Problem to access license server. cURL error 6: Could not resolve host: shortcodesdeluxe.comProblem to access license server. cURL error 6: Could not resolve host: shortcodesdeluxe.com Working Behind The Scenes In College Athletics - Sports NetworkerSports Networker

Top Menu

Working Behind The Scenes In College Athletics

I worked in college athletics for nearly 20 years. In that time, I hired and did my best to mentor a number of young people who had dreams of a career in sports. The first thing that I told them, and it was the first thing I was told when I started at Eastern Washington University in 1989, is that they will get as much, or as little as they want to out of this position.

Dave Cook, who is still the Sports Information Director at EWU, gave me my first opportunity to be a paid employee in the SID office, while I was still a student. He was a one-man shop and was looking for any help that he could find. I don’t believe that he was sure what to expect from me. He started me out with the basic everyday tasks of the office, typing, filing, answering phones, etc. He told me that as I became more comfortable and confident in what I was doing, he would increase my responsibilities.

Three years later, when I graduated, I was the primary media contact for half of the sports sponsored by the university and had a full-time job offer from the school. I worked at a total of four different universities, in four different states, and have wonderful life-long friends and memories from each of them. The athletics departments that I worked in were approached by literally hundreds of kids with the dream of a career in sports. The glamour of being in the spotlight, being on national television and winning the national championship was the dream that they all had. That is a great dream, but unfortunately, it is not the reality for a vast majority of those in the business.

A career in sports is very rewarding. There are many benefits and “perks” to working in this industry. But it is very rare to break into the business and immediately be in one of the positions that you see on television. For every head coach that is interviewed at halftime of the Kentucky-Duke basketball game on ESPN, there is a marketing intern who is responsible for putting out the big shoes, jersey and shorts out on the court for the promotion with two little kids during a time out.

Not all departments will have a Phil Knight like the University of Oregon

For every athletic director who meets with the founder of Nike in a suite at an Oregon football game, there is an event management staff person who has been there since 8:00 a.m., stocking each of the suites with beverages and game programs and making sure that the caterer is on time with the correct menu. In my own experience I have had a number of workers who came in and loved the job and turned it into a thriving career. I have also had those who lasted one weekend and decided that watching sports on TV was a lot more fun.

One I remember came to us as a high school student. He was looking to do the required community service that his high school required for graduation. He began work taking tickets at soccer and volleyball games. Eventually he came to work at football games, helping set-up on Saturday mornings. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at our university and began working as a work-study student in the ticket office. He became very involved in event management and ticketing at the more than 250 events we hosted each school year. Upon graduating from college he became the assistant ticket manager for the department and has held that position for the past five years.

Another less successful story involves a student who came to the department to volunteer. He had always wanted to be in sports and just wanted the chance to get his foot in the door. The problems arose when he stated that he didn’t want to work nights or weekends, because that was “his time”. He did not understand that the events that he wanted to be a part of happened at nights and on weekends. He wanted to come in and be an administrator immediately, without going through the day-to-day grind that is the sports industry. He lasted about two months and decided to move on to other ventures.

I have never had the opportunity or the privilege to work at any of the large “BCS” type schools. My entire career has been spent at the “Mid-major” level of college athletics. Honestly, I am not sure that I would change places with any of those big schools even if I had been given the chance.

Being at this level has allowed me to learn skills and explore other areas of interest within college athletics. While I started in sports information early on, my career has also included positions in event management, marketing, promotions, facilities, operations, alumni relations, student relations, development, sales and ticket operations. It is these experiences that make all of the long hours and small paychecks worth it to me. I have friends all over the country that I would do anything for and who I know would do anything for me.

Don’t fret if you’re young and trying to break out into the business. You can still get a career in sports business.

So, from a guy who has led a “Mid-Major” life in college athletics here are some of my best tips and recommendations for the young person looking to get into this life. Try to figure out as quickly as possible if you really love sports, or just like it a lot – When you work in this profession, it can become all-encompassing. You will work seven days a week during parts of the year. You will work all day at the office and then have a game to work 3-4 nights a week. Weekends become the busy work time.

