College Sports Information Directors of America

• #CoSIDA18 Homepage
• Download the #CoSIDA18 App
• CoSIDA Approves Officers and New Board Members for 2018-19; Rob Knox to Serve as CoSIDA President
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• Day 1 Recap  |  Day 2 Recap  |  Day 3 Recap

Note: Handouts/presentations from #CoSIDA18 panels and sessions:  If you are looking for Power Points, handouts, etc., many are already on the convention app under Convention schedule > handouts and can be found on CoSIDA.com HERE. We will be adding more over the next week. Stay tuned.

Day #4 #CoSIDA18 Convention Highlights: As the fourth and final day of the 2018 CoSIDA Convention came to a close there was a spirit in the air of renewed energy as old and new friends gave their goodbye hugs, high fives and fist bumps. Board of Directors member Amy Yakola of the ACC delivered an impressive performance in her debut as emcee at the Special Awards luncheon as the organization paid tribute to its Special Awards winners, including the following:

• President's Award — Bernie Cafarelli, American Athletic Conference; Tyler Cundith, Johnson County CC
• 25-Year Award winners — see list here
• Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award — Ann King, The Sage Colleges
• Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award — Chris Wenzler, John Carrol College
• Lester Jordan Award — Susan Fumagalli Mahoney, Gettysburg
• Rising Star Award — Evan O'Kelly (College Division) Montana State Billings; Olivia Coiro (University Division), Syracuse
• Warren Berg Award — Chris Mitchell, Washington University in St. Louis
• Arch Ward Award — Alan Cannon, Texas A&M

Chris Mitchell of Wash U in St. Louis and chair of the Goodwill & Wellness Committee took the stage to share the details of the charity efforts of the group. In support of local charity Martha's Table, the group produced 486 PB&J sandwiches and 448 bags of trail mix that were donated to be distributed to the homeless in the DC area. Additionally, the money collected from the 5K in the amount of $5,040 was donated to Martha's Table. Add in another $2,374 raised at the YC Charity Social in its 19th year, and members of CoSIDA overall combined to give $7,414 to charity.

Outgoing president Rob Carolla of College Football 150th Anniversary officially passed the gavel to incoming president for 2018-19 Rob Knox of Towson.

Before the day was over, there was still learning to be had as the popular Educational Lounge wrapped up it's debut convention. A series of trending topics panels ranging from use of apps, to LGBTG Issues in College Athletics, to esports, to video editing, took place in the morning. More topics in the afternoon included discussions around managing your career and the stresses that go with the job. The final session was the popular It's A Wrap! session with CoSIDA swag and other prizes handed out and stories were told. We learned about the continuing misadventures of Kentucky Wesleyan's Roy Pickerill and that the current iron man record for convention attendance stands at 41, held by both Lawrence Fan (San Jose State) and Dick Lipe (Bentley College).

Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for the convention survey and evaluation. The Convention planning committee takes this survey very seriously and uses it extensively to make decisions for the coming year. Tell us what you liked, what you didn't, and let us know if you want to be involved. See you next year in Orlando!

CoSIDA18 Blog: From A Convention Attendance Grant Winner's Perspective

Editor’s Note: The following three blog entries are courtesy of 2018 Convention Attendance Grant recipients.

Dan Ryan, Bethune-Cookman Athletic Communications Historian/Senior Writer

This is blog three of three. And just like George Washington said to Alexander Hamilton in “Hamilton,” we’re going to teach them how to say goodbye.

First and most important thing to do is say all the thank yous.

Thank you to the CoSIDA board for this experience and the grant.

Thank you to Barb Kowal for the opportunity to write and being a great copy editor. Folks, never EVER underestimate the important of having both a great copy editor and someone looking over your copy before you post. They come in handy.

Thank you to Jerek Wolcott for being a great roommate and finding an amazing off-site deal, even though we had to pick the only townhome in the galaxy with no ESPN access. Oh, well.

Thank you to Bethune-Cookman University for giving me a chance to practice this profession.

This convention has been a part of an amazing run for me personally. In six weeks, I’ve had two NCAA Regionals, my first NCAA National Championship as an SID and now the CoSIDA Convention. The word I think I’m looking for is ‘blessed.’ These are good days.

They are also choice days. My friends and colleagues are also doing great things.

This morning I had a phone call from a childhood friend. Forty-five years ago, we played baseball and football in his yard. Today, he finalized the paper work for his county council campaign.

Later, it’s a luncheon. A very good friend who just a few short years ago wanted to filet me because I described his team’s conference tournament loss as an “annihilation” became someone who I’m proud to address as “Mr. President” and whom I would march into hell with two arms and two broken legs if he needs me to the next year. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I think he at least appreciates the thought.

