Since 2020, Georgia & SEC have greatest financial return on investment. UCLA, Rutgers & Big Ten at the bottom. List of FBS schools & conferences.

I’ve been discussing some financial concepts with my Sport Finance class, and began to think of value with respect to all of the investment in college athletics programs, especially the amount of debt paid to enhance athletics facilities and, in some ways, help to pay for golden parachutes for college athletics coaches. Debt was also used to help keep some athletic departments (such as Iowa, Indiana, and South Carolina) stable and above water during the limited athletics campaign in the COVID 2020-2021 epidemic. 

Return on Investment of Capital (ROIC)
 

So, I began to think of Return on Investment of Capital as a concept to rate an athletics department’s financial value relative to other athletics departments. Return on Investment = Earnings / (Debt + Equity) (link). An interesting part for this exercise was not earnings (revenue - expenses), but rather the “capital” side of the denominator beyond athletically-related debt. How, or should, we measure equity?  

Research shows higher education programs, like businesses, consider government support and private grants as equity when making financial decisions (link, link). Colleges that receive this type of support on an annual basis become accustomed to this support and roll it into their budgeting decisions. It goes like this: government “equity” helps to fund a product (higher education) to benefit the greater good (building of minds and our future leaders).  

Institutional and government support of educational programs is equity: this money received by an institution turns into an investment from the institution back into the educational enterprise, with future societal benefits (including a richer tax base). Institutional support of athletics would be similar to a company (say, Nike) investing cash into its business to build a new production facility for a new line of shoes. Government support specifically to athletics is rare and fairly insignificant, often related to a state law (say, Title IX) requiring investment for meeting certain legal requirements.  Therefore, the focus of this article includes subsidization as equity in the ROIC calculation. 

 
Read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/since-2020-georgia-sec-have-greatest-financial-return-hirko-ph-d-/

Brandon Unverferth named DC Sport Management Student of the Month for September 2022

(Oct. 16, 2022) -- Defiance College student Brandon Unverferth is the college's "Sport Management Student of the Month" for September 2022.  Unverferth is from Ottawa, Ohio, in Putnam County.  He has a self-designed major in "Sport Communication" in which he is working with faculty in Communication, English, and Sport Management.  He is a leader in the new Sport Analytics class, SPMT 350.  Unverferth is the sports editor for DC's online newspaper, the Defender and also works in DC Athletics' Sports Information office. Unverferth aspires to become a sports journalist for a major sports network such as ESPN, CBS, or FOX and focus on college football.

Congratulations, Brandon!

"Hail the Purple and the Gold" exhibit at DC Archives in Dana Hall: now through Oct. 28

Currently on display in the DC Women's Commission Gallery is the fourth DC Archives Special Collection Exhibit offering viewers a unique glimpse into the history of DC athletics. Featured is a video recording of a presentation on DC sports history as documented by the DC Archives by Lead Librarian and Coordinator of Metadata and Archives, Barb Sedlock. The exhibit runs through October 28th.

 

Looking for an internship? Here's a list of 312 internships across USA

 If you are looking for an internship, be creative. 

1. Think about an internship away from home, or away from Defiance. 
2. Look for an opportunity that pays $$$$.  
3. Have your resume completed, and proofreaded.
   
4. And, find an internship in an area that interests you: ticket sales, corporate sales, events, sports information, team merchandise, graphic design, box office/ticket sales, or otherwise.
   

I just came across this link on Team Work Online, which shows MORE THAN 300 internships across the country:

https://www.teamworkonline.com/jobs-in-sports?employment_opportunity_search%5Bquery%5D=intern&commit=Search&employment_opportunity_search%5Bsort_by%5D=most_recent

You're ready - so go for it!

--SRH--

Pennsylvania Sports Business Conference

For the 13th consecutive year, The Pennsylvania Sports Business Conference will take place at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). 

We would love for you and your students to attend, as this is a great opportunity to network with professionals in the sport industry. SAVE THE DATE for this annual conference: April 23, 2023.  Thank you in advance, and we hope to see you there!