Football games, basketball games, volleyball games, soccer games – sometimes all on the same day. After your first month or two, you will know if this feels like work or if you are still enjoying yourself. If it feels like work, it might be time to look for something else. You will spend too much time and energy in this profession for it to be a drag on you. You will come to resent the one thing that you have enjoyed your entire life. Get out before it ruins your love of sport.

Find a position at a small school or conference office – These places are generally understaffed and will allow you to get “hands-on” experience in a variety of areas. If you go to a big school or a major conference, you might spend eight months filing papers in a back office. Be willing to branch out – The more experience you have in different aspects of the business, the more attractive you are to potential employers. Salary should not be the sole driving force in deciding on a position – When you are taking you first position in sports, you are not going to make a lot of money. You may have two offers in front of you. One that pays more, but limits your growth and experiences. The other may not pay as much, but you will be exposed to all facets of the operation. The second option is what is best for your career. It is tough to turn down money, but looking to the future, it is the best decision.

Make contacts and stay in touch – You never know if the person you meet at that conference is going to be the one who can help you find that dream job down the road. As you meet people, collect business cards, trade e-mail addresses, etc. And then stay in touch. In today’s job market, everybody has a degree, everybody has internships. It comes down to the relationships that you have created. Do you know somebody, who knows the decision maker for that position that you are looking for?

Are you willing to be a team player?

Be a team player – Be willing to help out whenever and where ever possible. If you see somebody with a bunch of boxes that need to be moved, just jump in and help move them. It may not be “your job”, but it will go a long way towards your next job. People see what is happening and who is willing to help and they remember. Just about every job description has a line near that bottom that reads “. . . and all other duties as assigned by the director.” These nine words make everything your job.

College athletics is a great industry. There are hundreds and thousands of wonderful caring people who work daily to make college athletics the best that it can be for the student-athletes and for the fans and supporters of all of the teams. There are nearly 90 different sports that are offered at the colleges and universities around the country.

This piece was not meant to serve as a deterrent to those looking to get into the industry, only one man’s view of a 20-year career working behind the scenes and having the time of his life.

Comment below on the business of college athletics! Make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us @SportsNetworker

, , , , , , ,

117 Responses to Working Behind The Scenes In College Athletics

  1. Tammy September 24, 2014 at 4:31 pm #

    Hi there, everything is going fine here and ofcourse every one
    is sharing facts, that’s really excellent, keep up writing.

  2. Receiving such a great score is not simple nowadays.
    TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE EXAMINER.
    Except as provided in this paragraph, these Terms of Use
    may not be amended.

  3. Alternative-Medicine-Guidelines-8.Blogspot.Fr September 24, 2014 at 9:41 pm #

    Thank you for any other informative website. Where else may just I get that type of information written in such
    an ideal means? I’ve a mission that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the glance out for
    such information.

  4. sage accounting software September 26, 2014 at 7:40 pm #

    Interesting post, I believe it’s going to prove helpful in the near future with my studies.

  5. astuce clash of clans September 26, 2014 at 10:22 pm #

    Hi there friends, itts fantastic post aboսt educationand fսlly explained, кeep it up all thе time.

  6. 24hr emergency plumber September 26, 2014 at 10:42 pm #

    Fascinating read, this could prove useful!

  7. www.youtube.com September 27, 2014 at 4:18 am #

    Yes! Finally something about overhang roof.

  8. girls contact number for friendship September 27, 2014 at 7:22 am #

    Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a information! existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this site.

  9. Fernando September 28, 2014 at 5:28 am #

    Hello everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this site, and paragraph is in fact fruitful designed for
    me, keep up posting these types of posts.

  10. lohebasar.ir September 28, 2014 at 7:11 am #

    A set of excellent simple to follow Aquaponics plans is important if you
    happen to intend to construct your own aquaponic system.

  11. league of legends riot points gratuit September 28, 2014 at 12:46 pm #

    Can I simply just say what a relief to discover a person that genuinely understands what they are discussing on the internet.

