the 2015-16 Starting Line Up

2015-16
The Starting Lineup
West Virginia University
Sport Management
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU
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The program’s 24 students are
involved in the sport industry and
bring a wide array of skills with
them as they graduate this May.
Check out the student
profiles from this year’s class!
STUDENTS
31
The WVU Sport Management
Program has alumni spread around
the globe working in the sport industry. We feature two alums, Shane
Lyons (‘88) and Brian Crow (‘93),
both of which have made significant
impacts on the industry.
ALUMNI
Learn about the professors in the
WVU Graduate Sport
Management Program. All have a
prior background in the industry
before beginning instruction.
PROFESSORS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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2015-2016 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-2016 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
DALLAS BRANCH GONZALO BRAVO
PROFILES
ALUMNI
Biographical Sketch
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Branch has been teaching at WVU for the past twenty-nine years, primarily in the Graduate Sport
Management (On-Campus) Program. He served as the Program’s Coordinator for 12 of those years. In
that capacity, he was responsible for internship and curricula development, as well as administrative
duties within the Program.
Dr. Bravo, a native of Santiago, Chile, completed a Masters in Sport Administration from The
Pennsylvania State University (1991) and a PhD in Sport Management from The Ohio State
University (2004). In the fall of 2004, he joined the Sport Management Program at West Virginia
University, where he currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in sport governance,
sport in the global market, research methods, and history and philosophy of sport. Prior to
joining academia, he worked for ten years (1991-2001) as the executive athletic director at
Fundacion Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica, in Santiago, Chile. In that capacity he was
involved with the entire operation, including finance, marketing and human resources of one of
the largest multi-sport clubs in South America. In 1994, he was invited to the Advisory Council
for Sport by the President of Chile to lead a research project to establish the base for the Law of
Sport in Chile.
In 1992, Dr. Branch developed the Sport Marketing Quarterly (SMQ), a professional sport marketing
journal published four times per year. He served as Editor for this prestigious and internationally
acclaimed professional journal, which is now read in 25 countries, until 1995. It remains the only
publication of its kind in the world. Dr. Branch was selected in 1994 as one of 3 charter members
of the NASSM/NASPE Sport Management Council (SMC), a national distinction. The SMC’s charge
was to set the future agenda for Sport Management as an academic discipline. Also in 1994, he was
selected to serve a 3-year appointment as a member of the Sport Management Program Review
Council, which was charged with evaluating undergraduate and graduate program’s curricula relative
to criteria established for the discipline’s Sport Management Program Standards and Review Protocol
process.
Dr. Branch has contributed significantly to the fields of sport management and marketing through his
extensive publication and conference participation. He served nationally as the Sport Management
Council’s Program Planner for the 1996 AAHPERD National Convention held in Atlanta, GA. A former
basketball and baseball player at UNC-Chapel Hill, High Volume Marketing Executive with the Xerox
Corporation, and Vice President of Marketing with the IHL’s Indianapolis Checkers Hockey Club, Dr.
Branch brings a unique, and often referred to as the ideal, background of sport, business, and
academics to the field of sport management and marketing. He received the Sport Marketing
Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009.
Professional Highlights
•4 time Teacher of the Year
•2009 Lifetime Service Award from Sport Marketing Association
•One of the original seven Resident Faculty Leaders (RFLs) appointed by President David Hardesty in 1996
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Dr. Bravo’s research interests have been significantly influenced by his unique blended experience of serving in both the practitioners’ and the academic world. Currently, his interests include
organizational behavior as applied to sport organizations, and the policy and governance aspects
of sport, specifically from a cross-cultural perspective. In the area of organizational behavior, he
has examined problems related to interpersonal and inter-organizational trust, cooperation, and
the role of psychological contracts in sport organizations. His work on policy and governance
have examined the role of public and private structures in shaping the sport system across Latin
American countries. His work have been published, among others, in the International Journal
of Sport Marketing and Sponsorship, International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing,
Sport Management Education Journal, Journal of Sport Management, Management Leisure. He
is the co-editor of the textbook, International Sport Management (Human Kinetics, 2012) and the
main editor of Sport in Latin America: Policy, Organization, and Management to be published in
2015 by Routledge in the U.K.
Since 2005, Dr. Bravo has presented his research at the annual conferences of the North American
Society of Sport Management (NASSM), North American Society for the Sociology of Sport
(NASSS), and the International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport (ISCPES).
He has also been invited to present lectures and keynote speeches in Brazil, Chile, China, Macao,
Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Venezuela. In 2008 and 2009 he became instrumental in the creation of
two Latin American academic organizations related to the study of sport: the Latin American
Association for Sport Management (ALGEDE) and the Latin American Association for
Socio-Cultural Studies in Sport (ALESDE).
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PROFILES
PROFESSORS
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
ALUMNI
PROFESSORS
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
CINDY LEE
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Lee received her B.Ed in physical education from the Seoul National University (1998) in Korea,
M.Ed in Sport Management from the University of Texas at Austin (2001), and Ph.D in Sport Management from The Ohio State University (2005) with a minor in ‘Statistics and Research Design’.
At West Virginia University, Cindy teaches Sport Finance, Sport Economics, and Issues in Sport Management. Before joining to WVU in 2010, Cindy worked four years at York College of Pennsylvania as
an assistant professor. She also worked as a marketer at Korean branch of Octagon (2001-2002), the
second largest sport marketing company in the world. During that period, she was involved with
organizing 2001 World Taekwondo Championship, and planning/implementing of sponsorship rights
for national sponsors of 2002 Korea and Japan World Cup.
Her main research area is sport consumer behavior with a goal to better understand why and how
sport spectators/fans behave in certain ways. Her secondary research area is sponsorship mechanisms
and influencing factors on corporate sponsorship effectiveness. Cindy grew up in Seoul, Korea and
used to enjoy playing tennis and golf, but her recent sport is more like catching/throwing a ball with
her 2 year old daughter, Emily.
Professional Highlights
• Had a chance to work in the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup as a marketer
• Participated in organizing the 2001 World Taekwondo Championship
• Maintains a happy family
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STUDENT
PROFILES
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.S. in Journalism
Ohio University ‘14
jacorrigan@mix.wvu.edu | 216.538.1452
HOMETOWN: HARPERS FERRY, WV
B.A. in Broadcast Journalism
West Virginia University ‘15
ncurtin@mail.wvu.edu | 301.704.4413
Nicholas.S.Arthur@gmail.com | 304.542.2073
PROFILES
West Virginia Power Intern
Single-A Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, (Summer 2014)
• Play-by-play and color during home games and play-by-play broadcaster on select road trips
• Created content and stories for annual ball park Program “Plugged In” as well as game notes,
game recaps and stat packets daily
• Account Executive – Member of sales staff, selling group tickets and sponsorships while
generating over $5,000 in a period of four months, beginning in May. Also in charge of Power Kids
Club
• Designed graphics for website, social media and video board throughout the season
ALUMNI
Sports Director
970 WATH/105.5 WXTQ Athens, (2011-2014)
• Hosted a daily hour-long sports talk show titled “The Sports Fan”
• Created three-minute morning sports reports that aired on both stations daily
• Play-by-play voice for the Athens Bulldogs football and basketball team and the County Game of
the Week
• Host of the “Bobcat Insider”, a thirty-minute show that aired before Ohio Bobcat Football and
basketball games on the “flagship station” for Ohio Football and Basketball
Play-By-Play of Ohio Women’s Basketball
Ohio University, (2013-2014)
• Play-By-Play voice of Ohio women’s basketball in the 2013-14 season on WOUB AM 1340 and
OhioBobcats.com
Study Abroad Program Assistant
Sports Journalism at the London 2012 Olympic Games
• Created and helped with the organization of a trip for 15 Ohio University students to the London
2012 Olympic Games to work as freelance journalists
• Provided daily morning reports that aired on 105.5 FM and 970 AM in Athens, OH live from the
Games
• Created website: www.scrippslondon2012.com to hold all content from the students
• Covered Olympic events and games as well as USA Men’s and Women’s basketball practice, USA
Taekwondo Cycling and Shooting Including multiple feature stories
Sports Editor
The Daily Athenaeum, (2013- Current)
• Worked as a writer for Arts and Entertainment
• Covering events on campus including Mountaineer Idol and reviewing albums and movies
• Sports writer from March 2014 to present, have covered WVU wrestling, volleyball, women’s
basketball, gymnastics, the Black Bears, football, basketball and baseball
• On the editorial board since December 2014
• Worked as the Associate Sports Editor for the 2015 spring semester
• Managing Editor for the 2015 summer production
• Currently serving as the Sports Editor for the 2015-16 school year
• As the Managing Editor oversaw weekly production of the paper and also created the 2015 Welcome Home Magazine in our DA magazine series
Intern
Dominion Post, (Summer 2014)
• Worked in all departments of the newspaper, including sports, news and lifestyles. Learned about
covering high school sports, more about writing for a paper everyday, covering larger events
Honors and Activities: WVU News Fall 2014 – Sports reporter for the weekly broadcast class,
some stories picked up by ESPNU for Campus Connection, Deans List twice during undergrad,
Member of Society of Professional Journalists, was the communications chair for the 2014-15
school year at WVU’s chapter
Skills: Video production; used Canon HD video cameras during undergraduate broadcast class,
versed with Adobe Creative Suite especially Premiere for video editing, Magazine/newspaper
layout; have laid out the sports section everyday for the paper, using Adobe InDesign, also laid out
the 2015 Magazine with InDesign, Interviewing/writing stories; have done interviews for broadcast
stories and print/web stories, deadline stories as well after games or other events, good with AP
style writing
Media Relations Director
Frontier Greys, (Summer 2013)
• Handled team operations for the Frontier Greys, an all-travel team in the Frontier League.