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Hadley Building. 

- SRH - 

I found 18 profitable & 211 money-losing NCAA Division-I public athletic programs in 2020

I was doing some research using the Knight-Newhouse College Athletics Database to calculate the profit of Divison I public athletic programs. I was trying to learn how many programs turned a profit in 2020 (the 2021 COVID year was not used because it has some convoluted, though interesting, data: for instance, ticket sales varied greatly based on conference rules and state laws related to the pandemic; and, many athletic departments reduced staff or asked coaches to take pay cuts). Therefore, I created a complete list for all Division I institutions (below).

Of available data, a total of 18 of 229 public Division I athletics programs generated more money than they spent in 2020. This ranged from a whopping $270 million profit (thank you for the gift, Nike co-founder Phil Knight) at the University of Oregon to a massive $48.2 million deficit at James Madison University. (Notably, military academies were not included, and some institutions did not provide data).

How was this calculated?  Link here to read the article on LinkedIn and to access the full data set.

Watch the video interview posted on Matt Brown's "Extra Points" through College Sports Connect:

Welcome Back to Defiance Fall 2022!

Welcome Back Defiance Sport Management students

For those coming to Defiance College for the first time, including freshmen, WELCOME and congratulations of being a Yellow Jacket!  For those returning, we hope you had a great summer break. It is our hope after these first few weeks that you have settled in well to your classes and met new DC sport management and other DC students.

A few announcements for the Fall 2022:

1. We welcome Dr. Keith Christy as our new Sport Management faculty member.  Dr. Christy will be teaching Introduction to Sport Management (SPMT 130) and Event & Facility Management (SPMT 230) this fall.  You can read more about Dr. Christy and visit his bio over at LinkedIn.  
2. Become involved this fall!  I encourage you to consider joining a student group to enhance your experience (and boost your resume).  Contact the Office of Student Life to learn about more DC Student Organizations. 
3. Use this website as a resource with links, job information, information about classes and the Sport Management curriculum, advising information, and other items of note going on in the sport industry.
4. Come to class on time - and a reminder: DO NOT BRING YOUR MEAL TO CLASS.  If you are hungry, go ahead and eat before entering the classroom.  This respects others in class. 
5. Read the syllabi! The syllabi, which can be adjusted throughout the term, is your guidebook to your class.  It includes learning objectives, expectations, assessment (how you will be graded), and a general outline of content.  It also includes what materials are required for class. 
   
6. For athletes: YOU ARE NOT EXCUSED to leave class early for games or practices.  You are a student first, and coaches are aware of your obligations to your academic classwork. 
7. For athletes: we understand your commitment to athletic contests and the need to travel.  You will be excused from all of in-class work and attendance when you are on the road to represent DC on the athletics field/court. 
8. We will choose a Sport Management Student of the Month throughout the school year for students that standout in the classroom or are good representatives of the Sport Management Program. Look for Announcements!
   
9. Questions? If you have any questions at all, feel free to email Dr. Scott Hirko, shirko@defiance.edu.
   

REGISTER TODAY for Sport Analytics this FALL 2022!!!

Use statistics to play Fantasy Football IN CLASS. 

SPMT 250, Fall 2022.  
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:45 - 2 pm.
Dr. Scott Hirko, Assistant Professor

Take Sport Analytics this fall and get an edge in the sport industry.

This course is intended for undergraduate students in sport management to develop a basic understanding of the analytics in the sports industry.  The role of analytics is continually increasing in the global sports industry, students need to understand how analytics are used.

• Understand the use of statistics in player performance, team management, team valuation, and sponsorship
• Interpret marketing and purchase based evidence used by sports organizations
• Interactive, experiential and cooperative learning experience
• Learn and play Fantasy Football throughout the fall
• Big-time database use: learn how to use the Knight-Newhouse College Athletics Database to investigate revenue and expense trends in intercollegiate athletics
• Participate in analyzing actual fan engagement of real live sporting events
• Comprehend and use sabermetrics (baseball analytics)
  
• And more!

