Erie Bayhawks

So, this post is going to be a little bit about myself today.

Yesterday, I had an interview with the Erie Bayhawks to take on a practicum between Fall and Spring semester. I was getting a little bit frustrated because my interview was moved several times, and the day that it was on was very rainy and windy, so the drive there was not very exciting.

I met with the woman who would be my supervisor, and she asked me a couple of basic questions I had been prepared for because of so much practice within the major. She took me on a tour of Erie Insurance Arena. There were brand new basketball hoops, and also new flooring that had just been put in that morning. It was very exciting to see the new changes since I had been to a few games in the past.

We then went back to her office across the street, I met the staff (who are all super friendly) and she asked me to do a task for her. I was a little confused because we were supposed to be talking about what she needed from me, and what I needed from her. Nevertheless, I did as she asked. She then proceeded to fill out my paperwork and handed it to me when I completed said task.

Therefore, I got the practicum! Very stoked to be working with the Bayhawks staff over the winter, and further my knowledge of the professional sport industry. Go Bayhawks!

On another note, the Celtics beat the 76ers last night 112-95. Isaiah Thomas had 27 points and 7 assists. Go Celts!

Tip-Off is here!

Okay, NBA Junkies this one is for you. Today (Tuesday October 27th) starts the 2015-2016 NBA season. What are your thoughts/predictions? Who will win their division? What injuries await us this year? But most importantly, who will be taking home the championship in 2016?

Well, here are some guesses...
Statistics show that The Eastern Conference playoffs will consist of:

Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks (not in that particular order)
         However, can Derrick Rose stay healthy enough to push his team to the playoffs? Will the Celtics be able to  brush past their last struggling years and pull through? Will LeBron James be able to do what he couldn't last year? Those questions will be answered soon enough.

Western conference consists of:
Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and the New Orleans Pelicans (not in that particular order).
     What are James Harden and Stephen Curry up to this year? What about Doc and his Clippers?

Unfortunately, we will have to keep ourselves busy until playoff season comes in 2016.
The Bulls host the Cavs tonight in Chicago at 8:00. (Go Bulls!)

1,000 to 1

The other day I was scrolling through Netflix, as per usual, and I came across an inspirational story about a basketball player who suffered a stroke. Cory Weissman attended Gettysburg College on a scholarship for basketball. While training in the weight room before his freshman season had begun, Cory suffered a massive stroke.

Cory was born with an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) and it had burst in his brain, and was left paralyzed on his left side. Over the course of the next three years Cory had to learn to walk, run, tie his shoes, and even do simple math problems like 5 + 5.

His road to recovery was tough because he wasn't able to do the one thing he loved most, and that was to play basketball. Then, a miracle happened. After years of PT, and self-determination, Cory got to step on the court as a Bullet. he was only in for the tip, which the coaches from both teams had planned ahead of time. Gettysburg held a solid lead of about 20 points with 4 minutes left to play in the 4th quarter. Then, Cory's coach put him in. It was a spur of the moment thing, and nobody saw it coming. The other team fouled Cory when he got the ball, just so he could make a shot. Weissman stepped to the free-throw line and missed the first shot. Then, he made the second one which accounted for his one and only college career point in a game.

Cory overcame what people thought would have stopped him dead in his tracks. Cory now resides in L.A. and works as a personal trainer, and continues to inspire, and lift those up that had to suffer the way that he did.

Cory Weissman shooting his foul shot.

Rock Homecoming

This past weekend (October 9-11th) Slippery Rock University celebrated their homecoming and reunion weekend. This is a time where a lot of alumni come back to campus to tour, re-connect, and of course watch the football team.

Saturday started off with the annual homecoming parade on Main Street. Many sororities, fraternities, clubs, and sports team made floats and some even dressed up because we are nearing Halloween weekend. Then, tailgating for the game started around 11 o'clock in the parking lot of Mihalik-Thompson stadium.

Kick-off began around 2 p.m. for the football game. The Rock dominated California University of Pennsylvania 56-21 putting the Rock at 5-1 for the season.

Also, during halftime the homecoming king and queen were announced. Shane Sanders won king,  and Kaci Vandergrift for queen. Congratulations!

Social Media's New Role

As many of  you probably know, a lot of our favorite athletes are now more accessible through the use of social media. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even Snapchat we are able to communicate and connect with whomever we would like. Now, you can even watch your favorite NBA teams practice.

The NBA and Facebook have been working together since 2007, and now you can watch live broadcasts from training camps from teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, and even the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With these broadcasts you are able to watch exactly what goes on during training for the upcoming season. You will also be able to get insider information about what player is doing what. Social Media is expanding its role even farther, who knows where they'll go next?

Rock Soccer

Last night I had the pleasure of working the Rock Men's Soccer game here at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. I also had a front row seat, because the sub table I was working was right behind the out-of-bounds lines.

Looking at the roster from Number 25 Notre Dame, I was a little concerned. 26 of their players reign from other countries including England, Spain, France, Brazil, and Australia. However, the Rock was able to beat this team 2-1.

Notre Dame took 22 shots to try and push past the rock, however, junior goalkeeper Steven Rerick had 9 (really impressive) saves to keep the Rock just ahead of the Falcons.

Mike Ilodigwe scored SRU's first goal by receiving a corner kick from George Oakley. Justin Minda was awarded his first goal while playing here at The Rock giving Slippery Rock the lead 2-1.

The victory gives The Rock a 6-3 overall record. The Rock will take on Bloomsburg University on Saturday at 1 p.m. at James Egli Field. Go Rock!

Career Paths & Opportunities

The big question is: Where can I go with this degree?

Well, the communication world is very open, however limited when it comes to hiring. Experience is  the most important aspect of starting a career in the Sport Communication world. Here are some things that can get you started:

1. Be experienced with all of Microsoft office
2. Know how to photo shop, do graphics, etc.
3. Keep up-to-date on what is happening in the sports field
4. Get a job or speak with the Sports Information Director (SID) at your school.
5. Be up-to-date on how all forms of social media are used.

The two biggest career paths to take in this field is an SID or a Public Relations Coordinator. Both of these jobs require social media, keeping up-to-date on players, and the game, and dealing with the media. In PR you don't necessarily need to be persuasive, but know the ins and outs of your organization, and the management staff.

These jobs require long, hard hours. But in the end there's nothing but reward. I mean, who wouldn't want to deal with sports for a living?

Let me introduce myself

Hello, my name is Amanda Howett and I am currently studying Sport Management and Communication at Slippery Rock University. Hailing from Erie, Pennsylvania I have been around sports since I was able to walk. Between my parents and extended family sports are in my blood. I grew up playing softball, basketball, and soccer. When reaching high school I dropped everything and focused on year-round softball. 

Unfortunately, I was hurt my junior year and was unable to continue my career into a competitive level in college. The saying goes "those who can't do, teach" so I chose Sport Management as a career path. I can't imagine what my childhood would have been like without sports, and I don't want to live through adulthood without them either,

My ultimate goal is to stay along the communication path in sports, and I would like to end up with a professional basketball team running social media accounts. I'm a big Boston fan (not including the Patriots) so I'd like to end up with the Celtics or the Red Sox.