Al Kovach Jr.
Since 2023

A Paralympian, marathon champion and competitive swimmer, Al Kovach Jr., became the fourth editor-in-chief for SPORTS ’N SPOKES (S’NS) in July 2023. The former Paralyzed Veterans of America national president looks to continue the legacy of late S’NS founder Cliff Crase by providing the most up-to-date information on wheelchair sports and recreation.

Al served in the United States Navy with SEAL Team 5 before sustaining a spinal-cord injury (SCI) during a parachuting accident in 1991.

Prior to joining the Navy, Al was a competitive swimmer in high school and earned All-American honors during his senior year. He went on to swim for national and Big Ten Conference powerhouse Indiana University. 

Following his SCI, Al continued to participate in sports. He competed in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, won the Los Angeles Marathon in 1997 and 1998, completed a 3,700-mile triathlon from Los Angeles to New York City in 1998 and won multiple titles in handcycling and triathlons.

Favorite wheelchair sport: Al retired from wheelchair racing but continues to ski recreationally and is always looking for opportunities to scuba dive anywhere there’s warm water.

Andy Nemann
Since 2011

Andy Nemann came to PVA Publications in 2011 after more than six years as an editor with the Gannett Magazine Group where he helped manage two national magazines and a trio of Florida travel publications. The Cincinnati native earned a BA in journalism from Northern Kentucky University and has more than 30 years of journalism experience, including writing for a national newswire and managing custom publishing projects for clients such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Western Athletic Conference and the University of Arizona.

Favorite wheelchair sport: Track and field. I like the simplicity of the competition such as who is the fastest or who can throw the longest, plus I was on the track team in high school.

Why he loves SPORTS `N SPOKES: The ability to be creative and having a job with a purpose of providing information to veterans and others with spinal-cord injury and disease.

Sherri Shea
Since 1978

Sherri Shea has been with SPORTS `N SPOKES for more than 45 years. She started working the front desk when the office moved to Phoenix under founding Editor-In-Chief Cliff Crase. Ever since, Sherri has done almost every job in the office, including marketing, advertising, circulation and accounting. 

Sherri is the longest serving employee within the Paralyzed Veterans of America staff and plans to retire some time in 2025.

Favorite wheelchair sport: I like wheelchair basketball because it was the first sport I saw in person.

Why she loves SPORTS `N SPOKES: I like being in charge of the money – paying the bills, helping create our budget and doing the deposits.

John Groth
Since 2013

John Groth has been with SPORTS ‘N SPOKES since 2013. John spent almost a decade working in the newspaper industry as a sports reporter/editor throughout the Midwest.

He has earned honors and awards throughout his career, including a 2007 Hoosier State Press Association first-place Best Sports Event coverage award.

Favorite wheelchair sport: Wheelchair rugby. It’s got plenty of hard-hitting action, scoring and strategy involved.

Why he loves SPORTS `N SPOKES: I enjoy telling people’s stories and getting to know veterans on a personal level. I also like feeling like I’m helping keep our magazine readers informed of different sports, events, news and innovations that may interest them or get them involved.

Brittany Martin
Since 2015

Brittany has been an editorial coordinator with SPORTS `N SPOKES since 2015. Prior to joining SPORTS `N SPOKES, Brittany honed her journalistic skills as a copy editor, page designer, web content editor and social media manager over 10 years in the newspaper industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in 2005, where she graduated summa cum laude with honors from the Barrett Honors College.

Favorite wheelchair sport: I really can’t pick just one! Downhill sit-skiing is fascinating to me since I recently started learning to ski. Trapshooting is just fun to watch, as I am also a shooter. I enjoy the action of wheelchair rugby, and I am always impressed by the determination and stamina of off-road handcyclists and wheelchair racers.

Why she loves SPORTS `N SPOKES: First and foremost, the people I have the opportunity to meet and interview. I love telling their stories. Second, I love that I’m always learning something new. The world of wheelchair sports is constantly changing and growing, and I’m excited every day that my job allows me to share it with others.

Dave Hostetler
Since 2024

Balancing sports and academics, the Walnut Creek, Ohio, native has a diverse background combining athletics and creative pursuits. He was recognized as an all-state high school basketball selection before attending Goshen College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art while competing as a collegiate athlete in basketball for four years.

 He continued his education at Al Collins Graphic Design School, graduating at the top of his class with an Associate Degree in Advertising Design. During his 35-year career as a Production Director and Graphic Designer he has supervised the production of weekly newspapers, magazines and books, as well as managing design projects and schedules.

 He was awarded the prestigious Eagle Award twice by American Cities Business Journals for overall excellence. Complementing his career, he dedicated 15 years to coaching girls youth and club softball teams, where he found great joy in mentoring young athletes. He looks forward to using his creativity to capture the passion and excitement of accessible sports.

 Outside of work and coaching, his interests span professional and collegiate sports, mountain biking and road trips to national parks and unique destinations. 

These activities help to fulfill his personal interests and also enrich his perspective and creativity in design.

Kerry Randolph
Since 2015

Kerry joined SPORTS `N SPOKES almost four years ago as the Production and Graphics. He came to SPORTS ‘N SPOKES with 20 years of experience in graphic design.

Kerry is originally from New Mexico and is a Navy veteran.

Favorite wheelchair sport: Wheelchair rugby and basketball because they are aggressive sports and they are never boring.

Why he loves SPORTS `N SPOKES: Being a veteran myself, it’s rewarding to still serve and help other veterans and people in wheelchairs. It’s amazing to see what people in chairs can do. I love graphic design and I just want to create works of art in PN, our sister publication, and S’NS so people will be excited to see the next magazine.

Cindy Mazanyi
Since 2024

Cindy Mazanyi brings a wealth of care and attention to detail to her role managing magazine subscriptions at PVA Publications. A Minnesota native who now calls the sunny city of Phoenix home, her background as a spinal-cord injury rehabilitation nurse has honed her skills in organization, empathy and client care.

Her experience in the healthcare industry has given her first-hand experience into the needs of our readers, equipping her with the patience and problem-solving abilities essential in helping you. 

When not meticulously overseeing our subscription database, Cindy enjoys hiking the desert landscapes with her four-legged companions Luna and Daisy.

Cindy’s blend of Midwestern warmth and professionalism makes her an invaluable addition to our organization.

Favorite wheelchair sport: 

Why she loves SPORTS `N SPOKES: 

Christopher Di Virgilio
Since 2009

Christopher is the Web Content Manager and has been with SPORTS `N SPOKES for 15 years. 

The Chicago native started as an intern to help launch the original S’NS website and cover sporting events and was brought on full-time in his current role and has been loving it ever since. He has since gone onto become the official staff photographer and has earned his FAA Drone pilots license.

Favorite wheelchair sport: When you see a sport through the lens of a camera, they all become exciting. I’m lost in the passion and determination the athletes show on their faces, and their energy helps inspire better ways for me to tell their stories. As for a favorite sport … the sport I’m shooting.

Why he loves SPORTS `N SPOKES: I’ve always said that working in the web department is the best position at the magazine. I have the honor of being the voice of the publication and have the unique opportunity to meet our readers face-to-face on a personal level.