My boss’ former boss was a 25-year award recipient; so was an SID who hosted my first game as a college basketball SID all those years ago.

Yes, there’s some nostalgia involved. But the overwhelming thought I’ve had about the choice days are also choice times. My age group is simply doing what it’s supposed to – be the leaders.

What about you younger SIDs? It’s been enjoyable watching you do your thing as I’ve spent time waiting for my phone to charge. You have the skills. You have all these new ideas – you e-gamers take note: If you guys ever do Techno Bowl, we’d go Uncle Drew on you so fast...wow, that session about writing content tailored for fund raising came in handy! You have the enthusiasm. You’re young, you have everything going for you. I hate you. Kidding.

Our industry — make that our calling — is in pretty good shape right now. I’m blessed. These are good days.

Thank you. Have fun with your travel logistics. See you in Orlando next year. Stop by Daytona Beach and spend a day there. Did that for my friends at the tourism bureau.

Now … my women’s basketball coach wants her bio updated. The volleyball team is having a clinic. Track just signed two student-athletes.

Back to life. Back to reality.

by Ali Baggott, University of Victoria Communications Officer & Sports Information Director

The 2018 convention is the first time I have been able to be at a CoSIDA event and it wouldn’t have been possible without being a grant winner. I was really excited and proud to be at this year’s event that had 48 Canadian SIDs attending. The biggest theme of this week has truly been family. That culminated during the two awards luncheons where we saw University of Calgary’s Jack Neumann honoured as a Lifetime Achievement Award winner and McGill University’s Earl Zukerman winning his 25-Year Award.

This was my first time meeting Jack though I have heard so much about him already. He took the time to come and meet and shake hands with every single Canadian SID here on multiple occasions. We took up three tables at the awards luncheon to rightfully give Jack a standing ovation as he has not only paved the way for our profession in Canada but has also helped create the bridge for us to be a part of the CoSIDA family.

Fast forward to Saturday (June 30), the final day of the convention, where I was asked to join long-time SID of McGill Earl Zukerman at his table on the day he received his 25-Year Award. Just the night before a large group of us were at the Orioles baseball game and we all watched as Earl the Pearl, as we call him, have the most perfect caricature drawn of him to mark this incredible occasion. Earl has been so kind to mentor me from across the country since I started as an SID.

Congrats to @EarlZukerman on winning a CoSIDA 25-year award! So privileged to know you and be here to celebrate with you ?? [#cosida18] [#legend] [@mcgillu] [@McGillAthletics] pic.twitter.com/4gd89BW1en

The two Canadians that crossed the awards stage this year are an inspiration to all Canadian athletic communications professionals and the opportunity that CoSIDA has given us, as Canadians, to be recognized truly speaks to this theme of family.

Ann King, of The Sage Colleges, who was honoured this year as the Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award winner said in her panel interview on stage, “You have a voice and this organization is about all of us.”

That really resonated with me because not only for us as Canadians but for me, as a female in this profession, it’s so great to have an event and a group of people you know you can turn to who are going through the same daily things you are and respect you for that. I truly felt that this week.

Meeting new friends and fellow #Cosida18 grant winners! Meet @_KirstenL from @WC_BlueJays & @JonGoldberg95 from @ECACSports | @CoSIDAnews

The presentations and panels have been overwhelmingly informative and also inspiring and humbling. Many of the presentations affirmed that what I am doing is actually good work, though I often feel I am just playing whack-a-mole with issues, chasing down the latest trend on social or trying to chase down teams on the road. Other presentations truly inspired me to think that in this profession we can always get better, do better, and be better.

I felt so motivated and proud to see so many strong women a part of this year’s event including Katie Mucci of the Missouri Valley Conference speak so confidently about Apps to a very, very crowded room, while Amy Yakola, chief external administrator from Atlantic Coast Conference, was great as an emcee for the Special Awards luncheon and also as a panelist in a session on press conferences.

The number of people that continue to pave the way for people passionate about collegiate level sports and telling stories of student-athletes is an important part of me staying involved in this profession. The networking and ‘family’ I get to take part in and be with here at CoSIDA is ultimately the most valuable takeaway.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be here as a grant winner and for all the work that the CoSIDA organizers have done. Knowing that I can turn to so many others across North America is a priceless resource and I know that I will be back.