• Served as the media relations contact for the team, creating game notes and a media guide as
well as press releases
• Coordinate player transaction paperwork with the field manager. Coordinate transportation
schedules with hotels, clubhouse managers and the bus company
Skills: ENPS, Netia, JKAudio Mixer, Wordpress, Adobe Audition, Audacity, Final Cut Express/Pro,
Microsoft Office, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Public Speaking/Emcee/PA Announcing, Social
Media, Sales, Marketing/Promotion
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PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: AVON LAKE, OH
NICOLE CURTIN
ALUMNI
JACOB CORRIGAN
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
SCOTT FLETCHER
B.S. in Sport Management
California University of PA ‘13
jfield412@gmail.com | 412.715.6160
B.S. in Sport Management
Minor in Business Administration
University of Tennessee ‘13
sjfletcher@mix.wvu.edu| 262.352.2456
PROFILES
Resident Faculty Leader Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (August 2015 – Present)
• Assist with the planning, assessment, budgeting, and implementation of curricular and
co-curricular programming, leading to students’ success.
• Work in conjunction with leadWELL initiative to deliver training on how to identify healthy and
unhealthy behaviors across several domains, as well as communication and leadership skills
• Assist with RA training
• Teaching sections of WVUe 191: First Year Experience
• Mentoring and tutoring undergraduate students as well as conducting Early Alert Programs and
Mid-Semester Grade Interventions
ALUMNI
Intern Assistant Program Director/Coach
The First Tee of Naples/Collier, (2013)
• Golf Clinic Head Coach – Created lesson plans that incorporate life skills/healthy habits/core
values into seamless golf activities.
• Youth development, organization and instructor of classes/clinics, administrative assistant, social
media, video production, National Regional Roundup Report.
• Assistance and management of volunteer training and Junior Tour/Summer Series/Middle School
Tournaments.
• Coordinated and led clinics for Catholic Charities Cuban Refugee Group and local middle schools
Tournament Operation Associate
International Junior Golf Tour, (2014)
• Golf Course Preparation – Set tee yardages, hole locations, and marking of hazards and out of
bounds.
• Tournament Preparation – Assembled sponsor and tournament signage, constructed scoreboard,
tournament registration.
• Print-Related Materials – Preparation of hole location sheets, local rules, course marking summary, evacuation plans, pace of play guidelines, scorecards, tournament schedule and pairings.
• Tournament Logistics – Budgeting, event planning, coordinating hotel accommodations/restaurant partners, equipment inventory, packing and storage
• Day of Tournament Operations – Serve as a starter, rules official and scoring official
• Social Media/Website – Responsible for posting live updates via Twitter, writing and posting
round recaps/press releases, player news, college signees, sponsor promotion
Seasonal Group Sales Representative
Seattle Mariners, (2014)
• Implemented original promotions and group events
• Graphic design – Created flyers for schools, churches, businesses, group and promotional events
using Adobe InDesign
• Met with clients and conducted ballpark tours
• Generated new business revenue and exceeded daily call goal by 120%
Honors and Activities: First Tee Level 1 Golf and Life Skills Coach (2015-Present), Deans List (20102013), Special Olympics Volunteer
Skills: Leadership, Teaching, Coaching, Customer Service, Sales, Fundraising, Event Planning, Social
Media, Microsoft Office Applications, Adobe InDesign
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HOMETOWN: MUKWONAGO, WI
Assistant Director, The University Fund
WVU Foundation, (August 2015-Present)
• Oversee and manage multiple campaigns that support The University Fund
Alumni Association Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (August 2014 – August 2015)
• Assisted in oversight and management of the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund (LPEF)
that has over $14 million in assets and provides 400 students with scholarships annually
• Actively identify, and cultivate potential constituents to support the LPEF
• Converted nearly a decade’s worth of LPEF constituents and scholars into a digital database. In addition create and design the layout for a new video board to be on display in the
Erikson Alumni Center
• Assisted with the planning and management of all annual alumni events such as the
Marmaduke Dent Society, WVU Homecoming, and Hail West Virginia
• Worked with the secretary and trustees of the LPEF on projects related to the scholarship
program
Senior Sales Associate
University of Tennessee Athletics Ticket Office, (December 2013 – August 2014)
•Stewardship of relations with public season ticket holders for Men’s Basketball, Women’s
Basketball, and football
• Managed all ticketing for Women’s Basketball, including the 2014 NCAA Tournament
1st/2nd round
• Oversaw game-day ticketing operations of intercollegiate athletic events
• Used ticketing system Paciolan to conduct sales, allocations, and ticket packages for UT
athletic events
• Processed inbound calls and provided customer service
Intern
Russ Potts Productions Inc., (August 2013 – December 2013)
• Assisted in lead generation and creation of corporate sponsorship packages
• Acquired and coordinate The Men Against Breast Cancer Classic ’14 at Kent State
• Oversaw planning and logistics for company sponsored special events, in specific
governor elect Terry McAuliffe fundraiser
• Maintained fundraising database
• Implemented strategic marketing and advertising plans
Development Assistant
Tenessee Fund, (August 2012 – August 2013)
• Answered donor inquires about season tickets and parking for all athletic events
• Allocated new season ticket and parking packages
• Generated and maintained donor accounts
• Organized and assisted with event preparation and management
• Conducted athletic facility tours
Skills: Kantar Media Database, Raisers Edge, Advantage, Paciolan, and Microsoft Office
Applications
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PROFILES
HOMETOWN: PITTSBURGH, PA
ALUMNI
PROFESSORS
JOSH FIELD
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.S. in Sport Management
Old Dominion University ‘14
dcfranklin@mail.wvu.edu | 757.273.4097
PROFILES
Student-Athlete Development Graduate Assistant; Football
West Virginia University, (Summer 2015 – Present)
• Assisted with day to day office activities
• Instructional Assistant for 8 At-Risk Student-Athletes
• Hired and Managed 14 student class checkers for the athletic department
• Oversaw evening Study-Hall and tutoring sessions
ALUMNI
Source 4 Teacher
Phoebus High School, (Fall 2014 – Spring 2015)
• Received 98% pass rate for my 10th grade Honors English class SOL Testing
• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and objectives as indicated in the lesson plans for the lessons, units, or projects
• Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the
maturity and interest of the students
• Take attendance and report roster to main office
Volunteer Assistant Coach Varsity Boys Basketball
Phoebus High School, (Fall 2014 – Spring 2015)
• Guard Coach
• Organized and managed equipment
• Coached two All Conference Guards.
