SMA trip to Indy: Panels, Pacers & Flurries

Last Friday, February 5, members of SMA traveled to Indianapolis for a day of facility tours, networking, panel Q+A’s and entertainment.  Despite the weather, our group of about two dozen made it to Indianapolis and back in once piece. 

Meeting in the West Lot of Ohio Stadium at 6:00 a.m., our caravan made it to Indianapolis by about 9:00, and began our day at the NCAA Hall of Champions.  After a brief tour of the hall, which included memorabilia, exhibits, and interactive games,  our group was treated to a panel discussion with six former Buckeyes currently working at NCAA HQ: (pictured from left) Kris Richardson (Membership Services), James Peltz (Human Resources), Brandi Kerrigan (Eligibility Center), Abby Grantstein (Enforcement), Scott Foster (Marketing + Fan Experience), and Randy Buhr (Championship Sports). 

After a learning about each of their paths, SMA was allowed some time to direct questions at the panel, getting input on the future of NCAA communication strategies, enforcement policies, and championship events.  Once again, Ohio State SMA extends a big THANK YOU to the NCAA and especially the Buckeye alum that made up our panel!

With our time at the NCAA finished, and the snow starting to really fall in Indianapolis, we trekked a couple blocks up the street to meet with some representatives with the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Ryan Bowman, the Community Relations & Promotions Manager with the club, graciously led us around the park, giving us an overview of the team’s history and current status in the baseball world.  Mr. Bowman had some strong advice for our students – especially for the few looking to work in pro baseball.  Thanks Ryan!

Before leaving, team VP & General Manager, Cal Burleson, answered some questions for our group.  Mr. Burleson is a true minor league baseball lifer, who worked his way up through the ranks, and provided some helpful anecdotes for anyone starting out in their career. 

From Victory Field, we headed downtown for lunch at Scotty’s Brewhouse.  Club Alumni chair, Janelle Gearries, organized a “meet and greet” with representatives from Learfield Sports, who discussed the enhanced role sponsorship sales are now playing in Div. I sports. 

Hunger now satisfied, SMA traveled a few blocks to Conseco Fieldhouse  for a private tour of the arena, before the night's matchup between the Pacers and Detroit Pistons.  Conseco has been hailed as the NBA’s greatest arena, and, after our tour, I don’t think many of us would object.  We even got to sit courtside while some of the players ran through pre-game drills (pictured is Mike Dunleavy, Jr).

Exhausted from the action-packed day, most of us chose to leave at halftime…and little did we know the real fun was about to begin.  What was a 2.5 hour drive from Columbus to Indianapolis in the morning, became a 5 hour drive back, as the weather and conditions on I-270 were less than favorable. 

Nevertheless, it was a worthwhile and fun trip for all in attendance, and one we hope future members can replicate.  

- Mark Beattie, 1st year Master's Student, SMA Alumni Relations Co-Chair