WVU Sport Management Graduate Students

2008 "Starting Lineup"

Jesse Blair

Hometown: Antrim, NH
B.S. Business Administration
Major: Sport Management
Western New England College, 2005, Magna Cum Laude

Recipient of Meritorious Credit hours from West Virginia University Graduate Sport Management Program

Administrative Assistant for the West Virginia University Varsity Baseball team (July 2007 - Present).
Responsibilities: Maintain and update recruiting software database; assist coaching staff with production and dissemination of camp mailings; general office duties; assist with game day operations; assist with camp registration and operation; collaborate with coaches in creating and implementing marketing strategies.

Assistant to WVU Premium Seating Coordinator, Mylan Puskar Stadium (September 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Assist with suite game-day operations and customer relations.

Sports Information Assistant, WVU Women’s Soccer
Responsibilities: Worked the substitution table for all women’s soccer contests.

Athletic Director, Hillsboro-Deering High School, Hillsboro, NH (August 2005 - June 2007)
Responsibilities: Managed all aspects of the high school athletic department: hired coaches for vacant positions; scheduled all interscholastic contests with opposing schools; assisted principal in creation of the athletic budget; ordered all athletic equipment and supplies; maintained records of all athletic equipment, supplies, and statistics; collaborated with faculty and administration in the planning of new policy for the athletic program; manager of game day operations for all sports, including soccer, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball.

Administrative and Event Management Intern, New Hampshire Phantoms Professional Soccer Club (May 2004 - August 2004)
Responsibilities:Assisted Operations Manager in an administrative capacity; constructed and maintained an ac-counting database for Phantoms’ youth soccer camps; created press releases for Phantoms’ soccer games; per-formed sport information duties at Phantoms’ home games.

Assistant Varsity Ice Hockey Coach, Con Val High School (November 2005 - March 2007)

• Member - Alpha Lambda Delta (Freshman) and Delta Mu Delta (Management) Honor Societies

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access; Scoutware Recruiting Database Software

*Desires a career in sport communications or athletic administration at the collegiate or professional level.

 

George Daniel “Jordan” Blizzard, III

Hometown: Madison, WV
Doctor of Jurisprudence 2002
West Virginia University College of Law
B.S. Physical Education
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Communications
West Virginia University, 1999, Cum Laude

Compliance Graduate Assistant for the West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (June 2007- June 2009)
Responsibilities: Responsible for assisting the Director in the coordination of a comprehensive program to ensure compliance with all NCAA, BIG EAST Conference, and West Virginia University rules; responsible for monitoring prospective student-athlete recruitment and eligibility; responsible for processing NCAA Progress-Toward-Degree Waivers and Medical Hardship Waivers; and responsible for conducting research for rules interpretations.

Legal Intern, George Daniel Blizzard, II PLCC, Attorney at Law (August 2002 - March 2007)
Responsibilities: Investigated cases; created case files; interviewed witnesses; summarized reports, legal research, interpretation of statutes, case law, and rules and regulations; prepared cases for presentation and trial; prepared written memoranda and legal briefs.

Legal Intern, West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office (May 2002 - August 2002)
Responsibilities: Summarized reports, legal research, interpretation of statutes, case law, and rules and regulations.

Law Clerk, Shaffer & Shaffer, Attorneys at Law (Summer of 1999 and 2000)
Responsibilities: Summarized medical reports and deposition testimony, prepared case filings for hearings.

Assistant Director of Operations Intern, Charleston Alley Cats Professional Baseball Club (Spring and Summer of 1998)
*The Complete Pocket Baseball Guide, Baseball America’s 1998 Directory, p. 195
Responsibilities: Assisted with the day-to-day and game-day operations at Watt Powell Park; assisted the Director of Concessions to oversee the food service operation; assisted with the management of the souvenir shop.

• West Virginia University Leadership Scholarship for all undergraduate semesters
• Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarship & Dean’s List
• Golden Key National Honor Society
• Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity• Sport Management Club
• Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
• 18 transferable credit hours with a 4.0 GPA (during Jr. and Sr. years in High School)

Computer Skills: WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, ESPN Sports Poll, Compliance Assistant, NCAA Clearinghouse

*Desires a career in intercollegiate athletics.**Available for appointment May 2009

 

Matt Brady

Hometown: Fort Mill, SC
B.S. Sport Management
Winthrop University

Graduate Assistant for the West Virginia University Athletic Department in the Facilities and Operations Office (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Game day operations; facility management; event coordination; risk management.

Recreational Facilities Management Intern, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (August 2006 - May 2007)
Responsibilities: Event management; facility management; event coordination; risk management; assisted with technical services, building services, and maintenance mechanic services; worked a variety of events including intercollegiate basketball, volleyball, career fairs, festivals, and concerts.

Ticket Operations Game Day Staff, Carolina Panthers (July 2005 - January 2007)
Responsibilities: Assisted with event day operations in the ticket office and performed customer service functions.

Operations Event Day Staff, Winthrop University (January 2005 - May 2006)
Responsibilities: Game day operations, game day promotions, and ticketing.