• Helped 5 Seniors get accepted into college
• Oversaw managerial team of six student managers
• Coordinated all game film and statistics
Men’s Basketball Head Manger Old Dominion University, (Spring 2012 – Spring 2014)
• Assisted with day to day office and practice activities
• Organized and managed practice and game equipment
• Oversaw a seven member student manager team
• Assisted with hosting recruits official and unofficial visits
• Filmed practice and games
Sport Information Intern
Old Dominion University, (Fall 2012 – Spring 2014)
• Assist with maintaining the media and hospitality room during home football games
• Worked game clock and check-in table during soccer and field hockey games
• Set up and break-down the Post game press conference for home football games
• Assisted and monitored student athletes at outside activities
Skills: Student Affairs, Organizational Development, Donor Relations, Resource Planning, Microsoft
Office programs, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Adobe Premiere Pro and Hudl
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HOMETOWN: BALTIMORE, MD
B.A. in Communication Studies
Concentration: Sports Communication & Public Relations
West Virginia University ‘11
kristen220@comcast.net | 410.370.3920
Community Relations Intern, Game Day Operations Assistant
Rich Baseball, West Virginia Black Bears, (January 2015 – Current)
•Develop sustaining community relations programs and partnerships with key community
members
•Grow and advance the brand and culture of a new minor league baseball team
•Collaborate with a team to create new events, promotions and program
•Solicit sponsors and partners
•Train and supervise game day staff
•Create a safe and inviting environment for fans
Advising Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University CPASS, (August 2014 – Present)
•Assist with advising CPASS pre-majors
•Help manage open houses, new student orientations, Dean’s List Reception and Commencement
•Prepare and organize materials for events and meetings
•Collect and report on information for the Board of Governors Report
•Conduct interviews with at risk students
Development and Special Events Specialist
Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, (February 2012 – August 2014)
•Planned and executed two large annual events and several smaller events/campaigns
•Solicited large sponsorships and donations to meet and exceed fundraising goals
•Prepared and revised multiple marketing collaterals, presentations, and budgets
•Supervised volunteers and interns working in the office and at events
•Managed a database of donor information
Game Night Coordinator, (March 2013 – August 2014) &
Foundation Intern, (January 2011 – May 2011)
Pittsburgh Penguins
•Supported the planning and implementation of a new children’s education program, the Explorer
Series
•Updated social media pages and organization websites
•Researched new and innovative programs and methods of fundraising
•Assisted with the set-up, operation and completion of the Foundation’s game night
responsibilities including, but not limited to (2) silent auction sites, collections, and 50/50 raffle
Honors and Activities: Northside Common Ministries Committee Member (2012 – 2014); Camp
STAR Committee Member (2014); Goodwill Giving Tuesday Employee Stewardship Award (2013);
Member of Honors Society – Lambda Pi Eta (2010 – 2011); Resident Hall Advisory Board
(2007 – 2008)
Skills: Kantar Media Database, DonorPro, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Office Applications, Certified
Pre-School Teacher, and CPR/First Aid Certified
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PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: HAMPTON, VA
ALUMNI
DIVINE FRANKLIN KRISTEN FURLONG
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
HOMETOWN: ALDERSON, WV
PROFILES
Front Office Assistant
West Virginia Black Bears, (August 2015-Present)
• Manage daily operations of ticket sales operating the tickets.com system
• Created and executed post season ticket packages and sales
• Generate a season ticket renewal process, as well as develop potential new season ticket holders
and sponsors
Premium Seating Staff
West Virginia University, (August 2015-Present)
• Oversee operations of the Touchdown Terrace Club Level for WVU football games
• Serve as customer service representative on behalf of the Mountaineer Athletic Club
• Network and assist donors and fans to meet their game time needs
ALUMNI
Sport Marketing / Compliance Staff
Northern State University, (September 2011 – May 2015)
• Administered game-day activities and promotions for 13 Division II athletic programs
• Served as liaison assisting as the host for visiting teams and officials
• Supervised and Coordinated student interns and volunteers on game day
• Established a midnight madness basketball event
Marketing and Sales Intern
Minnesota Vikings, (July 2014-August 2014)
• Constructed and designed the advertising and fan experience at Training Camp for an estimated
60,000 fans
• Supervised VIP and hospitality events, autograph zone activities, NFL Play 60 events, public
relations and surveys, and Mini Vikings Kids Club sales
• Represented and marketed the Vikings brand throughout Training Camp
Honors and Activities : Northern State University Honors Program (2011-2015); Northern State
University Baseball (2011-2015); Team Captain (2015); Northern State University Student Athlete
Advisory Committee (2011-2015); NSIC Myles Brand Award Winner (2015); Mountaineer Maniacs
(2015- present); WVU Graduate Sport Management Club Vice President (2015-present); Member of
Stadium Managers Association; Member of Collegiate Events and Facility Management
Association; Member of National Association of Athletic Compliance
Skills: Microsoft Office Applications, Preszi, Certified in First Aid and CPR, IMG Insights Database,
Social Media
Graduate Assistant WWVU-FM
College Radio at West Virginia University, (2015 – Present)
• Secure sponsorships with local businesses in Morgantown
• Increase awareness by forming partnerships with student organizations and the local community
• Foster the growth of the station by working with current staff members on their on-air
responsibilities
Ticket Office Intern
The Greenbrier Classic, The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, (Summer 2013 & Summer 2014)
• Audited shipments of online ticket orders
• Maintained records of previous shipments with physical filing as well as Microsoft Excel software
• Facilitated the preparation of tickets to be sold after delivery from the print shop
• Provided customer service to those with ticket inquiries face-to-face and via telephone
• Was responsible for the distribution of passes to youth and members of the military at a will-call
location in White Sulphur Springs during the week of the tournament
Sports Analyst WWVU-FM
West Virginia University College Radio Network, (January 2012 – May 2014)
• Once a week, provided an hourly sports update on air that covered all major headlines in national
and local sports
• Served as fan reporter and contributing analyst for U92’s WVU football pregame show, The
Touchdown City Tailgate
• Appeared on the weekly talk show, The Sports Page, to discuss current events in a wide range of
topics, including MLB, NFL, NHL, and college athletics
• Provided live coverage, including play-by-play and color commentary, for WVU Women’s
Basketball, WVU Men’s Hockey, and WVU Baseball
Intern
Princeton Rays Professional Baseball, (May 2012 – August 2012)
• Assisted General Manager in coming up with daily game promotions
• Sold ticket packages to local businesses
• Provided content for Princeton’s official Minor League Baseball website, including news features,
press releases, and videos
• Stuffed and prepared programs to be sold prior to each game
• Accompanied players to local appearances
• Operated audio system and message board during games
• Served as PA announcer during games
• Conducted day-to-day operations such as field maintenance, locker room maintenance, and
concourse upkeep
Honors and Activities: Promise Scholar (2010 – 2014), Mountaineer Scholar (2010 – 2014), Dean’s
List (Fall 2013, Spring 2014), American Red Cross Volunteer, Student Broadcaster (U92 Sports),
WVSSAC Sportsmanship Award (2010)
Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Critical Thinking, Time Management, Multitasking, Oral
Presentation, Verbal and Written Communication
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PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: JAMESTOWN, ND
B.S. in Sport marketing & Administration B.S. in Sport Management
Northern State University ‘15 Summa Cum Laude West Virginia University ‘14
Minor in Business Administration; Coaching tgwinn4@mix.wvu.edu | 304.661.4322
kasey.gengler@gmail.com | 701.269.2197
ALUMNI
KASEY GENGLER TIMOTHY GWINN
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.A. in Communication Studies
Concentration: Public Relations & Broadcasting
Campbell University ‘15
Minor: Sport Management
amhartert@mail.wvu.edu | 704.641.8968
PROFILES
Student-Athlete Developments Graduate Assistant; Football
West Virginia University, (Summer 2015 – Present)
• Instructional Assistant for 12 or more At-Risk Student-Athletes
• Manage the Student-Athletes daily schedule
• Create the Student-Athlete class schedule for the following semester through Degree Works
• Confirm that the Student-Athlete is on track to graduate through degree audits
• Oversee evening study-hall and tutoring sessions
ALUMNI
Athletics Marketing Assistant
Campbell University, (Summer 2014-Spring 2015)
• Assisted with creation, development and distribution of athletics team posters.
o Example: Women’s Volleyball 2015 “Can You Dig It?”