    You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    More and more people should check this out and understand this side of your story.
    I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you most certainly possess the gift.

  12. For the kids, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are not far from the Beach Cottages.
    If you want to do nothing but rest and relax then go to a luxury hotel that has
    all the luxuries like swimming pool, spa and gym and sauna.
    Here are over a dozen ideas for great infant poses, as well as tips for keeping a
    happy baby through a photography session.

  13. Iris September 28, 2014 at 7:38 pm #

    Good site you have here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing like yours nowadays.
    I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  14. minecraft host September 30, 2014 at 2:34 am #

    hello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate extra about your article on AOL?
    I require a specialist in this house to unravel my problem.
    May be that’s you! Taking a look forward to peer you.

  15. Keyword Rocker Download October 1, 2014 at 12:12 am #

    After I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time
    a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service?
    Kudos!

  16. minecraft October 1, 2014 at 10:56 am #

    Good post. I learn something new and chalenging oon websites
    I stumbleupon every day. It will always be exciting to read througgh content from
    other authors and practice a little something from their web sites.

  17. crise hemorroide October 4, 2014 at 3:47 am #

    Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that
    I have truly loved surfing around your weblog posts.
    In any case I will be subscribing in your feed and I’m
    hoping you write again very soon!

  18. effective exercise October 4, 2014 at 5:15 am #

    It iss appropriate time to make some plans for the longer term
    and it’s time to be happy. I have read thios put up and if
    I may I dedsire to recommend you few interesting issues or suggestions.
    Maybe you could write subsequent articles relating to this article.
    I want to learn more issues about it!

  19. buy lishan oolong October 4, 2014 at 2:05 pm #

    Awesome issues here. I’m very satisfied to look your post.
    Thanks so much and I’m looking ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a
    mail?

  20. equivita October 4, 2014 at 6:48 pm #

    It’s amazing in support of me to have a web
    site, which is helpful designed for my knowledge.
    thanks admin

  21. Donna October 4, 2014 at 7:30 pm #

    been almost two years nnow since Star craft II first
    went on sale as “Star craft II: Wings of Liberty” which focused its single-playercampaign on the series Terrain race.
    Super Mario is considered to amse everybody far more than anny other game and around more thaan 40 millon copies of this versionedition is already been sold out.
    You get to build outposts and later develop them into watch towers
    or training bases.

  22. Red Crucible 2 Hack October 4, 2014 at 8:58 pm #

    If you definitely will burn a building, you may
    not uuse a shotgun. Payers commonly interact with each
    other and the worl by typing directives thatt appear to be a
    natural language. Andd that play station controller have created park in gamers worldwide due to it’s
    soothe aand strength.

  23. sport betting October 4, 2014 at 11:46 pm #

    In fact, a recent report displaying the top rated higher school
    doable recruits revealed that a powerful vast majority obtained USC and Texas on their number of higher education selections.
    Dylan Thompson has thrown for five touchdowns, but his completion percentage is below 60.

    Other considerations include the condition of the pitch,
    the dynamism of team managers, the attendance during the previous games, weather forecast during the
    actual day of the game and don’t forget luck.

  24. collier anti aboiement pour petit chien October 5, 2014 at 1:21 am #

    naturally like your website but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts.
    Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it
    very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I’ll definitely come back again.

  25. project October 5, 2014 at 3:40 am #

    I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles orr blog
    posts in this soort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately
    stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i am happy to show that I’ve an incredibly good ucanny
    feeling I came upon just what I needed.
    I most certainly will make certain to doo not overlook this site aand provides it a
    look on a continuing basis.

  26. summoners war sky arena cheat ios October 6, 2014 at 4:12 am #

    Hello friends, how iis everything, and what you wish foor to say about this piece of
    writing, in myy view its in fact remarkable in support of me.

  27. psychic abilities October 6, 2014 at 6:41 am #

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you wwriting this post plus the rest oof the website
    is very good.