• Life Scholarship recipient 2002, 2004, and 2005

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ESPN sports poll, Room Viewer, AutoCAD

*Desires a career in stadium/facility operations at the collegiate or professional level.

 

Shauna Bookal

Hometown: Scarborough, ON, Canada
Bachelor of Sport Management
Sport Management Graduate Certificate
Brock University 2005
Durham College 2006

Recipient of the Jerry P. Wilkins Memorial Scholarship for Leaders, West Virginia University 2007

Second Annual Stadium Managers Association Scholarship, West Virginia University 2007

Sport Marketing Intern in the West Virginia University Athletic Department (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Working with the Athletic Department and seven Division I level varsity men and women sports for game-day promotions, event planning, and operations.

Marketing and Promotions Volunteer, Women’s Volleyball Team, West Virginia University Athletic Department (September 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Working with another volunteer in creating and implementing marketing strategies for the volleyball program.

Coordinator of Game Day Operations and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Men and Women’s Basketball All-Star Game, Durham College Athletics (September 2005 - March 2006)
Responsibilities: Supervised and assisted in event set-up and breakdown; assisted with game operations; distributed game-day materials to spectators.

Coordinator of Game Day Operations and Sponsorship, Brock University Athletics (September 2002 - March 2005)
Responsibilities: Supervised and assisted in event set-up and breakdown; assisted with game operations; distributed game-day materials to spectators. Maintained a good working relationship with sponsors.

• Vice President, West Virginia University Sport Management Graduate Club Class of 2008
• Durham College Participation and Leadership Award, 2006
• Professional Development Award from Brock Badgers Athletic Department, 2005

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Works, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher

*Desires a career in sports administration at the intercollegiate level in Canada.

 

Kristen Condo

Hometown: Erie, PA
B.S. Physical Education
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Business Administration and Communications
West Virginia University, Summa Cum Laude

Graduate Assistant for the West Virginia University Athletic Department Business Office (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Assist Business Manager and Travel Coordinator with mandating the postings and applications for classified positions in WVU’s athletic department; assist Travel Coordinator with completing plane manifest, restaurant signature sheets, per diem disbursements, and credit card applications; assist Parking Director with pre-game day preparations.

Game/Special Event Worker, Mountaineer Athletic Club (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Assist MAC with game day brunches for premium donors; assist with appreciation events for MAC donors.

Student Assistant, West Virginia University Athletic Department Business Office (December 2006 - August 2007)
Responsibilities: Assisted Business Manager and Travel Coordinator with daily tasks, while learning the procedures and practices of a Division I University Athletic Department.

Marketing Intern, Pittsburgh Steelers (May 2006 - August 2006)
Responsibilities: Helped coordinate and work marketing special events, including Men’s Fantasy Camp,Women’s Training Camp, Gatorade Jr. Training camp, and Draft Day Party; worked marketing check in for pre-season games.

• Recipient of the WVU School of Physical Education NASPE Outstanding Major of the Year (December 2006)
• Secretary, WVU Graduate Sport Management Club, Class of 2008 (September 2007 - Present)
• Student-Athlete Tutor, West Virginia University (September 2007 - Present)
• Experience WVU Student Council Representative, West Virginia University (August 2007 - Present)
• Secretary, Undergraduate Sport Management Club (September 2005 - December 2006)
• Japanese Conversation Partner (January 2005 - May 2006)
• National Service of Collegiate Scholars (August 2004 - December 2006)

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Adobe

*Desires a career in marketing and event coordination with a sport marketing firm.

 

Casey Cunningham

Hometown: Saint Marys, WV
B.S. Journalism
Major: Broadcast News
Minor: English
West Virginia University, 2007, Cum Laude

Graduate Assistant for the West Virginia University Athletic Development Department (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Knowledgeable of Mountaineer Athletic Club giving levels, benefits, priority parking and seating information; assist in coordinating game day donor brunch; provide suite hospitality; execute customer service initiatives at donor functions; generate and update spreadsheets for donor lists; obtain ticket orders for club members who desire football, basketball, and bowl option ticket packages; update and inquire donor accounts on the Paciolan ticketing system; assist in coordinating Foundation scholarships for varsity athletes.

Student Assistant, WWVU-FM U92 - Sports Department (January 2004 - May 2007)
Responsibilities: Color commentator and highlight producer for women’s basketball broadcasts; produced weekly sport casts; assistant to Women’s Basketball Producer (2006): assigned, coordinated, and dispatched game crews; researched and presented statistics for broadcasts and arranged travel to away games.

Promotions and Production Intern, ESPN Radio 760 (May 2006 - July 2006)
Responsibilities: Production: Edited sound for daily talk shows, ran the board during minor and major league baseball games; Promotions: acquired participants for games at remote events, handed out prizes, interacted with the public to promote the station.

Intern, Mountaineer Sports Network (September 2005 - December 2006)
Responsibilities: Assisted cameramen in getting shots for use on television and highlight videos; logged football footage for use on season highlight videos using “Log This” software.

