| In his 10 years as Oakland
University’s Director of Publications, Geoff Upward has lent his support and guidance
to the Pioneer athletic department in a number of ways. His long-time and varied service
to the athletic department has earned him the George Wibby Award. Geoff is a past committee member and co-chairman of the youth
tournament of the Marriott Soccer Classic. This tournament annually brings over 2,000
youth soccer players to campus each year, establishing Oakland as a mecca of soccer
Michigan. He is also a past committee member of the annual Athletic Department Roast. He
is currently a member of OU’s World Cup Committee, and is a charter member of the
reformed Oakland 100 Club.
Geoff has used his position at the university to lend his
services and advice to the department regarding different publications. He has been
responsible for articles and mentions of athletics in the alumni magazine.
Geoff’s background is an athletic one, particularly in
soccer. He was an All-MIAA soccer forward and four-year starter at his alma mater, Albion
College, and was co-captain and team MVP at Birmingham Groves High School. He has been a
youth soccer coach with the Birmingham Groves High School. He has been a youth soccer
coach with the Birmingham-Bloomfield Soccer Club for 10 years, and is a past YMCA
basketball coach. Among other numerous book and publishing projects, Geoff has edited two
books by Tigers Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell: Diamond Gems, released in 1991,
and his latest book to be released this spring, as yet untitled.
Geoff and his wife, Meredeth, live in Birmingham with their
two sons, Ben, 15, and Andrew, 12. Both are long time Oakland sports camps participants. |
