Oasis Sports highlights leadership team overseeing Southern Illinois sports facilities
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MARION, Ill., (KBSI) – Oasis Sports has introduced its six-member leadership team responsible for overseeing sports facilities, programming and events as part of the Thrillville development in Marion.
The team, led by Executive Director of Sports Ralph Santana, manages operations at Oasis Sports Complex, Integrity Dome and Mountain Dew Park.
Santana, a former professional baseball player with the Southern Illinois Miners, joined the organization in 2023. He has helped oversee the multimillion-dollar renovation of Mountain Dew Park and construction of Oasis Sports Complex and Integrity Dome.
“Buildings and ballfields don’t make great experiences. People do,” Santana said. “We’ve put together a team that knows sports, knows how to work together, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.”
The leadership team includes:
– Mary Jo Firnbach, general manager of Oasis Sports Complex and Integrity Dome: An SIU Athletics Hall of Fame member with decades of collegiate coaching experience at several universities, including Michigan, Syracuse, Texas A&M and Southern Illinois.
– Jackson Wiseman, general manager of Mountain Dew Park: Has more than five years of experience managing events at the facility, including professional baseball games, concerts and community activities.
– Kristen Drage, director of sports operations: A former All-American softball pitcher at Missouri University of Science and Technology with experience in collegiate coaching and sports management.
– Morgan Bernardini, sports complex operations coordinator: A Southern Illinois native and former Mississippi State University softball player who competed in the 2025 College World Series.
– Ortez Davis, soccer director: Has more than a decade of coaching experience in Southern Illinois, including coaching positions at Carbondale Community High School.
According to Oasis Sports, the leadership team will focus on expanding youth sports programs, coordinating tournaments and attracting sporting events to the region.
The organization says its facilities are also intended to support local businesses and tourism by bringing athletes, families and visitors to Southern Illinois.
Oasis Sports is part of Thrillville, a growing sports, entertainment, shopping, dining and hospitality development in Marion.