Intern, WDTV - News Channel 5 (Summer 2004 and 2005)
Responsibilities: Wrote scripts for broadcasts; worked in and out of the studio assisting reporters; conducted interviews; learned editing system.

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, PageMaker, Paciolan, ESPN Sports Poll, FinalCut, Log This and Cool Edit

*Desires a career in development for a sport organization; event management; hospitality; media/public relations.

 

Skyler Daugherty

Hometown: Gardners, PA
A.S. Accounting
B.S. Business Administration
Major: Management
Central Pennsylvania College, 2004, Magna Cum Laude

External Funding Graduate Assistant at West Virginia University (September 2007 -Present)
Responsibilities: Investigating and writing grants; developing the budget, policies, and procedures for a new undergraduate sports management pre-internship and evaluation of internship program

Accounting and Tax Manager, Carey Associates, Inc. (January 2005 - August 2007)
Responsibilities: Small business accounting, including development of accounting system, bookkeeping, payroll, financial statement preparation and analysis; individual and business tax planning, income tax return preparation,office management, and various administrative duties; extensive experience using QuickBooks and Microsoft Applications.

Ticketing Game Day Operations, York Revolution (June 2007 - August 2007)
Responsibilities: Game day ticket sales, managing a cash drawer, and helping with the will call Operations

Intern, Harrisburg City Islanders (June 2004 - September 2004)
Responsibilities: Various administrative duties including ticket sales, merchandise sales, field maintenance, and public relations.

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, QuickBooks, ProSeries, Drake and Creative Solutions

*Desires a career in sports administration, utilizing my accounting and financial management skills at the professional level.

 

Evan Favocci

Hometown: Brick, New Jersey
B.S. Physical Education
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Communications, Sport and Exercise Psychology
West Virginia University, 2007, Magna Cum Laude

Currently the Student Records and Advising Graduate Assistant for the West Virginia University School of Physical Education
Responsibilities: Academic Advisor to all Pre-Sport Management and Pre-Athletic Coaching Education majors. Work with the Student Records Assistant to create advising presentations, assist students in creating their academic schedules, and other daily activities involving student records. Assist in advising student-athletes with meeting NCAA regulations and eligibility requirements.

Sport Marketing Intern, West Virginia University Athletic Department (Sept. 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Assist in implementing duties for game-day marketing and promotional events for Football, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Gymnastics, and Wrestling.

Volunteer, WVU Women’s Volleyball Team (Sept. 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Organize all promotional events to help create a larger community and student interest. Implemented new promotions such as Maniac Madness, Faculty and Staff Day, Mountaineer Boys and Girls Club Night,and Camper’s Day.

WVU Undergraduate Sport Management Club
President (August 2006 - May 2007), Member (August 2005 - May 2006)

WVU School of Physical Education Visiting Committee -Student Advisory Board Member for Undergraduate and Graduate Sport Management Programs (August 2006-May 2008)
Responsibilities: Offered suggestions to enhance the quality of the School’s academic status; worked with other members to implement concerns of student success.

Assistant to Athletic Director, Brick Township Public High Schools, New Jersey (May 2006-August 2006)
Responsibilities: Mentored by Bill Bruno, the Athletic Director of Brick Township High School and Brick Township Memorial High School, to learn the everyday processes and activities involved for his career. Created a cost analysis for the girl’s lacrosse team, updated official and referee forms, and worked with the Schedule Star computer scheduling system.

• Volunteer, 2006 84 Lumber Classic, PGA Tour - concessions, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ESPN Sports Poll

*Desires a career in community relations, operations, or marketing at the professional level or academic advising at the collegiate level.

 

Kristina Geiselhart

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
B.S. Physical Education
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Business Administration, Communications
West Virginia University, 2006

Athletic Business Office Graduate Assistant, West Virginia University Athletic Department (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Monthly Procurement Card Reconciliation for approximately 120 card holders; edit charges for approximately 30 travel (team and recruiting) Procurement Cards to ensure proper budget allocation; depositing of all camp monies; process camp refunds and payment of invoices by the Procurement Card.

Game Day Worker-Hospitality Athletic Directors Box, West Virginia University Athletic Department (August 2004 -Present)
Responsibilities: Greet guests of Athletic Director, hospitality.

Office Assistant, Smart Form Inc (May 2001 - Present)
Responsibilities: Implemented an inventory system in which I continue to oversee and manage as well as train all employees on system usage, manage account receivables department and update store website.

Student Worker, West Virginia University (August 2002 - August 2007)
Responsibilities: Procurement Card Reconciliation; depositing of camp monies; payment of invoices; clerical duties as needed to assist in day to day operations.

• Treasurer, WVU Graduate Sport Management Club
• Student Dean Advisory Board
• Undergraduate Dean’s List and National Dean’s List

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Quick Books Point of Sale, Adobe

*Desires a career in Procurement and/or Budgeting at the collegiate level or higher

**Available for appointment May 2009

 

Scott Gower

Hometown: Factoryville, PA
B.S. Sport and Recreation Management
Keystone College, 2006, Magna Cum Laude

Wellness Coordinator Graduate Assistant (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Implement recreational and educational programs and speakers for undergraduate students; promotion, organization, and event operation of intramural teams; endorse West Virginia University Athletic events.

