http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/ en-us Copyright 2009 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:12:49 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss In an industry where experience is an added benefit to what is learned in the classroom, students from the Center of Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University recently got the experience of a lifetime at the Sport Marketing Association (SMA) Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio. Four students from the CSL, Stephen Embrey, Jeremy Hirsch, Jason Martin, and Kevin Wagner had the opportunity to travel to Cleveland for the SMA Conference and represent VCU in its Graduate Case Study Competition. The team, who had worked together for weeks on the case study, was able to finish second in the competition, beating esteemed Sport Management programs such as Florida State and Canisius. The Case Study Competition held during the SMA Conference involved the Charlotte Bobcats franchise of the NBA and asked each team to create a marketing management strategy to fix their performance on the court, in the stands, and in the Charlotte community. Taking the perspective of the Bobcats' front office management, the CSL team created a fan initiative known as "FanF1rst," which would help the Bobcats rectify their current situation. With "FanF1rst," the initiative consisted of researching the fan, interacting with the fan, and catering to the fan. "Our plan with FanF1rst was to provide a comprehensive marketing plan involving extensive research and community involvement to reunite basketball and the citizens of Charlotte in a positive manner," said Kevin Wagner. Each component of "FanF1rst"allowed the team to create an innovative marketing strategy to make the Charlotte Bobcats a more marketable product. In addition to the Case Study Competition, the CSL students were able to experience the sights and sounds of Cleveland throughout the duration of the SMA Conference. Students were able to meet and interact with the best and the brightest from the academia and athletic worlds to learn about new ideas taking root in the Sport industry. The conference featured a wide array of influential presenters such as Mike McGee, the Managing Director of the ANNIKA Brand of Businesses, Len Komoroski, the President of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Paul Dolan, President of the Cleveland Indians. Each presenter was able to bring their own perspective of the Sport industry to the table and gave insight about the future of sport. CSL student Jeremy Hirsch remarked, "I was amazed at the collection of minds from around the sports industry present at the event, and was even able to do some networking to help myself for my intended career path." After finishing second in the Case Study Competition and meeting sport business leaders, the students will remember the SMA Conference in Cleveland as a great learning tool. Group advisor and Professor Brendan Dwyer said "the SMA case study trip was an excellent opportunity for the students to interact with industry leaders while at the same time competing against other reputable graduate programs." Upon returning to Richmond, the CSL students will finish out the rest of the Fall semester with projects, papers, and events that will enhance their classroom experience. By: Jason Martin, CSL Class of 2010 ]]> http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/11/csl_students_take_2nd_in_case.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/11/csl_students_take_2nd_in_case.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:12:49 -0500 At 5:45am three buses loaded with Center for Sport Leadership students and professors left the VCU Siegel Center parking lot and began their journey to the nation's capital. Almost two hours later, the busses arrived at FedEx Field for a day of observing the NFL, with behind the scenes access and an insider's view of the Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs football game. After arriving at the stadium, each student and professor received a press pass which allowed full access to the entire stadium, including the field and press box. Zack Bolno, Publics Relations Director for the Washington Redskins, guided the group on the tour through the stadium. Once the class passed through security, students got a chance to see FedEx Field from a player's perspective. They entered the field through the player's tunnel and Zack described the basic layout of the stadium as well as the marketing aspects visible from field level. The next stop on the tour was the Redskins' locker room. In the locker room, the CSL students were introduced to the Redskins' equipment manager, who gave a tour of the players' and coaches' locker rooms, as well as the athletic training room. Many students took this opportunity to ask questions and snap pictures in front of their favorite player's lockers. From there, the group was escorted past the Redskin Cheerleaders' practice floor, up the stairs, and into the Owner's Club level. The Owner's Club level houses the press box, all media outlets, and many luxury suites, all of which the group got to learn about and see. From the Owner's Club, the tour concluded with a crash course in media relations in the interview room, where Coach Zorn is asked questions by the media after every game. The tour was an eye opening experience into the operations and public relations world of professional football. CSL students also got to experience another side