How will SPMT 250 impact my plan of study?

* Use this as an elective to contribute to your overall sport management experience  
* For freshmen and new sport management majors, this course is required
* There are no pre-requisites

REGISTER FOR SPMT 250 TODAY WHILE SPACE IS AVAILABLE

Questions?   CONTACT Dr. Hirko, shirko@defiance.edu

-SRH-

Dr. Keith Christy joins Defiance College Sport Management Program

(July 27, 2022) -- The Defiance College (DC) Sport Management Program acknowledges the hiring of Dr. Keith Christy as an Associate Professor.  Dr. Christy previously taught at Adrian College the past decade (2012-2022), and returns to Defiance where he taught from 2009-2012. He has also served as Vice President of the Michigan Sport Management Association from 2015-2017.

"I'm excited to get started, expand the strengths of Sport Management program, be a mentor, and help to build the great educational foundation provided by Defiance College," said Dr. Christy.  

Said Program Director Dr. Scott Hirko: "Dr. Christy has a great reputation of network-building and helping provide students with real world experiences in sports, such as the Super Bowl and the Final Four. It's great to have him back at Defiance to make a difference in educating our students."

Dr. Christy has been assisting the DC admissions office this summer, and as part of his responsibilities will also be working with the DC athletics department.   He earned a PhD from The Ohio State University, a Master's degree from Michigan State University and a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University. Dr. Christy also keeps an active account on the LinkedIn platform.

To the DC community: an unknown fact about Dr. Christy is how busy he truly is: also helping to coach the 8th grade football team at Perrysburg where his son plays.  

Welcome Dr. Christy!

To learn more about the DC sport management program, visit https://defiancesportmanagement.blogspot.com/

 - SRH - 

Dr. Hirko creates free LinkedIn newsletter, "The Wide World of College Sports."

Beginning in June 2022, Dr. Hirko launched the new "Wide World of College Sports" newsletter on the LinkedIn platform to help bring perspective and understanding of the many issues of intercollegiate athletics.  His primary point of view will relate to the finances of college sports, but will also include other articles that involve policy and decision-making.  The newsletter will be published weekly throughout the year.  You can subscribe for it to be sent to your mailbox when published.  SUBSCRIBE HERE. 

A list of his articles published to date is below:

Edition 4.  June 24: A summary of today’s NIL landscape: Learn from those involved. 

Edition 3. June 17: How much does it cost to build a new college football stadium? Case study of USF’s new stadium project. 

Edition 2. June 12: Part II: The truth about football and college sport expenses 

Edition 1. June 6: How does the money work in college sports? Part I: The dominance of football revenue 

You are welcome to join at any time.  

NFL Films Fall 2022 Internship

Wanna work in the NFL?  Check out all these uber-cool internship opportunities!

NFL Films Fall 2022 Internship: Mount Laurel, NJ, United States

COMPANY INFORMATION

 Winner of 133 Emmy Awards, NFL Films is widely recognized as the most honored filmmaker in sports and is credited with revolutionizing the way America watches football and sports in general. Each year, NFL Films produces more than 600 hours of new NFL programming for NFL Network, ESPN, HBO, Showtime, all major broadcast and numerous cable networks, NFL.com, and content-streaming platforms. Additionally, NFL Films provides audio/visual and engineering support for other divisions of the NFL.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The NFL Films Internship Program is a paid opportunity. Participants in the program have the opportunity to experience one of the most unique learning environments in the television and film industries. The NFL Films Internship Program is known for offering an applied approach to learning. Our award-winning staff is willing to assist and mentor individuals with a serious desire to further their studies and achieve their career goals. Incorporated into the internship program are seminars that cover topics such as navigating the unique employment landscape in this industry, the importance of networking, freelancing, and Q-&-A sessions with executives and former interns. Additionally, we provide time for interns to observe and experience all phases of our operations in film and video production.

