Our People: Life on the diamond

Dwayne Grenko was born and raised in Gallup, a twin brother to Wayne Grenko of Gallup. He grew up loving sports with his favorite being baseball. He wasn't much interested in academia in his earlier years but he persisted and graduated high school in 1988 in Gallup.

When he turned 18, he moved to Portales to study history and health education at Eastern New Mexico University. He started umpiring little league in 2001 and earned his bachelors degree in 2005. He continued to stay involved in sports especially playing softball in the summers until 2010.

Today, he is head umpire at High Plains Umpires and is in charge of all training and hiring for the regional officiates.

He is a life member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and the president of the alumni association for the local unit.

He married Erika Grenko in 2008, who is a teacher at Portales Municipal Schools. The couple have two children.

He enjoys working, leading others, laughing and making others laugh - with a dry sense of humor. He believes a joke is just as good even if it doesn't make one laugh. Grenko hopes to umpire at the college level someday soon.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Waking up in a good mood after sleeping in and having a good breakfast together with my family Then, going to the park or zoo with the kids; renting movies and falling asleep on the couch with the family. Days like those are perfect.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

My wish and desire was to be a major league baseball player.

Why do you think baseball is so great?

It was the sport I really attached to. I was pitcher and played short stop. I think it's a thinking man's sport. You have to think about every position and be ready for every possible scenario. I consider myself pretty intelligent.

What's your favorite TV show, past and present?

My current favorites are "The Big Bang Theory" and "Modern Family." My past favorite is "Gilligan's Island." I also enjoy British humor and I love action comedies.

What's the best gift you've ever given?

Years ago when the fraternity was going strong I got a decent paying job and was able to pay mine and my brother's fraternity dues. It was our life loyal brotherhood dues. I presented him with the certificate, pin and hat to show him and he was delighted. It made me feel good.

What is your favorite quote?

It's from the movie "Animal House." when Bluto said, "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?" We all know the German's didn't bomb Pearl Harbor. It just that was so funny. You'd have to watch the film to understand the context.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Dependable. I'm very loyal. I love my family. I don't quit.

Who's invited to your fantasy dinner party and why?

My best friend, Dave "Duke" Valente, and my brother Wayne, William Shatner just for the joke, Mike Tyson for the speech, and Gandhi, so people can say, "Why Gandhi?"

Tell us how you met your spouse.

We were celebrating our 40th fraternity anniversary in April of 2007. I helped organize the event by helping with food and catering. My now wife was the second date of one of my frat brothers because she didn't have anything to do that night and was brought along. I met her at the after party event that night. We hit it off and continued to date. We were married the next year in July 2008.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

My daughter will be graduating and my son will be in high school. I hope to still be umpiring but at the college level as well.

Compiled by The News Correspondent

D'Nieka Hartsfield