of this NFL lifestyle, which is that of the fans. After the stadium tour, the class went to the parking lot, where Professor Lampe had provided a tailgate. This pregame gathering is where the students and professors relaxed, ate, and mingled with Redskins fans, while taking in the whole experience of a football game. After a few heated games of corn-hole, three pans of chicken sandwiches, and a lot of observational learning, it was finally game time. Some students chose to spend time in the press box where there was heat and free food, while others sat amongst the fans cheering on the Redskins. Despite the fact that no touchdowns were scored and the Redskins were booed quite often for their poor showing, the students enjoyed this rare and exciting opportunity to have a behind the scenes look at an NFL event. By: Andy Webb, CSL Class of 2010 ]]> http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/11/csl_gets_a_behind_the_scenes_v.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/11/csl_gets_a_behind_the_scenes_v.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:24:16 -0500 During VCU's Fall Break for the 2009-2010 school year, the Center for Sport Leadership took a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. The CSL students and staff left Richmond on the morning of Thursday, October 15, stayed in downtown Charlotte one night, and returned in the evening on Friday. This two-day trip gave the students the opportunity to tour and learn about five sports facilities in the Charlotte area. They also had the privilege of hearing from and networking with sports industry professionals and VCU Center for Sport Leadership alumni. The first stop Thursday morning was at Lowe's Motor Speedway, where the members of the staff were preparing for the NASCAR event that very weekend. Students got to see the race track and hear from Vice President of Business Development, Mike Burch, about the issues and process of running an event at a NASCAR facility. In the afternoon, the group went to the U.S. National Whitewater Center and heard from Jeff Shelton, who gave the students a crash course on the maintenance and financial issues involved in a state-of-the-art outdoor facility and business. After the talk, several CSL students and staff elected to participate and engage in the white water rafting course the center offers. Jason Martin, a student on the trip, enjoyed rafting through the course saying, "It was great because we actually got to experience the facility and all it has to offer instead of just touring and talking about it." On Friday, the group went to hear from the two professional franchises in Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Bobcats. The first place visited was Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Panthers. Henry Thomas, Director of Broadcasting and New Media, took everyone around the stadium, letting the group enjoy the concourses, suite and press boxes, and even the field. During the presentation, newly hired President, Danny Morrison, stopped by to meet the students and staff and answer any questions that were posed. After leaving the football facility, the bus took the members of the CSL across the city to Time Warner Cable Arena to see where the Charlotte Bobcats play and run their organization. VCU alumni Trista Langdon gave the students an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the four-year old arena. Students received an abundance of information about event and game management as well as the operations involved in running this unique sports facility. In the afternoon on Friday, the bus drove just north of Charlotte to tour the Raceworld USA Complex, which is the headquarters for operations of Michael Waltrip Racing. Students got shown around by CSL graduate Jarian Kerekes. During the tour, the group of students and staff were walking among the employees working on the actual stock cars that compete in the motorsport competitions. The completion of the tour was a video in the HD Theatre on the process leading up to a race in which Waltrip Racing competes. After the movie, the students were visited by eight graduates of the VCU Center for Sport Leadership, all of whom work in or around Charlotte. The panel of alumni fielded questions, gave career advice, and stuck around to speak individually to the students. The annual trip to Charlotte proved to be a very valuable experience for all the students involved. Mark Halewood was particularly impressed by the variety of facilities that were seen by stating, "Being able to see all the different facilities gave us great insight into the diversity within the sports industry." The students will now use the knowledge and insight gained on this trip to help shape their future plans and finish out the Sport Leadership Master's program. By: Ryan Neises, CSL Class of 2010 ]]> http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/11/trip_to_charlotte_offers_insid.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/11/trip_to_charlotte_offers_insid.