact they’ve made on coaches, athletes, and communities across the country.
Legacy. MVP. Rookie of the Year. Most Improved.
These aren’t just titles. They’re the heartbeat of the Gold Athletics culture — a culture built on service, results, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of better.
And this year’s winners didn’t just meet the standard. They redefined it.
The Gold Athletics Legacy Award: Mark “Sharky” Chatalian Sets the Standard
Mark Chatalian — better known as “Sharky” — represents what the Gold Athletics Legacy Award stands for: long-term impact, leadership, and mentorship.
As both a coach and fundraising leader, Sharky connects with athletes while understanding a coach’s perspective. His belief is simple:
“Being prepared to give knowledge about our system and good service leads to better success.”
That preparation translates into consistent fundraising wins and lasting relationships. For Sharky, it’s not just about numbers — it’s about people. That’s Legacy.
MVP Award: Brian’s 15% Sales Surge & Discount Domination
Nineteen years. Two states. One relentless commitment to value.
Brian Ludwig, Mid-Atlantic Territory Manager for Gold Athletics, has spent nearly two decades helping high school athletic programs across Pennsylvania and New Jersey build fundraising systems that actually last. And this year, that consistency earned him the MVP Award.
A Discount Leader with a Strategic Edge
In a world saturated with donation requests, Brian built his reputation on something different: real value.
As a discount product leader, his strategy centers on giving supporters something tangible — local discounts and products families genuinely want. That subtle shift changes everything.
Instead of one-time donation fatigue, his programs build lasting community relationships. Repeat buyers. Repeat success.
15% Growth in a Competitive Market
While competition continues to rise, Brian grew sales 15% year over year.
The formula?
- Stronger relationships with coaches
- Relentless follow-through
- Unwavering confidence in the Gold Athletics system
When coaches know their fundraiser will perform, they come back. Brian keeps delivering — year after year.
Gold Athletics Rookie of the Year Award: Evan’s Breakout Season
Every once in a while, a rookie doesn’t just learn the system — he accelerates it.
Evan Flanagan, Fundraising Rep in Southeastern Massachusetts, is coming up on one year with Gold Athletics. And what a year it’s been.
With six fundraisers still left to close, his first-year metrics are staggering:
- Total Raised: $569,841.97
- Total Fundraisers Run: 112
That’s not a promising start. That’s a breakout season.
“I was able to hit the ground running with the great training and support from Matt Ross and Blaise Whitman, as well as the rest of the team,” Evan shared. “Starting so close to Spring sports, I had to learn a lot on the fly. That prepared me to succeed in the Fall and Winter seasons.”
Rapid adoption of the Gold Athletics platform. Immediate execution. Immediate impact.
Gold Athletics Most Improved Award: Blaise’s Climb to Excellence
Growth isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s disciplined. Intentional. Compounded.
Blaise Whitman’s journey over the past two years is a masterclass in development.
“My biggest growth was taking the next step when it comes to managing,” he explained. “I oversee and manage two other reps now and have really helped them grow and figure out the business and set them up to be successful.”
His sales trajectory tells the story:
- 5–10% increase this year over last
- 25–30% jump the year prior
- 30%+ overall growth across two years
But the numbers only scratch the surface.
Support staff gave him more time to work directly with teams and run more fundraisers. He doubled down on helping groups maximize effort. And updates to the Gold Athletics system and app helped teams increase performance year over year.
Persistence. Coachability. Data-driven adjustments. That’s what Most Improved looks like.
The Blueprint for Champions
Legacy leadership. MVP consistency. Rookie momentum. Relentless improvement.
These awards aren’t just recognition — they’re proof that the Gold Athletics fundraising system works when champions commit to it.
The tools are built. The platform is proven.
Will your program be on stage next year?