Don Bigler, current President of WAGA, has been an amputee for 8 years. Vick Colombi, a veteran and double amputee told him about WAGA when he was still in hospital in 1998.
All of his life he has been involved athletics. In his previous life he played football at all levels as well as coached youth, high school and college at Arizona State University. Also, he was a football official for 28 years. He raced motorcycles; both flat track and motor cross as well as playing in the National Open division in racquetball in the singles and doubles. He was a past president of his Men's Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. He is one not to look back, just ahead.
Since becoming an amputee he has played golf across the country. The amazing thing is he was very happy with his previous life but his eyes were opened and his horizons broadened as he has met some of the most amazing people from all over the world. He feels he has a built in family wherever he goes to play amputee golf. He is happy to be alive and has the hat and tee shirt to prove it plus a great attitude.
He tries to give back by working with local support groups, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department for Disabilities and conducts First Swing Clinics.
He plays better golf now than when he was a 'normie', as you can not over swing. He is a life member of WAGA and NAGA. He thinks if you are involved in one or both organizations you gain a lot by meeting great people, having a lot of fun plus the chance to travel. He feels you improve your attitude and quality of life by participating.
He feels that before you can accomplish something you must expect it of yourself and there is a wonderful life after amputation.

Orin Pierce, of Cheney, Washington, was injured in a motorcycle accident in 1984, ultimately becoming a below knee left leg amputee.
Orin first learned of WAGA through his prosthetist, and has been a member ever since. He thoroughly enjoyed years of going to WAGA and NAGA tournaments, including 2 Nationals, 7 Arizona tournaments and numerous others. He has not been able to attend WAGA events lately with the exception of the 2004 Seattle area tournament. Orin is a life member of both WAGA and NAGA and should things change, he is looking forward to playing again seeing all his old friends.

Bob Buck, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has been a below knee amputee for thirty-six years. A graduate of the Choate School Wallingford, CT and Transylvania University, Lexington, KY (Bus Admin-1968) and a Vietnam Veteran, Bob lost his leg in 1970 after a year's battle with osteomylytis following an automobile accident.

Retired (2002) after 33 years with Bethlehem Steel Corporation.

Former Eastern Trustee of the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA)

Founder, past President & current Executive Director of the Eastern Amputee Golf Association (EAGA). The Association conducts amputee tournaments and golf outings as well as the NAGA's “First Swing / Learn to Golf ” clinics for rehab and golf professionals and individuals with disabilities and their families. To date, Bob has conducted over 260 "First Swing" Clinics.

In 1994, Bob was given an "Honorable Mention" Award during National Rehabilitation Week for the work he and the EAGA are doing to benefit the amputee and disabled community.

In 1997, Bob tied for second at the 50th National Amputee Golf Championship shooting (74- 76-77). Last year at Bethpage State Park, Bob finished in 7th Place at the National Championship (76-79-81).

Bob has won 18 EAGA Championships including four Pennsylvania Amputee Championships and three Eastern Regional Amputee Championships.

Served five years as a Consumer Representative on the Board of Directors of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Chairman of the Disability Access Committee for the 2000 U.S. Senior Open Golf Championship at Saucon Valley CC in Bethlehem, PA.

Recently, Bob was recognized for his leadership and vision for helping start the National Amputee Golf Association's "First Swing' 1 Seminar program for Rehab & Golf professionals and the Disabled Community. Good Shepherd Rehab Hospital, Allentown, PA was the site of the initial program 21 years ago.

In 1998, Bob was honored with his induction into Transylvania University's Pioneer Hall of Fame in Lexington, Kentucky for his college golf accomplishments and his on-going work of bringing golf to people with disabilities.

Bob currently resides in Bethlehem, PA with wife, Linda.

Revelations & speculation from our President.

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