• Contacted local community members, including the media, churches and other businesses.
• Coordinated and served as host for in-game promotional activities
• Emailing and mailing letters to Camel Kids Club updating them on games, opportunities, events,
Newsletters, and renewing their membership
• In charge of the music and helped in creating the script for home games that include men’s and
women’s basketball, softball, and baseball
Academic Services Assistant
Campbell University, (Summer 2014)
• Organized and created a new filing system for multiple athletic teams.
• Tutored and prepared many student-athletes who were in both summer secessions for tests and
daily prep work
• Produced and planned upcoming events for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and
applying and promoting APPLE into these events. APPLE encourages student-athletes wellness and
also focuses on substance abuse prevention
Honors and activities: Campbell University Women’s Soccer Team (2011-2015), Campbell University
Women’s Soccer Team Captain (2014-2015), Campbell University Deans List (2015), Winner of the
2015 CSRI Case Study Competition (Campbell Academic Team), Campbell University Athletics
Academic Achievement Award (2015), 2014 – 2015 Campbell University Library Symposium
Candidate, Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll (2013, 2014), Campbell University StudentAthlete Advisory Committee Member (2014 – 2015), NCAA Women’s College Cup Volunteer (2013)
Skills: Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Adobe Software, Photoshop, Emailing, iTunes, Sound
Director, Memos and Letters, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Prezi, Photoshop, Promotional/Event
Planning, Marketing, Fundraising, Customer Service, Sales, and iMovie
DJ JAMIEL
HOMETOWN: WARWICK, RI
B.S. in Sport Management
West Virginia University ‘14, Magna Cum Laude
djamiel@mail.wvu.edu | 401.644.6232
Digital Media Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (August 2014 – Present)
• Creator of digital media content including video features, highlight packages and social media
content across varying platforms
• Design and create motion graphic packages from scratch
• Handle the weekly filming, shooting and editing of all varsity sport press conferences
• Created an athletic department wide Vine account that now ranks top 25 in the nation among D.I
universities and assists with general website layout and development
Executive Producer
Summer Heat, the Movie, (September 2013 – Present)
• Produce, film, edit, budget, and fully fundraised the independent documentary about the Cape
Cod Baseball League from its inception
• Utilize social media sites, such as Twitter and Indiegogo, to raise over $30,000 for the films
production
• Create a contractual partnership with former Major League Baseball players as investors to fund
the film beyond its original fundraising
• Coordinate and schedule interview sessions with major league teams, scouts, and journalists
• Negotiate with league officials over access and exclusivity rights
Student Assistant
WVU Sports Communication Department, (August 2013 –May 2014)
• Featured storywriter for wvusports.com and other official university publications
• Helped manage social media presence for football, men’s and women’s soccer, and baseball
• Created and published official press releases and game recaps
• Assisted with all game day media operations for football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s
basketball, and baseball
Campus Correspondent
Big 12 Conference, (August 2013 – May 2014)
• Featured storywriter for the conferences official website, big12sports.com
• Stories were placed upon the sites front page and were disseminated to the public though
Facebook and Twitter
• Worked with sports information directors sports in selecting which athletes to promote
• Coordinated with conference representatives on topics and promotion
Honors and Activities: Presidents List (2013-2014); Outstanding Undergraduate Sports
Management Student (2014); WVU Lacrosse Club Team Member (2011 – 2014); Team President
and Captain (2014); Rhode Island Secretary of State Leadership Award (2010); LCpl Eric Valdepenas
Unsung Hero Award (2010)
Skills: Video Production Equipment Expertise, Building a Production from the Ground Up,
Budgeting a Feature Film, Ability to Produce a Variety of Content Ranging from Documentaries,
Features, Highlight Packages, Promotions and Press Conferences, Video Editing and Graphic
Creation, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro and After Effects, Understanding demographics, Creating
Content to Engage using Social Media, and How to Represent a Large Organization through Social
Media
2015-16 WVU
15 THE STARTING LINEUP
2015-16 WVU
16 THE STARTING LINEUP
PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: MARVIN, NC
ALUMNI
ASHLEY HARTERT
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.S. in Sport Management
Slippery Rock University ‘13
Minor: Business Administration
ejkissel@mail.wvu.edu | 330.831.2233
PROFILES
Athletic Facilities and Operations Assistant
West Virginia University, (July 2014 to Present)
• On-site event manager for men’s soccer, swimming & diving, track & field, and wrestling
• Assist in event management for football, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s soccer,
volleyball, gymnastics, baseball, rifle and NCAA and Big 12 Conference events and tournaments
• Assist in daily operations of all athletic facilities at WVU including key management, graphic
updates, and facility projects
• Responsible for renting, delivering, recharging, and maintaining more than 175 game-day radios
and accompanying equipment for Athletic Department staff for all sports listed above
• Coordinated travel and lodging for all judges for the 2015 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Regionals
in Morgantown
• Developed and oversaw volunteers for soccer matches and assisted with recycling program
ALUMNI
Stadium Operations Assistant Director
Hickory Crawdads, (Feb 2013 to Sept 2013)
• General upkeep and maintenance of L. P. Frans Stadium
• Planned, directed, and coordinated the preparation and tear down of facility equipment for all
games and other events
• Oversaw scheduling and execution of professional janitorial services
• Performed routine operations such as marketing, sales and customer service
Facility and Event Management Staff
Slippery Rock University Athletic Department, (Aug 2011 to Feb 2013)
• Planned, directed, and coordinated the preparation and tear down of facility equipment for all
sports and other related events taking place at our facilities
• Operated scoreboard, music, public address announcer, and concessions during all events
• Served as the liaison between the athletic department and the personnel of the visiting schools
• Assisted with disbursement and collection of equipment to sports teams and physical education
classes
SHANE KOCICK
HOMETOWN: ROCHESTER, NY
B.S. in Marketing
West Virginia University ‘14, Cum Laude
skocick@yahoo.com | 585.709.4155
Logistics Team Member
Target Corporation, (2014-2015)
• Customer Service
• Unloading trucks
• Ensure merchandise is fully stocked
• Ensured good customer experience
Volunteer Assistant
Rochester Americans, (2009-11)
• Interfaced with fans during games
• Distributed Rochester Knighthawk (NLL) season tickets to fans
• Assisted with various in-game activities and promotions
Bayview YMCA Sports Camp Counselor
• Supervised and taught youths (ages 8-12) various sports and how to properly play them
• Created various team building exercises
• Planned competitive events with other camps in the Rochester area
• Taught values commonly related to sports (sportsmanship, camaraderie)
• Created and managed a set schedule and planned for contingencies
• Ensured the safety and well being of all participants
Honors and Activities: Direct admit into College of Business & Economics (2010), 21st Century
Business Scholars, Dean’s List Recipient
Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Customer Service, Event Coordination, Promotions
Honors and Activities: Slippery Rock University’s First-Year Leader Scholar Program Graduate
(2010); Slippery Rock University Sport Management Alliance (2009 – 2013); Concerts, Events, and
Speakers Committee Member for Slippery Rock’s University Program Board (2010 – 2012);
Assistant Tournament Director for Western Pennsylvania Senior Olympics – Basketball (2011 &
2012); Co-Chair for Rocktober Open (2011); Mylan Classic (2011); Special Olympics (2011 – 2012);
Slippery Rock University’s Dean’s List (Fall 2012 & Spring 2013); Member of Stadium Managers
Association (2012 – Present); Member of Collegiate Event and Facility Management Association
(2014 – Present); Member of Collegiate Athletic Operations Services (June 2015 – Present);
Collegiate Athletic Operations Services Intern (June 2015 – Present); West Virginia University
Graduate Sport Management Club (2014 – Present); President (2015 – Present); Kevin and Karen
Elko Scholarship (2015 – 2016)
Skills: Incident Management System (IMS), IAVM Trained Crowd Manager, Event Management,
Facility Management, Facility Scheduling, Prezi, Microsoft Office applications and Social Media
2015-16 WVU
17 THE STARTING LINEUP
2015-16 WVU
18 THE STARTING LINEUP
PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: COLUMBIANA, OH
ALUMNI
ERIC KISSEL
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.S. in Sport Administration
Castleton University ‘14 Magna Cum Laude
Minor: Spanish; Business
aleonard02070@gmail.com | 413.330.1624
PROFILES
Intramurals Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (Fall 2014-Present)
• Oversee and manage all intramural sports including scheduling, team management, financial
management, and conflict resolution
• Hire, manage, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate 40 intramural staff members including site
supervisors and officials
• Manage all social media and marketing aspects for intramural sports
• Update and operate www.imleagues.com for WVU Recreational Sports
ALUMNI
Women’s Basketball Marketing Intern
West Virginia University, (Fall 2014-Present)
• Match game script with game grid to ensure consistent timing and coordination between video and audio
• Prepare and operate in game promotions to enrich the fan experience
• Promote all Mountaineer Athletics during pregame and postgame
• Served as intern at WNIT Championship game assisting PA announcer, operating music, on court
promotions and fan engagement
Facility Supervisor
West Virginia University, (Fall 2015-Present)
• Supervise Student Recreation Center student workers during shift to ensure procedures are
being followed and students are working efficiently
• Conduct nightly closing procedures including submitting pertinent financial reports and locking
up the building
Premium Seating Game Day Operations Mountaineer Athletic Club
West Virginia University, (Fall 2014-Present)
• Represent the Mountaineer Athletic Club and assist in collegiate game day suite operation duties
• Administer admission to the premium seats through ticket checks operating ticket scanners
• Serve as a representative of WVU Athletics by providing customer service and a positive game
day experience for suite holders
National Ultimate Training Camp Camp Coordinator
Town of Amherst Leisure Services, (April 2011-Present)
• Coordinate and manage staff of 30 counselors and 275+ campers ensuring travel, room, board
and day-to-day operations run effectively; serve as liaison to Amherst College summer staff,
athletic department and parents.