The NFL Films Internship Program is not a rotational experience. Interns are assigned to (1) department for the duration of their internship. There are several departments within NFL Films that offer internship opportunities. A description of each position can be found below. We will assign an intern in one position based on their stated interest, course of study, experience, and career path. Please thoroughly read through each department description before selecting your area of interest in our application.

REQUIREMENTS

The NFL Films Fall 2022 Internship program is from Monday, August 29, 2022 - Friday February 17, 2023. Applicants must be available for the duration of the internship session, at least three full-days a week from Monday through Friday (Full days = 8 hours; Half days are not an option for most positions). This internship is open to current college students and recent college graduates. Students must either be enrolled in a full-time academic program and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 is required), or a college graduate up to 1-year from graduation date at the start of the internship session. Academic transcripts (official or unofficial) will be requested. Acceptance is contingent upon the outcome of a standard background investigation.

TO APPLY

Complete the online application and questionnaire. When prompted, please upload both a cover letter and resume. IMPORTANT **YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE REVIEWED IF IT DOES NOT CONTAIN BOTH A COVER LETTER & RESUME**

SCHEDULE

Program Start Date: Monday, August 29, 2022. Program End Date: Friday, February 17, 2022.

FOR MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS, LINK HERE

• CREATIVE PRODUCING (Descriptors: Creative Storytelling & Editing; Office-Based; Long-Form Content Creation
• CREATIVE PRODUCING: SOCIAL MEDIA (Descriptors: Creative; Office-Based; Video Editing; Analytics)
• STUDIO SHOW PRODUCING (Descriptors: Creative; Control-Room Based; Producing & Editing)
• STUDIO SHOW PRODUCING: FOOTBALL ANALYSIS (Descriptors: All-22; Xs & Os; Technical & Creative)
  
• VIDEO EDITING & COLOR GRADING (Descriptors: Technical Editing; Office-Based; Post-Production)
• ARCHIVAL RESEARCH/MEDIA SERVICES (Descriptors: Technical Editing; Office-Based; Football-Focused)
• 3D MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGN (Descriptors: Creative; Office-Based; Generalist)
  
• BUSINESS AFFAIRS (Descriptors: Compliance; Office-Based; Transactional, Negotiations; Media and Entertainment Law)
• FOOTAGE RESEARCH & ACQUISITION (Descriptors: Administrative; Office-Based; Research & Coordination; Teamwork)
• PRODUCTION BUDGETING & MANAGEMENT (Descriptors: Administrative; Office-Based; Management & Coordination of Creative)
• INTERVIEW COORDINATION (Descriptors: Administrative; Office-Based; Production Management & Coordination; Football-Focused)
• CINEMATOGRAPHY (Descriptors: Technical; In-Office, Set Work & Field Work; Creative)
• FIELD OPERATIONS (Descriptors: Administrative, Office-Based; Creative Management & Coordination; Logistics)
• AUDIO ENGINEERING & TELEVISION MIXING (Descriptors: Creative & Technical; Office-Based; Film/TV Sound Design)
• STUDIO PRODUCTION & AUDIO/VISUAL ENGINEERING  (Descriptors: Technical; Studio-based; Dynamic)

CONGRATS 2022 DEFIANCE COLLEGE SPORT MANAGEMENT GRADS!

 

(5/14/22)-- Defiance College Sport Management graduates From left: Nathan Dull, Brendan Good, Julian Caballero, Chase Stiner, Luke Thomeier (MBA), Taylor Day.  Not pictured:  Mackenzie Benham, Amin Shaheed

Congratulations to Defiance College's major and minor Sport Managment Class of 2022.   These grads are game changers who are well prepared to make a difference in the sport industry! 

-SRH-
 

DC Sport Management Fall 2022 Schedule Announced

Please find below the schedule for Fall 2022.  Recently, the Defiance College faculty passed a significant change to the Sport Management Program major and minor.  The new schedule for the Fall is reflected below.