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:22:28 -0500 On October 6th, Richmond Virginia saw the return of the NBA for the first time in around a decade and anyone who found themselves traveling along Broad street outside the Stuart C. Siegel center would have been very aware a great event was in progress. The demand to see the first NBA exhibition game at the new Verizon Wireless Arena inside the Stuart C. Siegel Center was so high that tickets sold out by 10:00 am the day of the game and the thousand or so fans trying to buy a late ticket were turned away. Thanks to the diligence of the students at the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Sport Leadership, the capacity crowd of 7,500 plus was treated to a competitive preseason opener between the home team Washington Wizards and Allen Iverson's visiting Memphis Grizzlies. The journey for the class started a month prior to tip-off when four members of the Sport Event and Entertainment Development (SEED) class were appointed to take charge of the game's marketing and operations efforts. As point people, the group of four looked to encompass the talents and expertise of the different students in the class which led to the majority of the 35 members finding they were heavily involved in the planning and execution of the marquee event. The dedication of the class was clear, and their influence stretched over many disciplines including marketing, game-day operations, ticketing, hospitality, research and assisting the Wizards coaching staff with their preseason camp which was held at VCU a week prior to the game. It would not be doing the class justice if they were not considered an integral part of the event's lasting success. As, the 7pm tip-off approached it was time for the class to see the fruits of their labor over the last month, they would not be disappointed. Both teams fielded full strength line-ups with former all-stars Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas seeing extensive minutes in both halves. The level of play was high for a preseason game with both teams shooting well and never seeing more than a 9 point lead for the game's entirety. On a great night for the fans, the top-level athletes and intense play were complimented well with a full Wizards game night promotion which was supported by VCU's own pep band and dance team. Each break in play was filled with inspiring music from the band, silky moves from the dancers and plenty of laughs from the Wizards mascot 'G-Whizz'. However, the Wizards dunk team stole the show with their high flying acrobatic dunks which left the sell-out crowd in awe and the kids in the audience wanting more and more. The jam-packed Stuart C. Siegel Center was truly exposed to the full NBA experience. After the game, as the arena emptied and many happy fans returned home after a night to remember, a very weary group of SEED class members took to the floor to assess the culmination of an extremely busy four weeks. It was clear to see, the unspoken words, smiles and body language of all the parties involved pointed to the event being a complete success. Tim Lampe, instructor of the SEED class and Director of Facilities described the event as "one of the most memorable in Siegel Center history" and "great insight into event planning for all the members of my class". Tommy Sheppard, Washington Wizards VP of Basketball Operations said, "Camp was a tremendous success, topped off by a sellout and nice effort last night. We cannot thank everyone enough for all their time and effort." All involved gained invaluable experience and a knowledge that will serve them well into the semester when the SEED class present further events such as the Richmond Symphony Orchestra's 'come and play' concert on November 22nd, 2009. http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/10/csl_students_sell_out_wizardsg.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/10/csl_students_sell_out_wizardsg.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:44:27 -0500 ESPN founder and sports entertainment visionary, Bill Rasmussen paid a visit to VCU's Center for Sport Leadership on Monday, October 5, 2009. Rasmussen spoke to a group of students, faculty, and athletic department staffers, and recounted his experience starting up the now multi-billion dollar media giant. Often referred to as "the George Washington of ESPN," Rasmussen challenged the big three of the time (ABC, NBC, and CBS) with the notion that people would want to see 24-hour sports coverage. That dream became a reality on September 7th, 1979, a day that would forever change the sports world. "Don't let the facts get in the way," Rasmussen imparted on the students as he recalled his struggles in starting the fledgling network. He would eventually secure the rights to several NCAA championships, make Anheuser-Busch television's first million-dollar advertiser, and ultimately change the way sports were covered around the world. Rasmussen took the time to meet with several students afterwards as he offered advice and internship opportunities with his latest undertaking, ColleFanz.com. College Fanz offers fans an opportunity to submit their own photos, videos, and articles on the teams that don't see as much air time on the media giant Rasmussen founded, focusing largely on DII, DIII, and NAIA schools. Rasmussen officially departed from ESPN in 1984, and has since spent his time lecturing and developing new ideas to enhance the way sport is covered. ]]> http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/10/espn_founder_bill_rasmussen_vi.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/10/espn_founder_bill_rasmussen_vi.