• Responsible for program planning and supervision required to meet financial and philosophical
objectives that exceed $ 250,000 in revenue each year.
• Manage registration process including medical (PE and IM), weekly health inspections, check in/
out. Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Promote and publicize programs and activities utilizing social media outlets.
Skills: Kantar Media Database, www.imleagues.com, Microsoft Office Applications, RecTrac, Prezi,
Spanish Speaking, Fusion
2015-16 WVU
19 THE STARTING LINEUP
PEDRO MACHADO
HOMETOWN: CLEVELAND, OH
B.S. in Sport Management
Bowling Green State University ‘07
Minor: Marketing
phmachado@hotmail.com | 216.355.5096
Athletic Facilities and Operations Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (2015-present)
• Assists in the daily facilities operations and event management for WVU athletics
• Serve as or assist the event manager for select WVU athletic events
• Assists with facility setup and breakdown for assigned athletic events
Director, Operations
Anschutz Entertainment Group, (2014-2015)
• Established the Operations Department at a six-level 55,000 capacity multipurpose stadium with
a 1,500 capacity convention center and a 12,000 capacity amphitheater
• Hired, trained and supervised the Managers of Operations; Security; Maintenance; Events;
Production; Head Groundskeeper and their respective staffs
• Conducted the Request for Proposal (RFP) process while negotiating contracts and awarding
business for all operations subcontractors including Security, Facility Maintenance, Fire Response,
Housekeeping, Waste Management, Field Maintenance and Medical Services
• Created, analyzed and controlled the Operating budget in excess of $20M dollars
Scout
Boston Red Sox, (2014-present)
• Generated and submitted scouting reports on prospects of the area
• Assisted athletes on their transition to the Red Sox organization, its academy and farm system
• Analyzed and videotaped players in order to keep the database as current as possible
Stadium Manager
Federation Internationale de Football Association, (2013)
• Managed all operational efforts and the integration of the 23 coordinators in my team and their
respective departments as follows: Police, Security, Fire, Marketing, Medical, Parking, Spectator
Services, Transportation, Logistics, IT, Volunteers, Ticketing, Access Control, Catering, Hospitality,
Maintenance, Waste Management, Protocol, Broadcasting, Media Relations, Accreditation and
Competitions
• Determined staffing levels, built dot plans and deployed all game day staff (4000+)
• Directed the efforts of the Overlay Structures Integrator to ensure compliance with the proposed
project
Coordinator of Operations
Cleveland Indians, (2009-2012)
• Oversaw all premium areas of Progressive Field not limited to all 120 suites and 2,500 club seats
• Managed payroll for all game day staff including unionized employees
• Generated financial reports such as forecasting, cash flow, cost per fan analysis and key
performance indicators to aid the decision making process by Senior Management
Skills: CPR and First Aid certified, TEAM Coalition certified trainer, Fluent in English, Portuguese
and Spanish, MS Office suite; E-Time; Ultimate Software; Ticketmaster; Archtics; Aware Manager;
Facility Management/Incident Reporting; AutoCAD
2015-16 WVU
20 THE STARTING LINEUP
PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: AMHERST, MA
ALUMNI
ALYSSA LEONARD
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.A. in Business Communication and Business Legal Studies
Arizona State University ‘14, Magna Cum Laude
etmcclafferty@mail.wvu.edu | 330.554.2986
PROFILES
Athletics Marketing Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (July 2014 – Present)
• Coordinate the script, timing elements, and visual and audio elements for Mountaineer football,
men’s basketball, men’s soccer, volleyball, and baseball
• Organize hospitality fulfillment in premium seating areas for donors and sponsors
• Coordinate sponsorship and ticket sales efforts with third party rights’ holders
• Develop and implement the Mountaineer baseball and wrestling marketing plans
• Hire, manage, and supervise thirty interns in the WVU Athletics Marketing Internship Program
ALUMNI
Entertainment Marketing Intern
PSSI Stadium, Heinz Field, (May 2015 – August 2015)
• Work with sponsorship tour managers to activate sponsorship needs
• Oversee the operation of on-site radio productions and sponsorship fulfillment
• Manage on-site media members
• Coordinate talent meet and greets
• Organize hospitality areas for talent and sponsors
Marketing and Game Experience Intern
Sun Devil Athletics, (December 2012 – May 2014)
• Oversaw all marketing, revenue generation, and game experience for Sun Devil wrestling
• Court director of promotions and entertainment for all Sun Devil women’s basketball games
• On-field promotions and game operations assistant for Sun Devil football, men’s basketball, and
olympic sporting events
• Coordinated post-season banquet for Sun Devil football
• Sound technician for “Devil Walk” Football pep rallies
Event Coordinator and Camp Instructor
Universal Cheerleaders Association, (May 2010 – May 2013)
• Created and executed camp schedules as head instructor of 1-4 day camps
• Floor director at UCA cheerleading competitions
• Implemented UCA curriculum and sponsorship requirements at all camp and competition events
• Recruited clients for Northeastern Ohio region
Honors and Activities: Sun Devil Spirit Squad and Dance Team (May 2011 – May 2013), Team
Captain (2012), Most Valuable Rookie (2011); Team USA Dance (2013), Gold Medalist at the ICU
World Championships; Kappa Kappa Gamma (Sept. 2010 – May 2014), Pledge Class Vice President,
Nominating Committee, Standards Committee; NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar Participant 2015
Skills: Marketing/Revenue Generation, Promotional Planning, Sponsorship Fulfillment, Game
Experience, Customer Service, Media/Advertising, Photoshop, TeamWork Online Project Management, Click Effects Pro Audio, Sound Director, Paciolan and Microsoft Office applications
JULIO NAKASATO
HOMETOWN: LIMA, PERU
B.S. in Communications
University of Lima ‘07
Concentration: Advertising & Marketing
julionakasato1981@hotmail.com | 305.902.8928
Merchandising Intern
West Virginia Black Bears, (October 2015 – Present)
•Team store inventory
•Organizing and shipping online orders
•Process internet orders and maintain online store
•Assist in preparation of point of sale as needed
•Help execute retail promotions
Premium Seating Operations
West Virginia University, (September 2015 – present)
•Represent WVU in a positive and friendly manner while providing customer service in various
premium seating locations in Milan Puskar Stadium.