FIELD STUDY STUDENTS:  If you had scheduled a Field Study for Fall 2022, instead you will replace it with a 3-credit Internship.  To do this, you will need to FIRST complete internship work from Sally Bissell in the Defiance Library.  Then, Dr. Hirko will sign it and we will register you.  All courses are 3 credits except for a 6 credit internship.

You should begin to schedule your courses beginning later this week (after May 11).  See the schedule below. 

SPMT 130A. Introduction to Sport Mgt.  Tue/Thu.  11 AM - 12:30 PM. (TBD)
SPMT 130B.  Introduction to Sport Mgt. Tue/Thu.  12:45 PM - 2 PM. (TBD)
SPMT 220. Sport Finance (previously Economics of Sport). Tue/Thu.  2:15 PM - 3:30 PM. (Hirko)
SPMT 230A. Event & Facility Management. Mon/Wed/Fri. 10 AM - 10:50 AM. (TBD)
SPMT 230B.  Event & Facility Management. Mon/Wed/Fri.  11 AM - 11:50 AM. (TBD)
SPMT 350. Sport Communications (new course). Tue/Thu. 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM. (Hirko)
SPMT 491.  Internship (3 or 6 credits). (Hirko)

-SRH-

Curricular Changes coming for DC Sport Management in Fall 2022

In an effort to better align the Defiance College (DC) Sport Management program with sport industry standards, the program recently had a curricular change approved by the college faculty.  The new curriculum will take effect beginning Fall 2022.

“With significant changes in the sport industry, the DC sport management curriculum must be nimble and reflect the needs of the times in the industry,” said Dr. Scott Hirko, assistant professor and director of the Sport Management Program.  “We’re proud of our ability to make our quality students prepared to contribute to and support the  sport industry.”

Among the changes were the addition of three classes:  

1. "Sport Analytics" to apply mathematical and statistical principles with data analysis to sports and related peripheral activities;
2. "Sport Communications" to reflect sports information and public relations; and,
   
3. "Sport Leadership through Fundraising" to differentiate the program with a capstone course that places students in positions to lead by directing a fundraising effort in sport or using sport.
   

Current students who are sport management majors or minors will be advised in one-on-one sessions as to how to navigate through changes in the system.  Advising information with changes is also published on the Advising page on the DC Sport Management Website, http://defiancesportmanagement.blogspot.com.

The Defiance College Sport Management Program is among the most enrolled in the college, with approximately 80% of the students also athletes on among its 17 athletic teams.  

For questions, please contact the DC Sport Management Program director, Dr. Scott Hirko, at shirko@defiance.edu 

-----

DC Paws at the Ballpark a success!

Sport Marketing (MKT 350) students at Defiance College succeeded in a class project promoting the school’s softball and baseball games on April 23 and April 30, respectively.

As part of the exercise, MKT 350 students developed many ideas before decided on the promotion they called “Paws at the Ballpark.” The community was encouraged to bring their dogs to the ballgames.  Students created a logo and fliers, social media content, and reached out and to gain support from sponsors in Pet Supplies Plus and the Fort Defiance Humane Society.  Students spent time at both events welcoming fans, handing out dog treats and gift bags courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus, and held a 50/50 raffle with proceeds to the Fort Defiance Humane Society.  

To add to the fun, students McKenzie Cooper and Nicole Sims directed an in-game promotion at the baseball game, a “dizzy bat” competition with competitors and their dogs.

Good job MKT 350 students!

 

 

Hailey Krawczyk named Sport Management Student of the Year

Sport Management Student of the Year Krawczyk
with Dr. Scott Hirko, director of the DC Sport
Management Program at the 2022 DC 
Awards Ceremony. 

(May 2, 2022)—Senior Hailey Krawczyk (Sylvania, Ohio), both a Sport Management and Graphic Design major, has been named “Sport Management Student of the Year” at Defiance College (DC). Krawczyk received the award at a ceremony on Thursday, April 29, at the Serrick Center on the campus of DC.