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:25:14 -0500 On Saturday, September 12, the Center for Sport Leadership (CSL) attended the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Students assisted race day officials in collecting consumer information and were also charged with overseeing the silent auction. After working during the day, students were given pit passes so they could gain a close-up look at pre-race preparations. This experience allowed students to gain a behind the scene perspective of a NASCAR event and helped to strengthen their perceptions of this sport. While exploring the pits, students had the opportunity to speak to CSL alumni Dustin Bass, the Manager of Marketing Partnerships for International Speedway Corporation (ISC). Bass shared vital insight on how to succeed in the sporting industry, outlining his career path since graduating from the CSL, his major responsibilities, and his future goals. His enthusiasm for what he does was evident and the students were very appreciative of his making time to speak with them. Jay Selwood, a current CSL student, stated, "The Center for Sport Leadership's trip to Richmond International Raceway was informative and educational. The chance to work with the employees of RIR was once in a lifetime." Students were also paid a surprise visit from Miss Sprint Cup, Anne-Marie Rhodes. Miss Rhodes talked to the students about the demands of her job and concluded with how much she loves what she does. After a few pictures with students, she resumed her very busy schedule of meeting with CEOs and various crew chiefs. For some CSL students, this was the first NASCAR event they had attended. The experience was overwhelming for some and others commented on how many people were there. Over 100,000 people attended the race and most arrived earlier in the week to camp and spend time with family and friends. "NASCAR is a sport experience like no other; I have never seen so many devoted fans. The excitement and anticipation as the race was about to begin was exhilarating. You could feel the buzz as the cars raced around the track; it was an intense event that everyone should take part in!" commented CSL student Sarah Copeland. Overall, students were overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to attend this event and are looking forward to future events including working the Washington Wizards exhibition game on October 6th against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Siegel Center and an upcoming trip to Charlotte, North Carolina to meet with the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, U.S. National Whitewater Center, Lowe's Motor Speedway, and much more! http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/09/csl_students_rock_roll_at_rir.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/09/csl_students_rock_roll_at_rir.html Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:48:43 -0500 On July 17, 18 and 19, the Center for Sport Leadership at VCU celebrated its 10-Year Anniversary in Virginia Beach. The weekend kicked off with an alumni golf tournament at the Signature at Westneck. The team of John Vellines (Class of 2008), Hunter Leemon (Class of 2009) and Mike Allshouse (Class of 2010) won the innaugural tournament, and collected on VCU vs. ODU tickets and other prizes and gear. John's knee high black socks won the non-fashion award for the tournament (see photo). Later that evening the opening reception was held at Sharx, a local bar and grill, located one block from the strip, and adjacent to the coast. Approximately 50 alumni and friends attended, and enjoyed great food, pool, shuffleboard, and a mean game of corn hole. The faculty and staff were introduced and got a chance to meet and talk with alumni. "This was a great way to start the weekend. Hanging out with friends, enjoying food, and forming new networking opportunities" stated Brian Biggio (Class of 2008). After the social ended at 10 pm, the majority of the group headed across the street to Luna Sea, where games of corn hole continued on until 2 am. It was rumored that a few alumni took a dip in the ocean after closing time. Saturday, after hanging out on the beach and bodysurfing all day, the group traveled to Norfolk to watch the Tides (Orioles) v. Charlotte Knights (White Sox). The Center for Sport Leadership rented the left field picnic area where everyone enjoyed all-u-can eat hot dogs, burgers, and potato salad. Check out this link to watch Brendan Dwyer, our newest faculty member, and Justin Januzzi (Class of 2007) attempting to dive and catch home run balls during the game. Both of them made valiant efforts, only to have the balls pop out of their hands at the last moment. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w=http%3A//mfile.akamai.com/14668/wmv/mlb.download.akamai.com/14668/2009/aaa/nor/video/071809_chrnor_july18.wmv&type=v_free&_mp=1 The Center for Sport Leadership would like to thank all that attended the event. It truly was a lot of fun, and it was great to get to know alumni outside of the academic and professional setting. We look forward to hosting more of these types of events, and hope we can build on this success. Thanks again and have a great rest of summer. ]]> http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/08/center_for_sport_leadership_ce.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/08/center_for_sport_leadership_ce.html Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:18:24 -0500 The same day that the Villa 7 program was taking place in Las Vegas, NV, an article highlighting the elite coaching program appeared on rivals.com. Launch the link below for the full article! http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=966664 http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/07/villa_7_highlighted_in_an_arti.