Mountaineer Athletic Club Assistant (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Football game operations, donor relations, special event operations

Certified Fitness Trainer/Community Marketing Coach, Dick’s Sporting Goods (October 2006 - Present)
Responsibilities: Fitness training, sales, and marketing team sport packets

Assistant Manager/Recreation Coordinator, Woodloch Springs Sports Complex (June 2006 - October 2006)
Responsibilities: Program development, event operations, personal training, and payroll administrator

Physical Education Student Teacher, Neil Armstrong Elementary School (March 2006 - May 2006)
Responsibilities: Developed and implemented physical education lesson plans and activities

Athletic Director Intern, Lackawanna Trail High School (December 2005 - March 2006)
Responsibilities: Game day operations; event set-up; and season scheduling

Radio Intern, WWDL (September 2001 - December 2001)
Responsibilities: On-Air sports broadcasting; statistics crew during Friday night football games

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

*Desires a career in Athletic Administration or Operations at the collegiate or professional level.

 

Frank Grimaldi

Hometown: Roselle, IL
B.S. Finance Western Illinois University, 2002
Graduated with Honors

Graduate Assistant in the Office of Planning and Treasury Operations at West Virginia University (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Develop processes for special projects dealing with long-term and short-term budget planning and financial analysis. Assist the Treasury Operations unit in analyzing its investment opportunities to maximize performance of operating capital as well as modeling University cash flows.

Sport Marketing Intern, Athletic Department; West Virginia University (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Assist the Athletic Department with game-day promotions, event planning, and operations for six varsity Division I level men’s and women’s sports.

Events Coordinator, SportsWeave; Morgantown, WV (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Responsible for assisting with the coordination of athletic testing high school football skill camps and combines. Search for and secure data from print publication sources and internet sites. Manage databases of high school and college coaches, nominate student athletes, and register participants. Create and distribute invitation packets and marketing materials for combines and skill camps.

Commercial Relationship Manager, MB Financial Bank, N.A.; Chicago, IL (November 2003-July 2007)
Responsibilities: Developed new commercial loan business as well as maintaining a portfolio of clients. Identified and analyzed potential loan markets to develop prospects for commercial loans and provided data to support marketing and sales promotion programs. Negotiated loan terms and structure with prospects and clients as well as assuring timely loan closing and funding.

Credit Analyst, MB Financial Bank, N.A.; Chicago, IL (May 2002-November 2003)
Responsibilities: Participant in the Bank’s Leadership Development Program and credit training program. Analyzed credit data to estimate the degree of risk involved and feasibility of extending credit for lending money to firms and individuals. Performed industry, operational, cash flow, and financial statement analysis on manufacturing companies and commercial real estate developments. Prepared written reports to be presented to senior management.

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. Experience with Client Management systems, Oracle General Ledger, AS400, and ESPN Sports Poll.

*Desires a career in sponsorship sales/consulting or in sport finance with a sport marketing firm,professional/collegiate sport organization, or a Fortune 500 company.

 

Scott Michael Herdzik

Hometown: Dunkirk, NY
B.S. in Education
Major: Childhood Education
Minor: Mathematics
State University of New York College at Fredonia

West Virginia University Football Equipment Manager Graduate Assistant (July 2007- Present)
Responsibilities: Assist Equipment Manager during home and away games including travel accommodations, locker room set-up, player equipment requests, as well as specific duties and obligations during games; aide with the ordering, purchasing and inventory of player, coaches, and staff clothing and equipment; daily maintenance of player equipment and laundry; manage sixteen student assistants with specific job duties during training camp and regular season practices and games.

Training Camp and Game day Equipment Room Assistant, The Buffalo Bills (Summer 1996 - January 2007)
Responsibilities: Organized training camp equipment and locker room on a daily basis; responsible for daily laundry and equipment maintenance for over ninety players during training camp; acted as a player liaison with equipment representatives from companies such as Nike and Reebok; set-up and dismantled practice fields on a day-to-day basis as per practice requirements; managed game day footballs for home and visiting teams in conjunction with NFL referees.

Recreation Center Director, City of Dunkirk Department of Recreation (December 2006 - April 2007)
Responsibilities: Developed recreational athletic programs for athletes ages 8-12 in various sports; designed and distributed information regarding center through various media outlets; managed and maintained recreation center including ordering and purchasing of sporting equipment; maintained master schedule of employees on a weekly basis.

Division III Basketball and Soccer Game day Assistant, SUNY Fredonia Equipment Staff (August 2003 - March 2007)
Responsibilities: Acted as an Announcer and Official Scorekeeper for NCAA Division III Athletics; assisted equipment manager with set-up and dismantling of playing fields/surfaces; maintained a master schedule of part-time and interim workers for sporting events on campus; aided athletic department with the distribution of media guides and ticket sales for each sporting event as well as the promotion of season passes to alumni and local enthusiasts.