“It has been a pleasure to watch Hailey grow as a leader during her time on campus,” said Dr. Scott Hirko, Director of the DC Sport Management Program.  “Hailey is a great student and highly respected by her peers.  She will be a great attribute to any sports organization.” 

Krawzcyk, who earned Sport Management student of the month for March 2022, carries a 3.81 GPA in her Sport Management major, a 3.90 GPA in Graphic Design, and an overall 3.79 GPA.  Her immediate plans are to return to DC after graduation to complete her Masters in Business Administration.

During her tenure at DC, Krawczyk has served as president of the Student Senate, student representative to the Board of Trustees, a member of the Campus Activities Board, a writer for The Defender campus newspaper, and a resident assistant. 

Paws at the BallPark Sat Apr 30 open to Defiance community, students, faculty & staff: Prizes and promotions!

Defiance College Sport Management students from Sports Marketing class (MKT 350) are promoting Defiance softball and baseball with a "Paws at the Ballpark" sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus promotion on April 23 (softball) and April 30 (baseball).  Feel free to bring your doggies on a leash (and pick up their poop).  

There will be doggie treats and prizes with promotions during the contests.  A 50/50 raffle will be held, with proceeds donated to the Fort Defiance Humane Society. For any questions on the MKT 350 promotion, contact Dr. Scott Hirko at shirko@defiance.edu. 

Thank you to Pet Supplies Plus for being the sponsor, and providing doggie treats, gift bags, and other promotional materials!

Paws at the Ballpark: Softball 4/23

MKT 350 (Sport Marketing) students created a promotional event for Defiance College softball on April 23, 2022.  Students worked with the DC athletics department, DC marketing, as well as identified sponsors (Pet Supplies Plus, Fort Defiance Humane Society) and assisted with event management for the game.  Below with the doggies are sport management student and softball fans.  NEXT UP: BRING YOUR DOG TO THE BALLPARK FOR BASEBALL APRIL 30 (read more here)!

'

Above (from left): Jack Minner, D'Angelo Espinal, Nicole Sims

 

 

Hailey Krawczyk named DC Sport Management Student of the Month for March 2022

(April 15, 2022) -- Defiance College student Hailey Krawczyk is the college's "Sport Management Student of the Month" for March 2022.  She is a senior from Sylvania, Ohio. As a Carolyn M. Small Honors student, Hailey has been on the Dean’s list every term during her academic career at Defiance, including in March 2022. While working as a  Resident Assistant (RA), Hailey is also a member of Campus Activities Board (CAB), serves on the Student Senate as Student Senate President for the 2021-2022 Academic Year, and covers sports for The Defender, Defiance College’s Online Newspaper. 

Hailey's future goal is to work in marketing for a sports organization, with an emphasis in graphic design. She also aspires to be an Athletic Director at the high school level. (NOTE to employers: hire her!) 

Congratulations, Hailey!

Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Defiance College

Join the team at DC Sport Management!  

Defiance College is seeking a full-time, tenure-track professor to teach Sport Management undergraduate courses on campus and potentially graduate courses on-line. Areas of expertise sought to help students learn include: Sport Sociology, Event & Facility Management in Sport, Sport Leadership, Sport Fundraising, and other areas to help propel students successfully into the sport industry. Sport Management is among the largest majors on campus and students leave Defiance College with experiential knowledge that readies them for the sport industry. Faculty teach a 4-4 load each year. 

A Ph.D. in Sport Administration or a related field is required; advanced ABD’s will be considered. Applicants must be willing to participate in administrative duties, including work on campus committees, with sport management student and alumni clubs, student advising, and other duties as assigned. 

To apply, submit a letter of application, statement of teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae, and contact information of three professional references to employment@defiance.edu. Review of applications will begin April 18, 2022 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Position starts in August 2022. For any questions, please contact the Sport Management Program Director, Dr. Scott Hirko, at shirko@defiance.edu.