  28. Gta5 money hack October 7, 2014 at 1:05 am #

    Fromm your outset it’s plain to find out that Liberty Town is unrecognisable from the just onne you noticed in Grand Theft Auto
    3 back aagain in the 12 months 2001 – unrecognisable in good wayhs only.
    To begin with when you would expect the level of realism is far grdater than any metropolis in the Grand Theft Auto series nonetheless, and Liberty Metropolis is currently arguably essentially the most sensible recreation enviironment ever designed
    – it matches thhe likes of Assassins Creed and Metal Gear Good 4, if not surpasses them, with regards to
    sport world realism.Grand Theft Auto: Episodes of Liberty Metropolis iss a
    one of a kind principle from the movie activity earth
    because it is two standalone episodes that doo not have to have the
    original GTA IV to work. Therefore, people who would not have GTA IV should purchase these new mini videoo video
    games and engage in them at comprehensive potential. This new video
    game is available on XBox live to tell the tale Oct
    29 which is definitely worthy of checking out because it provides two new missions in the typical GTA
    type of online games As for longevity, GTA III unequalled in thyat it’s
    about seventy three primary missions that will ensure many several hours of gameplay, plus the freedom of motion granted
    too your participant, the hrs could enhance appreciably.

    In tthe lonng run GTA III is really a masterpiece also due to the fact it marks
    a true revolution for your collection and provides a flurry
    of stories during the gaming environment, has couple flawss such
    as imperfection some graphics. Recommended to all supporters
    oof action games and those that wish to check out their hand at a little somethibg totalply unique compared to the games produced
    up to now.Even with these accomplishments and additions though, GTA V isn’t a massive leap forwardd ffor
    Rockstar. Instead, it’s an evolution of all their earlier
    perform, alll blended into a single sandbox working experience on a enormous scale.
    But it is a enjoyable rohte which the franchise has
    taken, kicking other genre video games from the throne that it aided make.

    GTA Vannounced iin October for a Xboxx 360 elite Console
    and Sony playstation. It’s aan open earth action video game

    In our GTA On the internet cheat mod are numerous various mods that you could discover.
    Take a look at what other features this hack
    cann give!
    GTA On the net cheat mod Characteristics

  29. lib.ipe.ac.cn October 7, 2014 at 10:18 am #

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking
    into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty
    penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% certain.
    Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers

  30. Juveliere October 7, 2014 at 5:13 pm #

    I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this web
    page is truly nice.

  31. Breul Live performance in Washington October 8, 2014 at 2:34 am #

    EXCLUSIVE: Well-known French artist Patrick Bruel on why he’s at last playing england for
    very first time in 3 decades career

    Patrick Bruel – meet up with France’s reply to The Supervisor
    France’s favourte son is rushing in towards the UK

    source: http://patrickbrueltour.wordpress.com/2014/08/02/wednesday-nov-05-2014-800pm-warner-theater-washington-dc/

  32. smslån October 8, 2014 at 9:48 am #

    What i don’t realize is in truth how you are no longer
    really much more well-favored than you might be right now.
    You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably with
    regards to this matter, made me individually believe it from
    a lot of various angles. Its like women and men aren’t involved except it’s one thing to do with Woman gaga!
    Your own stuffs outstanding. At all times care for it up!

  33. Your article shows that you really are pretty savvy and able to write attention-catching content
    pieces. Do you ever make articles for other
    people? I will hire you on your work (on an hourly basis, per
    blog, .etc).

  34. Http://Www.Startlocal.Com.Au October 8, 2014 at 12:10 pm #

    There are corporations that are specializing in overall
    improvement necessities. This can present a problem because you will want to clean carpets in rooms on a daily basis in order ensure that the carpets stay in good condition. I have just informed you with some benefits of starting a carpet cleaning business.

  35. best article marketing service October 8, 2014 at 2:30 pm #

    Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility
    issues. Wheen I look at you websie in Safari, it looks fine but wgen opening in Internet Explorer, it has some
    overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that,
    excellent blog!

  36. FIFA 14 Cheats October 8, 2014 at 8:50 pm #

    I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes
    tons of useful facts, thanks for providing these kinds
    of information.

