The People Behind the Scenes

It takes a village to run a fan-centric Web site and discussion community and these individuals have been instrumental in the success of UDPride over the last 25 years.  Their roles and responsibilities have changed at times, but their commitment both in time and resources to be a value-added contributor has been of immeasurable importance both publicly and privately.  We wouldn’t be here today without their passion and selflessness.

Chris M. Rieman
Chris M. RiemanFounder
Chris started UDPride in 1996 as a junior at the University of Dayton. Earliest childhood memories of UD Athletics start around 1979 when accompanying his father (also a UD grad) to UD Arena. Has enjoyed UD basketball ever since and followed the Flyers to Hawaii (3x), Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Spokane WA, Philadelphia PA, Austin TX, Chicago IL, New York NY, and all parts in between. Particular interest in UD Olympic sports such as soccer and volleyball.

Worked for nearly two decades in telecommunications and software development. Founded Stuttgart Studios in 2011, a graphic design/documentation recreation print house catering to European Sports Car owners and enthusiasts as well as dealers around the country.

Enjoys tinkering on his Porsches and BMWs, is an avid long-distance runner, cyclist, and aging basketball/soccer/tennis warrior. World’s biggest dog lover.

Rieman was born and raised in the Dayton area and graduated from Centerville HS (OH) in 1992 and the University of Dayton (BA in Journalism Core) in 1997. He resides in Washington Township.

John Churan
John ChuranEditor Emeritus
A born-and-bred Flyer fan at heart, John grew up in Dayton and fostered an attraction to UD basketball during the late coaching career of Tom Blackburn as his cagey teams dominated the Midwest and became annual celebrities at the prestigious NIT in New York City.

After attending UD for a couple years he transferred to the University of Cincinnati to complete his education. Graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1975 with a BS in Industrial Management and a BBA in Quantitative Analysis John would root for the Flyers in the middle of the UC student section. After leaving UC, he continued his education at Capital University and received his MBA in 1978.

Instrumental from the start, John helped create stories and extended-length features for UDPride that helped get the Web site off the ground. Writing multi-part series with UD Athletic Directors, Don Donoher, and other notable figureheads generated additional credibility to not only UDPride but also his ability to write and share untold stories that were deeper dives than the random game recap. Several of those projects live on as all-time classics in the UDPride archives.

After living in Columbus for many years and making the 90 minute drive to Flyer games, he and his family relocated to the Phoenix area, to continue his career. He misses the chance to see the Flyers in person but doesn’t miss shoveling the snow.

He’s married to his wife of 35 years, Julia. They live in Phoenix, AZ, and have two adult sons Jason and Justin.

Jim Meadows
Jim MeadowsColumnist
Jim “Swampy” Meadows has been a contributor on UDPride since the earliest days of the website. “From the Swamp” follows the Flyers from afar, but also has occasion to see them in person at UD Arena or on the road.

After starting out at WVUD — UD’s commercially licensed radio station — in 1972, Jim spent the next 45 years in ad sales for media companies such as Group W, CBS, CNN, Court TV, and The Hotel Networks.

Meadows graduated from the University of Dayton in 1972 with a BA in Communications and is now gainfully retired in Beverly Hills, MI. Besides Flyer sports, he also enjoys pickup basketball, golf and driving his 2004 Ford Thunderbird. Swampy has been married to his wife Peggy for 51 years and has two adult daughters, Cristen and Caitlin and 4 grandkids.