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/07/villa_7_highlighted_in_an_arti.html Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:32:53 -0500 The Center for Sport Leadership proudly presented Lobs & Lessons with a $1,000 check on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 after raising money for the program through Kickin' 4 Kidz. The Kickin' 4 Kidz event, held on April 8, 2009, hosted more than two hundred children for a fun-filled day of soccer and other festivities at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond, Virginia. The children, from nine Richmond-area community centers including the Downtown YMCA, Peter Paul Development Center, Greater Richmond YMCA, Police Athletic League, Southside Boys and Girls Club, Southwood Boys and Girls Club, Capital One Boys and Girls Club, Central Boys and Girls Club, and West End Boys and Girls Club, participated in a morning of soccer skills instruction followed by an afternoon of soccer games. The soccer festivities were accompanied by a carnival-like festival consisting of entertainment activities including inflatables, face painting, and music and dancing from Radio Disney. Through community donations, the Center for Sport Leadership raised funds to donate to the Lobs & Lessons program. Lobs & Lessons was started as a SportsCenter student project in 2004 and now operates under VCU's Office of Community Engagement. Lobs & Lessons promotes education and life skills for elementary school-aged, economically disadvantaged children through the combination of mentoring, tutoring and tennis. Center for Sport Leadership students provide more than 2,000 service hours each school year by working with Lobs & Lessons and other community service groups. Hunter Leemon (Center for Sport Leadership student, class of 2009) and Carrie LeCrom (Assistant Director, Center for Sport Leadership) presented the check to Kathleen Bowles (director of Lobs & Lessons), and Elizabeth Frazier and Michael Frazier (CEO, Genworth Financial and program sponsor of Lobs & Lessons). "The Center for Sport Leadership is thrilled to make this donation to Lobs & Lessons and to continue to support the program by providing mentors," said LeCrom. "Our graduate students treasure their time with the Lobs & Lessons children while at the same time developing a servant leadership base that they can build on throughout their lives. The strong relationship between the Center for Sport Leadership and Lobs & Lessons is one that has brought both programs much success and we look forward to continuing this in the future." ]]> http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/06/center_for_sport_leadership_pr.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/06/center_for_sport_leadership_pr.html Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:31:01 -0500 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (May 13, 2009) - The 2008 North Carolina-Notre Dame football game generated an economic impact of $6.4 million for the Chapel Hill and Orange County economies plus $325,000 in local and state tax revenue, according a study by Nathan Tomasini of Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Sport Leadership. "The results of this study clearly indicate the tremendous economic benefit of home football games for Chapel Hill and the surrounding community," said UNC Director of Athletics Dick Baddour. "We look forward to continuing to collaborate with many community organizations to make Kenan Stadium and Chapel Hill the best place there is to enjoy a college football weekend." Last year, eight Chapel Hill area organizations united to produce the "Touch Downtown Chapel Hill" campaign with the shared goal of bolstering the community, hometown spirit and economic activity during football weekends in 2008. The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, Town of Chapel Hill, UNC Department of Athletics, The UNC Rams Club, Tar Heel Sports Properties and UNC General Alumni Association were partners in the campaign. "Touch Downtown" strived to encourage football fans, both residents and visitors, to start early and stay late in the Chapel Hill area after the game ends and enjoy nearly 100 restaurants, 50 specialty stores and a mile of family cultural attractions. Among other key findings in the study: - The average age of attendees was slightly higher (45-54) than the average collegiate football attendee across the country (mid 30s), although the average age of a Carolina attendee has slightly decreased over the past few years. - A total of 83.9% of attendees came from North Carolina. Indiana, home to Notre Dame, represented 2.3% of the attendance population, totaling approximately 1,400 people. In addition, 41.2% of Notre Dame fans came from North Carolina, with many of the fans coming from Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. - Of the 83.9% of attendees that came from North Carolina, 38.6% came from the Triangle. - A total of 45.0% of all attendees planned to attend all Carolina home games. "UNC Football is certainly an important part of the local visitor economy," said Laurie Paolicelli, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau. "And with a coordinated effort like 'Touch Downtown,' we look forward to seeing local spending grow continue to grow, which supports local businesses and our important local government services. "It's interesting to note that these statistics are very aligned with our destination visitor profiles. The average visitor to all three towns is 49 years old, from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia and has