• Dean’s List

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, ESPN Sports Poll

*Desires a career in equipment or operations

 

Mary Krosnjar

Hometown: Libertyville, IL
B.A. Psychology
Minor: Marketing
DePaul University, 2006

Currently the Marketing Director for the Fitness Information Technology division of the School of Physical Education at West Virginia University
Responsibilities: Create flyers and mailings to advertise new publications; responsible for the marketing and advertising of new publications and trade books; maintain relationships with indexing companies for journals.

Premium Seating Coordinator Assistant, West Virginia University Athletics (2006 - Present)
Responsibilities: Responsible for season ticket holders in the West and North Suite area at the Mylan Puskar Stadium; assist with suite game-day operations and customer relations; report to the Director of Premium Seating.

Head Coach - Dance Team, West Virginia University Athletics (2006 - Present)
Responsibilities: Coordinate, manage, and choreograph for the Dance Team; ensure the safety and well being of the team; collaborate with the Spirit Squad Coordinator to enhance game-day spirit

Events and Operations Intern; Arena Football League (2006)
Responsibilities: Communicated with AFL Operators and Ticket Directors; assisted with elementary and middle school ticket fundraisers for the production of group ticket sales; involved with research and planning of league-wide events and neutral-site Arena Bowl game.

Corporate Sales and Marketing Intern, Chicago Rush (2005 - 2006)
Responsibilities: Coordinated promotions and activities for current and prospective sponsors; assisted with game-day promotions and services, such as overlook all attendees in the Bosch Pit; generated sales leads and performed research on potential corporate partners.

Marketing Assistant, DePaul University Athletics (2003 - 2006)
Responsibilities: Generated marketing efforts for sporting events and corporate sales; developed marketing strategies for student ticket sales; created flyers and postcards for Women’s Volleyball, and Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams to promote 2004-2005 athletic seasons.

• PSI CHI Honor Society - Inducted 2004

Computer Skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Adobe Photoshop, SPSS, Qualitap, NetTracker, ESPN SportsPoll

*Desires a career in marketing/advertising or event organization at the professional sport level.

 

Kirk Madsen

Hometown: Davison, MI
Major: Sport Studies
Central Michigan University

Marketing Graduate Assistant in the West Virginia University Athletic Department (July 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Developing and implementing marketing strategies for eight varsity sports; design and production of promotional materials; game operations management; intern management and coordination.

Equipment, Clubhouse Operations and Facilities Intern, Atlanta Braves (February 2007 - May 2007)
Responsibilities: Equipment management for entire minor league system; administrative duties for daily practices; coordination of player and coach transportation; Disney’s Wide World of Sports facility management and maintenance.

Tournament and Tennis Center Operations Intern, Midland Community Tennis Center (October 2006 - February 2007)
Responsibilities: Developed new corporate sponsorship packages; negotiated contracts with vendors; initiated and oversaw trade agreements and fulfillments; directed community involvement projects; recruited, trained,scheduled and managed over 150 tournament volunteers for 14 tournament matches; distribution of promotional materials.

Student Assistant Coach, Central Michigan University Men’s Basketball (August 2004 - May 2006)
Responsibilities: Distributed promotional materials throughout the state of Michigan; equipment inventory and management; daily practice and game operations; assisted in monitoring of athletes’ academic progress and class attendance; tracked game statistics; coordinated set-up of player recruiting days.

• Sport Management Club President (2007 - 2008)
• CM Life Newspaper Reporter (2003 - 2005)
• Sport Management Association Intramural Athletics Coordinator (2004 - 2006)
• Student Government Association Representative (2005 - 2006)
• Student Leadership Advisory Council Member (2004 - 2006)

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office 2003/XP/2007, Quattro Pro 10, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Pagemaker, Adobe 8 Professional, Windows XP/Vista

*Desires a career in intercollegiate athletics administration.

 

Melanie Mazanek

Hometown: East Vandergrift, PA
B.S. Health and Physical Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2006
Sport Management, West Virginia University, 2007 – 2009

Currently serving as the Intramural and Club Sport Graduate Assistant for the West Virginia University Student Recreation Center
Responsibilities: Hiring/scheduling of officials, supervisors, office workers, and interns; marketing, promoting, and overseeing operations of intramurals, club sports, and special events.

Assistant to WVU Premium Seating Coordinator, Mylan Puskar Stadium and WVU Coliseum, Mountaineer Athletic Club, West Virginia University Athletic Department (2007 – Present)
Responsibilities: Assisting with suite game-day operations and customer relations.

Intramural Intern, University of Notre Dame Athletic Department (2006 – 2007)
Responsibilities: Hiring/scheduling of officials and supervisors; marketing, promoting, and overseeing operations of intramurals and special events in the Rec Sports Department, including but not limited to road races, biathlons, boxing tournaments, and aquatic events.

Student Assistant, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletic Department (2002 – 2006)
Responsibilities: Facility scheduling and day-to-day and game-day operations.

Student Assistant, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Campus Recreation Department (2003 – 2006)
Responsibilities: On and off-campus facility management, hiring/scheduling of all student employees, financial processing, and overseeing intramural and special event operations, including but not limited to road races, golf outings, and promotional events.