•Give WVU suite holders the best fan experience possible through guidance, direction or assistance of any kind throughout the game.
Head of Sports Marketing
Adidas Peru, (March 2011- July 2015)
•Managed Adidas relationships with professional and grassroots athletes while providing superior
customer service.
•Supported the execution of sports initiatives by placing product buys and forecasting distribution
of product based on internal event calendar.
•Designed and executed the leverage plan of the Sports Marketing Assets and Symbols, maximizing their presence on the different media linked to Adidas.
•Leveraged internal reporting to ensure accurate and timely execution of activations
•Coordinated administrative program operations such as order tracking and budgeting (also pro
athletes and events contracts, invoices)
•Local Asset Budget Management.
•Supervised all local sport event related topics in close relationship with local marketing team.
•Coordinated with Brand Marketing on programs related to advertising and collateral materials.
•Assisted with the execution of athlete appearances and retail & wholesale promotions.
Marketing Analyst
Panasonic Peru, (July 2009 - December 2010)
•Started as key account executive in the sales team (in charge of Panasonic distributors nationwide)
•Prepared and executed successful sales plans that exceeded monthly and annual revenue budgets.
•Provided outstanding service to loyal existing clients including promotional opportunities
•Generated new business for the brand (ac in tropical weather areas)
•Responsible for the brand’s inventory of all promotional equipment nationwide.
•Worked with Marketing Manager to create excitement with promotionally driven sales
opportunities
Skills: Microsoft Office applications, social media, sports marketing, event planning, corporate
partnerships
2015-16 WVU
21 THE STARTING LINEUP
2015-16 WVU
22 THE STARTING LINEUP
PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: KENT, OH
ALUMNI
ERIN MCCLAFFERTY
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.A. in Marketing
Eastern Washington University ‘13
niolsson@mail.wvu.edu | 425.308.6143
PROFILES
Senior Account Executive- IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions
West Virginia University, (July 2015-Present)
• Help with hiring and training of new employees
• Assist in day to day operations of running property
• $400,000 in new ticket revenue to WVU in 2015
Interim General Manager- IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions
West Virginia University, (April 2015-July 2015)
• Run day to day operations for the outbound ticket sales program at West Virginia University
• Manage relationship with WVU athletic department
• Create innovative strategies for future ticket sales
• Manage staff of five
• Oversee million dollar property sales
ALUMNI
Account Executive- IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions
West Virginia University, (July 2014-April 2015)
• Make 80 calls per day
• Sell single game, group, partial plan, and season tickets for football and basketball
• Create innovative sales strategies in order to generate new leads and expand current database
through upsells and referrals
• Research and identify future group sales opportunities including long-term partnerships with
non-profit organizations, youth leagues and schools
Account Executive- IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions
Utah State University, November 2013-June 2014
• Make 80 calls per day.
• Sell single game, group, partial plan, and season tickets for football and basketball
• Create innovative sales strategies in order to generate new leads and expand current database
through upsells and referrals
• Research and identify future group sales opportunities including long-term partnerships with
non-profit organizations, youth leagues and schools
Marketing and Game Operations Intern
Spokane Shock, (2011-2013)
• Help run in stands promotions
• Run and promote all camps run by the Spokane Shock
• Prepare marketing collateral and other promotional materials
• Help sell tickets for the Spokane Shock
• Maintain ticket database.
ABBY ROBERTS
HOMETOWN: YORKTOWN, VA
B.S. in Journalism; Public Relations
West Virginia University ‘15, Cum Laude
Minor: Communications
arober26@mix.wvu.edu | 757.848.3445
Graduate Assistant Alumni Association
West Virginia University, (August 2015 – Present)
• Assist in oversight and management of the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund that has over
$14 million in assets and provides 400 students with scholarships annually
• Actively identify and cultivate potential constituents to support the LPEF
• Recognize and pursue sponsorship opportunities for WVU Alumni Association events
• Assist with the planning and execution of all annual alumni events such as the Marmaduke Dent
Society
Development Intern
West Virginia University, (August 2013 - May 2014)
• Write feature stories focusing alumni and scholarship students published in the WVU Alumni
newsletters and WVU Parents Club Magazines
• Responsible for writing WVU Alumni Association event press releases
• Have solicited over $50,000 to donors WVU Alumni benches, bricks and columns to be placed at
the Erickson Alumni Center
External Relations Intern
Old Dominion University, (May 2014 – August 2014)
• Assisted with designing and writing the 2014 ODU Football Media Guide
• Write feature stories on student athletes for website
• Gathered personal info from the athletic staff to update and write their biographies shown on
website
• Attended football camps to assist with local media
• Helped with episodes of Monarch Media, live video footage shown to public
Honors and Activities: Special Events Director for Mountaineer Maniacs (2015-Present);
Co-Fundraising Chair for Public Relations Student Society of America (2014); WVU President’s
List: Spring 2014; WVU Dean’s List: Fall 2013, Fall 2014, Spring 2015; WVU Reed College of Media
Outstanding Academic Senior Award Spring 2015; Graduate Sport Management Club-Treasurer;
Mountain Honorary; Mountaineer Maniacs; WVU Public Relations Student Society of America
Skills: Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; Social Media: Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest and Vine; Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Honors and Activities: Four year Division 1 Athlete (Track & Field), 7 time All Big Sky Academic
Selection, 2014 IMG Learfield Rookie Property of the Year.
Skills: Paciolan, CRM, Final Cut Express/Pro, Microsoft Office, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Social
Media, Sales, Marketing/Promotion
2015-16 WVU
23 THE STARTING LINEUP
2014-15 WVU
24 THE STARTING LINEUP
PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: STANWOOD, WA
ALUMNI
NICHOLAS OLSSON
PROFESSORS
2014-15 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
B.S. in Sport Management
Shawnee State University ‘13 Cum Laude
alsalvatore@mail.wvu.edu | 216.509.0494
PROFILES
Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (July 2014 - Present)
• Serve as the primary contact for the WVU women’s tennis and rowing teams
• Serve as the secondary contact for the WVU rifle and baseball teams
• Assist in game management operations with football, basketball, soccer and volleyball
• Coordinate with the media on a daily basis
• Provide content and design various team media guides
• Promote teams on various social media platforms
• Design graphics to promote events and student-athletes
ALUMNI
Sports Information Director Assistant
Shawnee State University, (August 2011 – December 2013)
• Assisted in game management operations for all varsity sports
• Produced highlight videos for soccer, volleyball and basketball programs
• Contributed to writing game recaps and miscellaneous press releases
• Maintained Shawnee State Athletics’ website using SID Help
• Compiled statistical research on previous seasons for all varsity sports
Marketing Assistant
Lake Erie Crushers, (May 2013 – August 2013)
• Led all interns in group sales for the 2013 season
• Assisted in game day operations
• Organized group sales and marketed the Crushers to outside companies
• Planned and organized promotional nights along with giveaways
• Assisted in managing and marketing Kids Club day events
Sports Information Director Assistant
Case Western Reserve University, (May 2012-August 2012)
• Performed design updates on the 2012 Football Media Guide
• Organized biographical/media outlet information for incoming student-athletes
• Maintained Case Western Athletics’ website using Presto Sports
• Compiled statistical research on previous season for all varsity sports
Honors and Activities: Dean’s List (2011 -2013); Shawnee State University Outstanding 2014
Graduate in Sport Management; Communications Coordinator for Shawnee SportsNet, an internet
broadcast for Shawnee State baseball games (2012-13); Sports Reporter for Shawnee State University’s newspaper, The Chronicle (2011-2012); Editor for Shawnee State University’s newspaper, The
Chronicle (2012-2013)
LAURA STEFANOW
HOMETOWN: WHEELING, WV
B.S. in Sport Management
West Virginia University ‘15, Cum Laude
Minor: Business Administration; Communication Studies
lstefano@mix.wvu.edu | 304.830.2717
Education Graduate Assistant with WELLWVU
West Virginia University, (August 2015 – Present)
•Schedule all 400 student based educational program requests that that come through the
WELLWVU office
•Assist with the planning and execution of all WELLWVU special events that occur throughout the
year
•Create signage and flyers for event promotions
•Oversee and manage 40 interns who are a part of the Student Wellness Ambassador Team
Operations Intern
West Virginia University Men’s Club Hockey Team, (August 2014 – December 2014)
•Fulfilled all game day operational needs
•Assisted the Director of Operations to execute on-ice promotions and appearances
•Marketed and promoted the team to the WVU students through campus and community events
Operations and Marketing Intern
Philadelphia Freedoms of Mylan World Team Tennis, (May – August 2014)
•Main contact for the Freedoms with local organizations and selected sponsors
•Coordinated and executed pre-match parties for various groups
•Assisted with the generation of the Freedom’s social media and e-mail blasts content calendar
•Created graphics for varying promotional platforms
•Marketed the team around the city of Philadelphia during our Pop-up Tennis events
•Created an entertaining game day atmosphere for fans
Sport Marketing Intern
Scholastic Sport Marketing
•Coordinated promotional activities at high school sporting events for our clients.
