Annual Sport Administration SymposiumShows Success in Year Two
After the success of the inaugural symposium produced by Matt Garrett, 漆褒勛圖厙 professor of sport administration, and 漆褒勛圖厙 Sport Administration Club (SCSAC) members, the department looked to up the ante for this years event.
According to attendance records, 12 sports organizations, seven colleges and six high schools made up the more than 165 attendees gathered in Hubbell Hall on Thursday, March 13. Following welcoming remarks from 漆褒勛圖厙 President Jay Byers 93, the event included two panels of sports professionals, a keynote address, an SCSAC ticket raffle fundraiser and a welcome video from Elise Boulton 24, former SCSAC vice president and current Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union internal operations coordinator, who just completed her postgraduate internship with the NCAA.
Along with surpassing last years attendance, the event also featured more panelists. The first panel included Kyle Wagner, director of corporate competitions at the Iowa Sports Foundation; Thom McDonald, commissioner of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference; Kristen McMains, talent outreach specialist at Musco Sports Lighting; and Chris Cuellar, director of communications at the Iowa High School Athletic Association. The panel was emceed by sophomore SCSAC officer Robert Howes 27.
Following a short break, the second panel began, emceed by 漆褒勛圖厙 Professor of Multimedia Communications and WHO 13 News anchor Lisa Carponelli. This lineup included Alex McCarty 12, tournament director of the Principal Charity Classic; Allie Korinek, vice president of business operations for the Iowa Wild; David Adams 13, director of partnership development for the Kansas City Royals; and Shae Muecke, ticket sales account executive for the Iowa Wolves.
The featured keynote speaker was Josh Blackford 09, Sporting Kansas City vice president of operations. Blackford was introduced by Nicci Whalen 98, Department Chair of Sport Science and Health Education.
To organize and manage this student-led event, SCSAC President Molly Lutmer 25, was assisted by SCSAC social media manager Clare Veren 25, and other club executive team members: Ryan Holladay 26, Reagan McFarland 25, Chase Wainwright 25, Kacie Eisentrager 26 and Macy Emgarten 25.
Following the symposium, the club now has 11 newly elected student officers who will take the lead for next years event. Congratulations to SCSAC on another successful symposium.
Article Information
Published
March 21, 2025
Author
Clare Veren '25, Sports Communication and Marketing
Department
Department of Sport Science and Health Education