• Provost Scholar
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• 2005 Bill Swan Award Winner, Pennsylvania Intramural and Recreational Sports Association

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft FrontPage,Adobe InDesign, FileMaker Pro, CSI Software, and the ESPN Sports Poll

*Desires a career in sport administration at the collegiate or professional level.

**Available for appointment May 2009.

 

Chase McClain

Hometown:Waterfall, PA
B.S. Sport Management
Major: Sport Management
Minor: Marketing
Slippery Rock University, 2006

Currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the West Virginia University School of Physical Education in the Basic Instruction Program
Responsibilities: Preparing syllabi, lesson plans, and examinations for Physical Education classes in Golf, Badminton, Softball, and Soccer.

Intern, National Mining Association Pete Dye Classic, Nationwide Tour (May 2007 - September 2007)
Responsibilities: Directed all volunteer recruiting, organizing, and retention initiatives; designed parking passes, tickets, and advertisements; developed signage plan including: design, purchasing, and placement; managed EMS, private security, local sheriff’s department, and WV Department of Transportation details; solicited accommodation contributions for both players and sponsors; purchased office trailers and septic solutions for tournament use; aided in the placement of tents and temporary structures; supervised the placement of all telephone lines, dry pairs, and ISDN lines for Nationwide Tour and The Golf Channel.

Operations Intern, 84 Lumber Classic, PGA Tour (May 2006 - October 2006)
Responsibilities: Assisted Operations Manager with administrative duties prior to the tournament, acted as a liaison between volunteers and Operations Manager during tournament, created digital imaging projects for transportation and shuttle service, secured $15,000 in tournament sponsorship, assisted operations staff with the construction and placement of directional and informational signage, purchased signage for standard bearers and18th green side scoreboard, supported portable restroom and fence vendors in course placement, created and updated inventory database for apparel, signage, equipment, etc.

Operations Intern, American Junior Golf Association (May 2005 - August 2005)
Responsibilities: Prepared tournament courses for competition (course marking, signage placement, scoreboards et-up), developed post-tournament activities for the junior golfers, made 15-20 daily media calls to local and national media outlets, maintained, replenished, and accounted for tournament equipment valued at approximately $200,000.

Tactical Procurement Intern, JLG Industries Inc. (June 2004 - August 2004)
Responsibilities: Compiled daily inventory shortage reports, contacted vendors daily as to production quotas,expedited product shipments to meet daily allocations, established inventory database framework for remanufacturing facility in Tonneins, France.

Building Supervisor, Slippery Rock University Student Recreation Center (January 2006 - May 2006)
Responsibilities: Managed facility operations, staff, and cash drawer; ran daily financial reports, and implemented facility policies.

Practical Experience, Slippery Rock University Curriculum (August 2002 - May 2006)
Completed practical work with: Altoona Curve, SFX Entertainment Inc., Down Rivers Golf Course, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Professional (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access), Basic HTML, Adobe PDF, Movie Maker, Adobe Photo Shop, Audacity Audio Recording

*Desires a career in golf tournament operations with a major golf organization at the amateur, professional, or junior level.

 

Tristin Miracle

Hometown: Shadyside, OH
B.A. Communications
Minor:Business
Ohio Dominican University, 2007, Magna Cum Laude

Wellness Coordinator Graduate Assistant, West Virginia University Residential Education Department (August 2007 - Present)

Responsibilities: Organization of educational and wellness-related activities for two residence halls; promotion and organization of intramural athletic teams; endorsement of WVU athletics

Assistant, Mountaineer Athletic Club (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Football game day operations; donor relations

Group Sales Intern, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Shock (May 2006 - July 2006)
Responsibilities: Organization and development of 3 on 3 basketball tournament; Season ticket holder relations; game day operations; event set-up

Athletic Department Assistant, Ohio Dominican University (August 2006 - May 2007)
Responsibilities: Wrote news releases and game recaps; media guide writing and organization; game day operations

Radio ODU Sports Broadcaster, Ohio Dominican University (Spring 2004)
Responsibilities: ODU play-by-play broadcaster; in-game statistics crew

• Two-time NAIA Academic All-American

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

*Desires a career in public relations, sports information, or marketing at the collegiate or professional level.

**Available for appointment 2009

 

Ryan O'Leary

Hometown: Brookfield, CT
B.S. Journalism
Major: Broadcast Journalism
University of Missouri

Wellness Coordinator, Boreman Hall, in the WVU Department of Residential Education
Responsibilities: Coordinate participation in West Virginia Intramural Athletics; plan several extracurricular activities such as ski trips, white water rafting, and hiking; educate student population on creating healthy lifestyle choices.