a median household income higher than the national average. They like to shop and play while here." In 2009, the partners are committed to enhancing both the gameday and destination experience when North Carolina faces The Citadel on September 5, East Carolina on September 19, Virginia on October 3, Georgia Southern on October 10, Florida State on October 22, Duke on November 7 and Miami on November 14. They plan to build upon many of last year's marketing vehicles that included magazine, radio and interactive ads, street banners, a dedicated web site TouchDowntown.com, email blasts, brochures, a concerted communications and publicity push and numerous cross promotions. "In today's economy, it's important to ask for the business," said Aaron Nelson, President and CEO of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. "There was a day when we could assume our streets, hotels and restaurants would be full but other communities have stepped up their efforts to attract Carolina fans and we must do the same. 'Touch Downtown' tells fans - new and seasoned - that Chapel Hill wants their business. That's a smart move." Nathan Tomasini, Ph.D., is the Director of the Center for Sport Leadership, a graduate program in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to his work with the University of North Carolina Athletics, Tomasini's client list includes the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Big Sky Conference, Gonzaga Basketball, Ironman, the National Hockey League and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/06/tomasini_and_vcu_conduct_econo.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/06/tomasini_and_vcu_conduct_econo.html Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:56:53 -0500 Richmond, VA (April 8, 2009) - The VCU SportsCenter hosted more than two hundred children for Kickin' 4 Kidz, a community soccer festival held on April 8th at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond. The children, from nine Richmond-area community centers including the Downtown YMCA, Peter Paul Development Center, Greater Richmond YMCA, Police Athletic League, Southside Boys and Girls Club, Southwood Boys and Girls Club, Capital One Boys and Girls Club, Central Boys and Girls Club, and West End Boys and Girls Club, participated in a morning of soccer skills instruction followed by an afternoon of soccer games. The soccer festivities were accompanied by a carnival-like festival of entertainment activities including inflatable obstacle courses, face painting, and music and dancing from Radio Disney. Olympic Gold Medalist and VCU women's soccer coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak came out to meet the children and provided them with an opportunity to hold her Olympic medals. Dr. Nathan Tomasini, Director of the SportsCenter, said, "We had high hopes for this event, but I must say that our expectations were exceeded. The students did a tremendous job putting this event together and it really showed in how smoothly the event ran. But most importantly, the kids had a great time, and that was the purpose for the whole event." Individuals and businesses in the Richmond community, through over $19,000 in cash and other donations supported Richmond's inner-city children through Kickin' 4 Kidz and Lobs & Lessons, a VCU program that works with at-risk children in the greater Richmond area. Kickin' 4 Kidz was created by thirty graduate students as a learning opportunity to better understand the sport and event planning industry. SportsCenter student Ashley Bolton understands the value of the event for her education. "Kickin' 4 Kidz provided hands on experience into event planning and management that will prove valuable to me as I look to build my career." Hunter Leemon added "the event was really fun, not just for the kids but for the SportsCenter students as well. Both groups benefited from this opportunity." The VCU SportsCenter would like to thank all of the participants, volunteers, and sponsors that allowed this event to take place. Without all of their help and support this event would not have been possible. Sponsors included: Chill Water, Chick-Fil-A, SCOR, Carpool, Strictly Soccer, McDonald's, Science Museum of Virginia, Harris Teeter, CJW Medical Center, Richmond Strikers, and VCU Athletics. Their efforts in this event support the youth of the Richmond Community. Kickin' 4 Kids By The Numbers... 227 Participants 30 Graduate Students 9 City of Richmond Community Centers 25 Volunteers 39 Soccer Balls More than $19,000 of contributions to Kickin' 4 Kidz and Lobs & Lessons 1 Great Event! ]]> http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/04/first_annual_vcu_sportscenter.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/04/first_annual_vcu_sportscenter.html Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:07:39 -0500 Inner-City Soccer Event Will Benefit Lobs & Lessons Richmond, Va. (March 18, 2009) -- Virginia Commonwealth University's SportsCenter is proud to announce Kickin' 4 Kidz, a community service event to be held this spring. The event, held for children in the Richmond community, will promote a healthy and active lifestyle, teamwork and community spirit through a day of soccer activities for Richmond's after school programs and raise money and awareness for Lobs & Lessons. Kickin' 4 Kidz has been created by 30 graduate students as a learning experience that will also benefit the community. Since November, students have worked to turn preliminary ideas of the event into a