•Assisted clients in recruiting at these events while acting as the liaison between the organization
and Athletic Directors
•Photograph clients, banners and student athletics engaging in activities to later use as
promotional materials for sponsorships.
Honors & Activities: Dean’s List (2011-2014), WV Promise Scholarship Recipient (2011-2014),
WVU Undergrad Sport Management Club (2011-2013), HSTA Student Mentor (2014), Certified
LeadWELL Mentor, WVU Graduate Sport Management Club (2015-2016)
Skills: Microsoft Office Applications, Adobe Photoshop, Customer Service
Skills: InDesign, Photoshop, Ticket Return, StatCrew, Social Media
2015-16 WVU
25 THE STARTING LINEUP
2014-15 WVU
26 THE STARTING LINEUP
PROFILES
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: SEVEN HILLS, OH
ALUMNI
AMY SALVATORE
PROFESSORS
2014-15 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
PROFESSORS
HOMETOWN: ANNAPOLIS, MD
B.S. in Strategic Communications
Concentration: Public Relations
West Virginia University ‘15
Minor: Leadership Studies
sstrejec@mail.wvu.edu | 443.763.0648
PROFILES
ALUMNI
Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (August 2015 – Present)
• Serves as the WVU cross country, track and field and swimming and diving teams
primary contact
• Responsible for promoting and publicizing each sport through various social media
platforms
• Writes previews and recaps for assigned sports
• Works closely with the Big 12 Conference, as far as student-athlete nominations and
releases
• Coordinates with the media on a regular basis
• Travel with team, when needed, promoting the team through the social media accounts
• Editor of assigned sports media guides
• Designs graphics to promote upcoming events and student-athletes
• Assists with game-day operations for football and basketball home games
Athletic Communications Intern
West Virginia University, (August 2014- 15)
• Assisted with Mountaineer football and men’s basketball game-day operations, as well as
soccer, gymnastics, baseball and volleyball
• Wrote feature stories on student-athletes or facilities
• Created various graphics to help promote events and student-athletes
• Researched statistical data for WVU gymnastics
Teachers Assistant
West Virginia University, (January 2014-May 2014)
• Assistant for WVUs Intro to Public Relations class
• Assisted the professor with various tasks within the classroom
• Created seating charts on an excel spreadsheet to manage attendance and grades
effectively
• Was available to students who had questions or concerns, regarding the course
Vineyard Staff
Loudoun Valley Vineyard, (May 2014-August 2014)
• Helped market and advertise the vineyard through social media
• Created an Instagram account for the business
• Held daily taste testing sessions
• Provided great customer service skills to the customers
Honors and Activities: Dean’s List (Fall 2014); Sport Management Club Secretary
(2015-current); Alpha Phi Sorority- Beta Iota Chapter (Fall 2011-15)
CARRIE TRUAX
HOMETOWN: MADISON, IN
B.A. in Communication Studies
Clemson University ‘14
Minor: Writing
maryctruax@gmail.com | 812.599.5264
Assistant Director of Engagement, Rams Club
University of North Carolina, (September 2015-Present)
Mountaineer Athletic Club (MAC), Graduate Assistant
West Virginia University, (July 2014-August 2015)
• Assist with the planning and execution of all benefit related special events, hospitality and
stewardship programs
• Administer scholarship endowment thank you letters for over 500 student athletes
• Coordinate 15 sport-specific giving programs, track membership, and provide monthly updates to
Head Coaches
• Manage all social media content of the Mountaineer Athletic Club
• Support Director of Premium Seating on all gameday operations for Milan Puskar Stadium suites
Clemson Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Clemson University, (May 2012- June 2014)
• Updated social media content during sporting events
• Coordinated player interviews with local and national media
• Assisted media with team information on gamedays of all sports
• Wrote personal feature articles on coaches and players for university’s publications
Public Relations Department Gameday Intern
Atlanta Falcons, (August 2013- December 2013)
• Organized media availability for post game press conferences
• Distributed stats and tournament information to media
• Transcribed team documents for league publications
Public Relations Department Intern
Washington Redskins, (May 2013- July 2013)
• Assisted and organized media credentials during Organized Team Activities (OTA) and Minicamp
• Coordinated and facilitated player interviews
• Created a social media training guide for Redskins’ athletes
• Developed strategic plan for department’s social media initiative
• Briefed head coach prior to daily podium sessions
Honors & Activities: Publication: Sanderson, J., Truax, M., “I hate you man!”: Exploring Maladaptive
Parasocial Interaction Expressions to College Athletes via Twitter. Journal of Issue in Intercollegiate
Athletics. 2014. 7, 333-351; NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar Participant 2015
Skills: Adobe Photoshop, Indesign, all social media platforms
Skills: Statcrew, Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, all social media platforms,
Adobe programs: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro; iMovie and Windows
Movie Maker
2014-15 WVU
27 THE STARTING LINEUP
2015-16 WVU
28 THE STARTING LINEUP
PROFILES
SAMANTHA STREJECK
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
ALUMNI
2014-15 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
ZACHERY VAJI
HOMETOWN: LEWISBURG, PA
B.S. in Sport Management
West Virginia University ‘15
zjvaji@mix.wvu.edu | 570.490.0675
Ticket Office Intern
West Virginia Black Bears, (September 2015 – Present)
• Assist in the sales of individual game tickets
• Complete season ticket renewals for 2016 season as well as the sale of new season tickets
Visiting Team Host
West Virginia University, (October 2014 – Present)
• Visiting team host for all 2015 men’s and women’s soccer spring games
• Assist in event management and operations for men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and women’s
volleyball
Intern
Pittsburgh Riverhounds Professional Soccer Team, (March 2014 – August 2014)
• Event Manager for PDL games
• Work alongside the General Manager of Professional team performing daily tasks
• Assist Director of Youth Academy in daily tasks
• Verify professional player paperwork and files
• Game operations for professional team games
• Intern for Guinness International Champions Cup Game at Heinz Field
• Liaison between Fox Sports and official score keeper
Honors and Activities: Phi Sigma Theta National Honors Society, West Virginia University President’s
List (Spring 2015), Brazil study abroad, Susquehanna University Men’s Soccer Team Member (20112012), WVU Sport Undergraduate Sport Management Club, WVU Diversity Soccer Cup 2015
Tournament Organizer, 2014 Guinness International Champions Cup Intern (Heinz Field)
Skills: Microsoft Office, Social Media, Prezi
TRAVIS WHITE
HOMETOWN: MOUNT PLEASANT, PA
B.S. in Sport Management
Seton Hill University ‘15
Minor: Finance
towhite@mix.wvu.edu | 724.858.5821
Athletic Operations Assistant
Fairmont State University, (August 2015 to Present)
• Assist in major event planning processes for athletic events, including football, men’s and
women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and women’s soccer
• Manage and supervise all athletic department student workers, including scheduling and
event supervision needs
• Provide assistance to athletic coaches to ensure that their facility and event needs are met
• Plan individual game scripts with sports information director to ensure sponsorship
requirements are met
Sales and Services Intern
Pittsburgh Pirates, (September 2014 to May 2015)
• Assist in designing and operating the Bucaroos Kid’s Club, both during game-days by operating the sign in and information booth, along with during regular office hours by packaging and
shipping memberships, compiling member databases, and utilizing the ProVenue ticketing
system to process membership orders
• Handling day-to-day ticket and customer service needs for clients and front office staff
• Assist with the production and function of external showcases, such as “Piratefest” and the
Lady Bucs Club
• Assisted in the fulfillment of all autographed merchandise and its delivery for Ticket Services
department
Youth and Amateur Hockey Development Intern
Pittsburgh Penguins, (April 2013 to September 2014)
• Primarily focused on grassroots fan development efforts through youth hockey initiatives
• Compiled weekly or bi-weekly articles covering the PIHL, PAHL, and local amateur hockey
programs
• Provided event support for Penguins youth and amateur hockey programs, including Little
Penguins Learn to Play, YMCA Junior Penguins, and Fantasy Camp, along with instructional