Project Coordinator/Office Manager, Millsport, Stamford, CT (January 2005 - August 2006, currently hired for project work on need basis)
Responsibilities: Serviced client sponsorships for the following events and organizations: Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, FIFA World Cup 2006, The Volvo Ocean Race, The USTA, Winter/Summer X-Games, NCAA Sugar Bowl, and NASCAR. Managed XM Satellite Radio’s sponsorship of 25 professional NHL and MLB teams and other sport properties; planned and executed all areas of client sponsorship including: media, in-arena exposure, corporate hospitality, promotions, and sweepstakes, athlete appearances and onsite activation; directed, oversaw, and managed hired staff during on-site activation of sponsorships; facilitated smooth business operation by managing day-to-day office functions.

Student Assistant, Mountaineer Athletic Club (May 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Coordinated the 2007 WVU Classic Golf Tournament; assisted in multiple office functions to increase fund generation for MAC; fielded numerous customer transactions for Annual Fundraising Drive and Season Ticket Drive.

Academic Mentor/Tutor, West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (August 2006 - Present)
Responsibilities: Facilitated learning and educational growth for student-athletes; motivated student-athletes to achieve high personal, academic, and professional goals; enabled student-athletes with various studying and organizational skills.

• Recipient of the Herrick Scholarship in Journalism|
• Recipient of the Maineth Scholarship in Journalism
• Recipient of the Gilbert Scholarship in Journalism
• Member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honors Fraternity
• Honors College Member
• Dean’s List (3.5+): 11 out of 12 semesters

Computer Skills: All Microsoft Office Applications, ESPN Sports Poll, Paciolan, Microsoft FrontPage, and others.

*Desires a career in client service in sport marketing for an independent agency, academic support for a Division I Athletic Department, or marketing for a Division I Athletic Department; with a long term goal of serving as an Athletic Director.

 

Michael Parrish

Hometown: Hershey, PA
B.S. Business Administration
Major: Marketing Business Management
West Virginia University, 2006, Cum Laude, University Honors Scholar

Administrative Graduate Assistant for West Virginia University Football (May 2006 -Present)
Responsibilities: Duties assigned by Head Coach; assist Director of Football Operations with administrative duties; Assistant Camp Coordinator, assist with organization of recruiting visits, organization of recruiting film library, and updating recruiting boards.

Intern, Steiner Sports (May 2005 - August 2005)
Responsibilities: Assisted with day to day operations of Yankees-Steiner, completed daily updates to Steiner Sports auction website; oversaw high school interns.

Co-Director, Mountaineer Maniacs (May 2005 - May 2007)
Responsibilities: Oversaw day to day operations of the largest student organization at West Virginia University; coordinated travel plans to away sporting events; planned events for groups ranging from 100-500 people.

Game day Intern, Harrisburg Senators (May 2004 - August 2004)
Responsibilities: Assisted in ticket sales, concessions and media relations.

Press Box Attendant, Harrisburg Senators (May 2003 - August 2003)
Responsibilities: Oversaw press room operations prior to and during games.

Student Assistant, West Virginia University Football (August 2002 - May 2006)
Responsibilities: Assisted Director of Operations; worked with graduate assistants to organize recruiting library; assisted Sports Information Director at 2004 and 2005 Gator Bowls and 2006 Sugar Bowl.

Intern, Hershey Bears (November 2001 - June 2002)
Responsibilities: Assist with media relations, in-game promotions and game day operations.

Intern, Hershey Wildcats (August 2001 - October 2001)
Responsibilities: Coordinated sponsors for charity golf tournament; coordinated soccer camp registration.

• Mountain Honorary (Inducted Fall 2004)

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, Cybersports Recruiter,Cyberweb

*Desires a career in sports administration at the collegiate or professional level.

 

Allison Schirtzinger

Hometown: Scott Depot, WV
B.S. Recreation Management
Major: Leisure Services Management
Brigham Young University, 2004

Currently serves as an Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Academic Services Center at West Virginia University
Responsibilities: Advise freshman and sophomore students pertaining to their chosen major/minor; assist students in selecting classes that fulfill general education curriculum and any prerequisite courses needed to apply to their chosen major; assist students in selecting a major; review academic files to evaluate the progress of students to ensure they are meeting the University’s academic expectations; help students resolve problems that may be affecting their academic progress or refer them to other departments on campus.

Accounts Payable Assistant, Overstock.com (June 2005 - June 2007)
Responsibilities: Coordinated the creation of all payments to the company’s suppliers via check, wire transfer,or ACH payments. Processed employee expense reimbursements, insuring proper company procedure was followed. Completed an audit of the company’s suppliers to discover the existence of any outstanding debit or credit balances. Assisted the Accounts Payable Manager with various projects when needed. Routinely handled sensitive account information for both the company and the suppliers.

Marketing Intern, Robert Morris University Island Sports Center, (January 2004 - April 2004)
Responsibilities: Assisted the Director of Sales and Marketing with creation of brochures and coupons for the various programs offered at the Sports Center; completed informational and promotional mailings; maintained the input of customer information into the Recreation Management Systems database; selected customers for participation in a focus group.

Accounting Assistant, Robert Morris University (April 2004 - December 2004)
Responsibilities: Completed the daily deposits for the Island Sports Center; processed paperwork for the payment of contract employees; reviewed and entered invoices for payment; checked employee expense reports for proper procedures.

