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Introduction

  • Thankfulness for attendance
  • Reference to good weather as a backdrop to the evening

Personal Background

Educational Journey

  • Graduated in Radio TV in 1986
  • Used tools like razor blades for editing reel-to-reel tape
  • Started in sports broadcasting, focusing on football and basketball
Career Milestones
  • Returned to Butler University to host men’s basketball radio
  • Called a national championship game, emphasizing that one should not limit their dreams

Growing Up in Lafayette, Indiana

  • Close to Purdue University
  • Friends from high school came to Butler for radio TV
  • Mention of Dick Ray, significant figure in local media

Early Career and Networking

Internship Opportunities

  • Began working with Purdue Sports Information Office proofreading guides
    • Connection made through tennis acquaintance Bob Walter
  • Interned with the Indianapolis Colts, gained varied experience
    • Highlighted significant events like attending games in Los Angeles, Miami, and the NBC truck in Buffalo
Importance of Networking
  • First opportunity led to second through networking
  • Stress on taking advantage of opportunities for gaining experience

Job Application Insights

  • Observations from job postings in Butler Athletics
    • Averaging about 300 applicants per job
    • AI is frequently used to filter resumes
  • Highlighting the importance of networking to stand out
Example from Indy Eleven
  • Outlined experiences with Indy Eleven Pro Soccer and Butler players involved
  • Review of 80 resumes for internships, demonstrating the importance of personal connections

The Relevance of LinkedIn and Online Job Portals

LinkedIn Profiles

  • Emphasis on having a strong LinkedIn profile as a hiring tool
  • The power of leveraging networks to access job opportunities
Teamwork Online
  • A resource for sports jobs
  • Importance of regular job searches and connecting with peers who may have insights on opportunities

Real-Life Experiences and Lessons Learned

Transition to Professional Life

  • First job offer in news highlighted a low priority for news broadcasting
  • Transitioned to sports, learning various skills that opened new avenues
  • Experience as a graduate assistant at Butler
Career Path Decisions
  • Experiences as assistant AD and desire to become athletic director
  • Reflections on working at the IHSAA and returning to Butler with a focus on corporate partnerships
    • Realization that sales skills are essential in all professions

Chronicles of Butler Basketball and National Events

NCAA Tournament Journey
  • Experience during the 2010 Final Four with Butler Basketball
  • Detailed recollections of media engagements and game preparations
  • Kevin Stevens' coaching philosophy focusing on preparation and continuous improvement
Iconic Moments
  • Reflections on the memorable shot by Gordon Hayward
  • Personal preparation for monumental games
    • Experience of broadcasting on a national platform, showcasing Butler's journey

Recent Role at Indy Eleven

Adjustments in Communication Strategies

  • Transition from traditional press to digital communications and social media
  • Experience with integrating social strategies to reach diverse communities
Successes and Future Goals
  • Promotion of Indy Eleven, particularly focused on the Hispanic community
  • Achievements concerning event successes and community engagement
    • Key moments such as reaching the semifinals in the Open Cup

Concluding Thoughts

  • Emphasis on ability to learn and adapt to new roles and technologies
  • The importance of maintaining relationships and networks throughout one’s career
  • The notion of controlling the controllables in professional environments
  • Personal narrative woven throughout as a message of opportunities and continuous growth in the sports industry.