  37. medicaremn.com October 8, 2014 at 8:53 pm #

    Although maximum site owners are familiar with these concepts, but they may lack the expertise to do it the correctly.

    Advertisers all over the place, advertising everything underneath
    the sun. To report stolen email addresses at Yahoo, click Yahoo.

  38. vtumblr October 9, 2014 at 1:45 am #

    I have read so many content concerning the
    blogger lovers except this article is actually a fastidious
    piece of writing, keep it up.

  39. protocol education in australia October 9, 2014 at 1:57 am #

    Taiwan teaching jobs are all pretty much the same and you will find that most schools and bosses follow
    the same basic modus-operandi. – In the month since Pelham Memorial High
    School in Westchester County advertised seven teaching jobs, it has been flooded with 3,
    010 applications from candidates as far away as California.

    To obtain a teaching job in Europe you will need some
    organization, CV writing and actual willpower to obtain a
    job.

  40. app farm heroes October 9, 2014 at 4:09 am #

    This form of method can record the alleged cheaters activities
    in no time. That stated… The NAND is the internal storage device of the telephone.

  41. followers October 9, 2014 at 10:23 pm #

    Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. This is an extremely well written article.

    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of your helpful information.
    Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

  42. como ver el futbol en vivo por internet gratis October 10, 2014 at 10:40 am #

    La variedad de apuestas fútbol es muy amplia, pudiendo apostar desde cuando
    y quien va a meter el primer gol, hasta en que minuto se marcha a sacar la primera tarjeta
    aun como va a acabar la primera parte de cualquier partido de fútbol, pasando claro
    esta por el tradicional 1X2 en las apuestas fútbol.
    Hola a todos, en la urbe que vivo, la conexion a Internet no da buena señal
    y no puedo permitirme pagarme el canal+ el goltv y siempre y en toda circunstancia en todos y
    cada uno las paginas para ver el futbol online m daban fallos de conexión, se me cortaban continuadamente directamente no
    cargaba la pagina. Rojadirecta : Desde esta web puedes mirar
    los partidos sin coste que se están emitiendo
    de esta manera como una lista de posibles canales para verlos.

  43. resort booking October 10, 2014 at 10:48 am #

    Definitely believe that which you said. Your favourite justification seemed to be on the internet the easiest factor to have in mind of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed even as other
    people think about concerns that they plainly don’t
    recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the whole thing without having side effect
    , folks could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more.
    Thanks

  44. auto binary signals review October 11, 2014 at 10:35 pm #

    I’m not sure exactly why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my
    end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  45. concerts in la October 12, 2014 at 12:56 am #

    Awesome, thankyou 🙂

    And as far as all of the unhappy people, I ‘d keep an open view next
    time because it only affects you in the long run!

  46. wow warlords of draenor October 12, 2014 at 7:31 pm #

    Very quickly this web page will be famous amid
    all blog visitors, due to it’s pleasant articles

  47. social-dmsoler.mooo.com October 13, 2014 at 1:44 am #

    Vinyl replacement windows are also very cost effective iin that they form a very good barrier between the outside atmosphere and the inside onne making your need for air conditioning
    much less. Maany companies offer services for anything to do with residences, from the porch, to the deck
    area, to the bathroom, to the windows. Uncle Ben advised Peter Parker that “with great power comes great responsibility”, and the would-be hero toopk those words
    to heart annd used them to start his acts of
    valor and heroism.

  48. It can add unlimited Cash, Coins and star tokens.

  49. suezcanalauthority.com October 13, 2014 at 7:56 pm #

    Each new age brought the criminal element forward with it.

    A VPN creates an encrypted connection to a third-party server, and all your Internet traffic
    is routed through that server. Make certain that the payment gateway you are making use of,
    permits similar languages as the remaining of the web pages so
    that they can match well together.

  50. site October 14, 2014 at 2:03 am #

    I have read so many articles about the blogger lovers except
    this piece of writing is really a fastidious post, keep it up.

Leave a Reply

Website Managed by T3 CONNECT