Intramural Supervisor, Brigham Young University Department of Intramural Activities (April 2002 - December 2004)
Responsibilities: Oversaw the nightly administration of intramural sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, and softball; served as both the supervisor and umpire for softball games; insured each participant followed the Intramural and University policies and procedures; maintained order with participants and spectators; offered minor first aid when needed.

Athlete Supervisor, 2003 Wells Fargo BYU High School Invitational Track Meet (May 2003)
Responsibilities: Monitored the participants in the heptathlon over a two day period; insured that each athlete was present at the scheduled events; helped deliver the results and awarded medals.

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Oracle, Recreation Management Systems, and ESPN Sports Poll.

*Desires a career in sport administration or community relations in the professional or collegiate level.

**Available for appointment May 2009

 

Annie Shepard

Hometown: South Bend, IN
Major: History
Purdue University, 2005

Graduate Assistant for the West Virginia University Athletic Compliance Department
Responsibilities: Processing all incoming and outgoing student-athlete transfer requests; contributing to APR; evaluating all incoming WVU charity requests; reviewing student-athlete eligibility paperwork; processing WVU summer camp paperwork; writing letters and memos to athletic staff and writing compliance articles for Front Row (WVU booster magazine).

Communications Coordinator, Boomer Esiason Foundation (March 2006 - July 2007)
Responsibilities: Wrote and edited content for BEF brochures and newsletters; coordinated and executed various events and fundraisers; wrote thank you letters, requests, and invitations.

Public and Media Relations Intern, New York Jets (May 2005 - March 2006)
Responsibilities: Reviewed and processed all practice and game media credential requests; assisted in the production and editing of the 2005 and 2006 New York Jets media guides; wrote press releases and player biographies; arranged player and coach interviews; contributed to statistics projects; compiled daily news clippings.

Training Camp Intern, Houston Texans (August 2004)
Responsibilities: Wrote press releases; conducted and arranged player and coach interviews; researched player notes and statistics for weekly game release; compiled daily news clippings.

Student Worker, Purdue University Sports Information Office (August 2003 - May 2006)
Responsibilities: Researched player notes and statistics; assisted in the production and editing of media guides; media liaison during athletic events; conducted player and coach interviews; wrote press releases; feature and preview stories and game recaps.

Computer Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

*Desires a career in public relations or sport administration at the professional level.

**Available for appointment May 2009

 

Ryan Taylor

Hometown: Morgantown, WV
B.S. Communications
West Virginia State University, 2006, Cum Laude

Graduate Teaching Assistant in Basic Instruction for the West Virginia University School of Physical Education (August 2007 - Present)
Responsibilities: Preparing syllabi, lesson plans, and examinations for the Physical Education classes in Tennis and Badminton.

Assistant Instructor, Pro Performance (2006)
Responsibilities:Assisted in teaching the fundamentals of baseball to youth athletes; provided guidance on conditioning and weightlifting.

Player Relations, Lakeview Golf Resort (2006 - 2007)
Responsibilities: Member services, special assistance with golf tournaments and events, regulate pace of play.

Baseball Player, Washington Wild Things Professional Baseball Organization (2006)
Responsibilities: Competed in the Frontier League as a second baseman, had opportunities to work with and be a positive role model to children.

• Four year recipient of Athletic Scholarship for Baseball
• WVSU Senior Scholar Athlete of the Year Award
• WVSU Junior Academic Achiever Award
• Two time Division II First Team All-American Second Base
• Shenandoah Valley League All-Star
• First Team All-Valley League

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), ESPN Sports Poll *Desires a career in sport marketing/promotions at the professional level.

 

Nathaniel Zinn

Hometown: Clarksburg, WV
B.S. Journalism
West Virginia University, 2006

Currently a Graduate Assistant in the Sports Communications office at West Virginia University
Responsibilities: Serve as the sports information director for cross country, track and women’s gymnastics, while also assisting with football and women’s basketball. Write press releases and player features for various school publications; write text for media guides; handle all interview requests; travel with team to away contests; lay out game notes and update the athletic website. Worked and traveled as the SID with baseball, women’s gymnastics and women’s soccer teams in 2006-2007 as a first year graduate assistant.

Student Assistant in the Sports Communications office at West Virginia University (August 2005 - June 2006)
Responsibilities: Served as the sports information director for baseball and both the women’s cross country and track teams. Wrote press releases; wrote text for media guides; handled all interview requests; laid out game notes; updated the athletic website; assisted with football and men’s basketball; wrote player features for various university publications.

BIG EAST Champions Correspondent sports writer for the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram (2001 - 2002)
Responsibilities: Covered high school and youth sports.

• Recipient of the Al Babcock Scholarship (2007-2008)
• Recipient of the Peggy Preston Tierney Scholarship (2004 - 2005)
• Walk-on kicker for WVU football team (January 2003 - May 2004)

Computer Skills: Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, PageMaker, Corel Word Perfect, TASstat crew for soccer and baseball.

*Desires a career in sport administration/information at the professional or collegiate level.

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