camps and clinics throughout the year
Sales and Marketing Intern
Johnstown Tomahawks Junior A Hockey Club, (June 2012 to April 2013)
• Contacted potential clients via cold calling and leads to inquire interest of purchasing full/half
season, group and new business ticket packages
• Organized, managed, and created various game needs and promotions, including Chuck-APuck fundraiser, Audience Shootout Contest, and American Eagle T-Shirt Toss
• Assisted with various media relation aspects, including editing game-stories, organizing a fan
newsletter via email, and running both the organization’s Facebook and Twitter social media
accounts
Skills: Sales and Marketing Coordination, CRM & ProVenue Ticket Sales Database, Customer
Service, Event planning/management; Fundraising, Business Development
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SHANE LYONS
Director of Athletics
West Virginia University
WVU Sport Management Class of ‘88
HOMETOWN: PARKERSBURG, WV
Tell us about yourself (undergrad, previous jobs, current position and a little bit about what
you do, and personal info if you would like to give any)
ALUMNI
I grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia and earned my undergraduate and graduate degree from
West Virginia University. Early on at WVU I tried finding my career path always knowing that I
wanted to work in “sports” but not which specific avenue. The summer after completing my
Bachelor’s degree I worked an internship in recreation at Kiawah Island but quickly learned that
I missed college athletics. During that summer I researched graduate Sport Management programs and attended WVU the following Fall semester. Upon completing my Master’s I landed my
first full-time job after searching in the back of the NCAA Market Journal at the Big Sky Conference overseeing the compliance department. At that time the conference was relatively new and
concept of compliance was as well. My path after that included positions with the NCAA, Texas
Tech, ACC, and Alabama. When the opportunity to become the Director of Athletics at WVU it felt
like the right fit and was a special opportunity to represent my home state and school. Family
is an important part of my life and an even greater influence in my career decisions. Having the
support of my wife, 16 year old son and 12 year old daughter was important before accepting the
position. Togetherness would be an accurate description of my family and together we’re happy
to be at West Virginia University.
How did WVU help prepare you for a future in the sports industry?
WVU gave me the building blocks to obtain my first job in sports. Working in athletics it’s essential to have a Master’s degree and helps immensely in the application process. The experience
I received in the WVU Sport Management Program was bar none and I used that as a springboard
to my first position in the WVU Ticket Office. Networking is very important in this industry and
I was able to build a great one during my time here. Building strong, trusting relationships will
help propel your career and achieving your goals.
ALUMNI
PROFILES
PROFILES
PROFESSORS
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
What advice do you have for those who want to get into the industry?
The biggest piece of advice I would give is to be willing to climb the ladder, and that could
mean willingness to relocate multiple times. Most people have a strong affinity to their
home state and school, but being able to achieve you career at the highest level usually
consists of relocating. Willingness to go the extra mile and being ok with starting at a low
salary are also important. Entry level jobs do not pay much, but if you do your job, build
a solid foundation, and show patience, the compensation will follow. Lastly, never burn
bridges. You never know who can help you or who you will need to work with in the future.
What is something you have learned that helps you each day?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned in my career is to continue to be curious and ask
questions. Never stop learning. This means always striving to exceed expectations and
never settling for just meeting goals. Being able to evolve and adapt to the ever changing
college athletic environment is important as well. Lastly, I’ve learned while we compete
against other universities and colleges on the playing field, we all have a common goal in
making the student athlete’s experience the best possible.
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PROFESSORS
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PROFESSORS
BRIAN CROW
Professor of Sport Management
Slippery Rock University
WVU Sport Management Class of ‘94
HOMETOWN: MOUNDSVILLE, WV
ALUMNI
SPOTLIGHT
PROFESSORS
2015-16 WVU SPORT MANAGEMENT
ALUMNI
Dallas and I had gotten a paper published (in the journal for which he was the editor...imagine
that), so I began to look for faculty positions, and fortunately was hired as an Assistant Professor
of Sport Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi.I was there for three years and
then we were stationed at Langley AFB in Hampton VA, where I was an Assistant Professor at
Hampton University in Virginia for four years. When our time in the Air Force ended in 2001, we
moved to western PA, and for the last 15 years I have been a Professor of Sport Management at
Slippery Rock University, which is the third oldest program in the country.
In 2005 I started a company called GameDay Consulting. We develop, design, and deliver guest
service training programs for event staff at sport venues, including ushers, ticket takers, security
personnel, and guest relations employees. We also conduct secret shopper programs (we call
them Fan Experience Audits), to measure how well the staff is doing at enforcing policies, the
cleanliness of the venue, the appropriateness of signage, and other venue related issues.
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How did WVU help prepare you for a future in the sports industry?
WVU was so very instrumental in helping me prepare for my careers as a professor and consultant. I
arrived as a naive youngster unsure of my life plans, and left with a clear goal of somehow always
being a part of the sport industry. WVU helped me realize that the sport industry is all about relationships. I’m friends with many of my classmates to this day and a lot of the people I worked with and for
are still there and still helping me in my career. WVU also taught me to be grateful and help others. I’m
on sabbatical this year from SRU and teaching an undergrad class in sport management class at WVU
this semester. WVU also taught me to be appreciative of the many opportunities I have been given. My
consulting company started because a former student of mine who worked at the Buffalo Bills called
and asked me to submit a bid (which we did not get, by the way). Ten years later we have helped over
20 different venue partners.
What advice do you have for those who want to get into the industry?
The advice I have for anyone aspiring to get into the industry is not really groundbreaking. Students
need to create their own opportunities. Volunteer. Be available. Dress to the level to which you aspire
(I wore a shirt and tie every day of my 3-year GA). Get off social media and into the real world. Create,
value, and bring value to your relationships. Don’t get caught up in the world of instant gratification
and trying to always make another dollar. I have learned, each day, to be grateful. Each place I have
been I value the relationships made, and appreciate the journey
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ALUMNI
PROFILES
Immediately following college graduation, at age 21, I was named the general manager of
Grand Vue Park in Moundsville, West Virginia. I had that position for about nine months until I
was named admissions counselor at Wheeling Jesuit University in January 1990. I decided to
return to college for a master’s degree and was accepted into the MBA program at WVU with a
graduate assistantship. It was a tough degree, and once it was completed in summer 1991 I was
accepted to the doctoral program in higher education administration at WVU. It was a challenging program as well, with some of the best professors I’ve had. Former WVU athletic director Ed
Pastilong was a high school classmate of my parents, so I visited him and he recommended me
for a GA position with Craig Walker, who was then the assistant A.D. for business. That graduate
assistantship was, to this day, my favorite job. Eventually I taught a couple of the undergraduate
classes and then graduated with the doctorate in 1994, thinking I wanted to start my career in
athletic administration.
PROFILES
Tell us about yourself (undergrad, previous jobs, current position and a little bit about what
you do, and personal info if you would like to give any)