reality. Children from several area community centers, including local YMCA's and Boy's & Girl's Clubs, will participate in a morning of soccer instruction followed by four-on-four tournament-style soccer matches. Dr. Nathan Tomasini, Director of the SportsCenter, says "This event allows our graduate students to get hands on experience planning and organizing a major event, and they learn that we can make a difference in the community." The VCU SportsCenter has been involved with the creation of a variety of community service events in its ten year history including "The Journey, On the Field and Beyond," a seminar for local high school athletes, and "Rams Reaching Out," a service-oriented group. Donations for Lobs & Lessons will be collected between now and April 8, 2009 at our partner locations in the Richmond community. For more information on these locations contact the VCU SportsCenter. http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/03/vcu_sportscenter_introduces_ki.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2009/03/vcu_sportscenter_introduces_ki.html Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:31:03 -0500 On Wednesday July 30, 2008, Nathan Tomasini, Ph.D., was named director of the VCU SportsCenter. Tomasini began his involvement in collegiate athletics and higher education in 1997 when he was hired in marketing for Sacramento State Athletics, while also teaching in the kinesiology department. Wanting to further his education, in 2003, he completed his Ph.D. in Sport Administration at the University of Northern Colorado. While completing his degree, Tomasini instructed a number of sport administration courses and worked on the feasibility plan for Northern Colorado’s transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. Upon the completion of his doctorate, Tomasini was hired at the University of North Carolina to develop their undergraduate sport administration program, and he eventually became the director of graduate studies in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. While at Carolina, Tomasini worked with the Department of Athletics and the Atlantic Coast Conference conducting market research and economic impact studies. The VCU SportsCenter hired Tomasini in the fall of 2007 as the associate director for academic affairs. With prior experience coaching basketball, additional duties were to manage Villa 7, a successful program designed to bring top Division I assistant basketball coaches together with athletic directors of Division I universities to network and discuss opportunities for career advancement. Tomasini has already made great strides toward improving the VCU SportsCenter in both academics and appearance. The SportsCenter has undergone a major restructuring this summer and is primed for great success. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the SportsCenter and helping to build this into one of the top programs in the country.” The VCU SportsCenter will begin the 2008-09 academic year on Aug. 21, 2008 when new and returning students arrive for orientation. http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2008/08/sportscenter_names_new_directo.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2008/08/sportscenter_names_new_directo.html Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:21:53 -0500 Siri Mullinix, Olympic medalist and NCAA national champion, is joining the VCU family as the goalkeeper coach for the women’s soccer team, and will begin classes at the VCU SportsCenter this fall. Mullinix’s accomplishments are extensive, including being named a two-time first-team All-American and winning the national title twice with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels’ storied program. As a professional, Mullinix won a silver medal while competing with the 2000 Olympic U.S. Women’s national soccer team, and was a major force in the Women’s United Soccer Association, competing with the Washington Freedom. The relationship between VCU women’s co-head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak and Mullinix was a main factor in securing Mullinix as the new women’s soccer goalkeeper coach. Mullinix said in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “I’ve known [Roberts Sahaydak and her husband, Tim, the Ram’s co-head coach] for a long time so I know I’m joining a great staff. To also get an opportunity to work with a good friend and an old teammate again was very appealing and extremely exciting.” Mullinix was hired as the women’s goalkeeper coach after working at UNC Greensboro for the past three years. “Siri will be a great addition to our program this year,” says Nathan Tomasini, Ph.D., director of the VCU SportsCenter; “She will provide the students with invaluable insight into the inner workings of collegiate, professional and Olympic sports, and will also be a tremendous source for networking.” The VCU SportsCenter is excited Mullinix will be attending in the fall as she will add to the already outstanding list of new and returning students. http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2008/08/olympic_medalist_attends_sport.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2008/08/olympic_medalist_attends_sport.html Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:36:09 -0500 http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2008/06/alumni_omar_banks_earns_elite_1.html http://blog.vcu.edu/sportleadership/2008/06/alumni_omar_banks_earns_elite_1.html Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:51:37 -0500