Second family ?? @USPORTSca @CanadaWest @BenMatchett @JillClark17 @longbomb @lfrancs @elisamitton @EarlZukerman @dinosjack @CoSIDAnews [#cosida18]

— Ali Baggott (Lee) (@alilee05) [June 30, 2018](https://twitter.com/alilee05/status/1013104000919572480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

It was fitting that my last official day of my 41-year [#ReptheY](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReptheY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) career was running into co-workers [@brettpyne](https://twitter.com/brettpyne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@KennyCoxKC](https://twitter.com/KennyCoxKC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as we were leaving the [#CoSida18](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoSida18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) convention hotel in Washington D. C. So long, farewell, good bye. Thank you over and over, [#GoCougs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoCougs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/HrI7ERM5MJ](https://t.co/HrI7ERM5MJ)

— Ralph Zobell (@RalphZobell) [July 1, 2018](https://twitter.com/RalphZobell/status/1013257363074289666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

They saved the final session of [#CoSIDA18](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoSIDA18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for the one area I need the most work on: de-stressing. Thanks to [@RobCarolla](https://twitter.com/RobCarolla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@SchoonUp](https://twitter.com/SchoonUp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@Manda_Murph](https://twitter.com/Manda_Murph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@jeremyrosenthal](https://twitter.com/jeremyrosenthal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for their tips and feedback. pic.twitter.com/znGn804RZG

What makes the @NAIA so special - the friends you make with the people you work with!

All these folks rock in this post!! Thanks for being awesome! [#cosida18](https://twitter.com/hashtag/cosida18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) https://t.co/zAZYydCC2h

— Aaron Sagraves (@aaronsagraves26) [June 30, 2018](https://twitter.com/aaronsagraves26/status/1013164785838559234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

I truly had a great time at this year’s [#CoSIDA18](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoSIDA18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). Got to meet a lot of new people and make new connections while seeing old ones as well. Hope to see everyone next year too! [pic.twitter.com/Rk3aWiGbZf](https://t.co/Rk3aWiGbZf)

— Aaron Gaberman (@GolfKid45) [June 30, 2018](https://twitter.com/GolfKid45/status/1013163236697563142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Congrats to [@knoxrob1](https://twitter.com/knoxrob1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on becoming the 64th President of [@CoSIDAnews](https://twitter.com/CoSIDAnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as he receives the gavel today from outgoing president Rob Corolla at the 2018 CoSIDA Awards Luncheon.....[#GreatnessAcheived](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreatnessAcheived?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#CoSIDA18](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoSIDA18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@LincolnUofPA](https://twitter.com/LincolnUofPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/4OS8GVdJmg](https://t.co/4OS8GVdJmg)

— Lincoln University Lions Athletics (@LUL1onsAthletic) [June 30, 2018](https://twitter.com/LUL1onsAthletic/status/1013136388232044544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

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Calendar

Important Dates

All Events +

• 06/23/26 / 11:59 P.M. M/W At-Large Academic All-America National Ballot Voting Deadline (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 06/30/26 / 11:59 P.M. M/W Track & Field/Cross Country Academic All-America National Ballot Voting Deadline (NCAA, NAIA)
• 07/07/26 / 12:00 P.M. W At-Large Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 07/08/26 / 12:00 P.M. M At-Large Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 07/14/26 / 12:00 P.M. M Track & Field/Cross Country Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA)
• 06/07/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
• 06/08/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
• 06/09/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
• 06/09/26 / 11:59 P.M. Baseball Academic All-America National Ballot Voting Deadline (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 06/10/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
• 06/16/26 / 12:00 P.M. Softball Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA)
• 06/16/26 / 12:00 P.M. M/W At-Large Academic All-District Released; National Voting Begins (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 06/16/26 / 11:59 P.M. M/W Track & Field/Cross Country Academic All-America Nomination Deadline (NCAA, NAIA)
• 06/23/26 / 12:00 P.M. M/W Track & Field/Cross Country Academic All-District Released; National Voting Begins (NCAA, NAIA)
• 06/23/26 / 12:00 P.M. Baseball Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA)
• 06/23/26 / 11:59 P.M. M/W At-Large Academic All-America National Ballot Voting Deadline (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 06/30/26 / 11:59 P.M. M/W Track & Field/Cross Country Academic All-America National Ballot Voting Deadline (NCAA, NAIA)
• 07/07/26 / 12:00 P.M. W At-Large Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 07/08/26 / 12:00 P.M. M At-Large Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 07/14/26 / 12:00 P.M. M Track & Field/Cross Country Academic All-America Announced (NCAA, NAIA)
• 06/07/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
• 06/08/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
• 06/09/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
• 06/09/26 / 11:59 P.M. Baseball Academic All-America National Ballot Voting Deadline (NCAA, NAIA, College Division)
• 06/10/26 / All Day 2026 CSC Unite Convention in Las Vegas
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