Directors

Frank Teasley — Race Director, Pro Musher

Frank Teasley has been a professional dog musher for 30 years and bases his company, Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours, in Wyoming. He is a eight-time Iditarod veteran, who learned his craft from veteran musher and "Father of the Iditarod" Joe Redington, Sr.

Teasley's best Iditarod finish, in 1991, was sixth place out of a field of 74 teams. That same year he won the Sterling Silver Award for the most improved team, moving from a 19th place finish the prior year. In 1989, Teasley received the coveted Leonard Seppala Humanitarian Award for best cared for team. Other racing credits include finishes in the John Bear Grease 500 marathon, and for two consecutive years, 1st place finishes in the Race to the Sky 300.

Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours was co-founded by Teasley as a "pension-plan" for his experienced racing dogs and a "high school" for younger, less experienced dogs in training for racing. He breeds, raises, and trains Alaskan huskies, too.

Teasley was struck with the idea for a "Stage Stop" race in Wyoming several years ago, and was thrilled to partner with Wyoming Public Health to bring even more depth to the race. "I love the sport of mushing, and have always been dedicated to the well-being and health of these great animals. This race is a way to promote good health for all of us, and we have a lot of fun doing it!" The Stage Stop Race, Teasley adds, uses a format that gives people accessibility to the sport, its athletes, and its excitement. With the public involvement and the community partnerships, the "Race to Immunize" builds a lot of excitement.

Jayne Ottman - RN, MS — CO-Founder

In 1996, Ottman saw the opportunity for the Wyoming Department of Health to "strut their stuff" and become involved with the Race To Immunize. Following a quick introduction, a handshake and a true Wyoming gentleman's agreement, Ottman and Frank Teasley, race director, became good friends and co-founders of this magnificent race The main focus of the race is to highlight the importance of immunizations while developing community partnerships and education about good health, both in humans and animals.