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Sport Management  News


Congratulations Class of 2023

16/05/23

2023 Syracuse University Commencement stage with the Chancellor speaking

Along with Dean Murphy, the entire Falk College community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community partners and friends, congratulates to the Class of 2023! Falk College’s seven academic departments and schools represented 529 degree candidates, including:

  • 321 undergraduates;
  • 155 masters candidates;
  • 50 students earning certificates of advanced study, and;
  • 3 Ph.D. students.

Through the month of May, departments across Falk College honored student achievements and celebrated the graduating Class of 2023, which are detailed on individual department websites.

Falk College Convocation was held Saturday, May 13 at Lally Athletic Complex. Falk College Convocation, other college convocations, and the May 14 Syracuse University Commencement ceremony, were recorded and are available to view on the Syracuse University commencement website and is also included below.

Falk College Convocation | Saturday, May 13 | 5:30 p.m. ET

Syracuse University Commencement | Sunday, May 14 | 9:30 a.m. ET


Syracuse University’s Highest Honor

12/05/23
Falk College Dean Diane Lyden Murphy Receives Chancellor’s Medal
Dean Diane Murphy is presenting at a podium

Before presenting Falk College Dean Diane Lyden Murphy with the Chancellor’s Medal, Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud said “I can’t imagine what this place would be like today without her work, but I’m certain it would be a less accomplished, less just, and less human place.”

Diane Lyden Murphy, dean of the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, received Syracuse University’s highest honor–the Chancellor’s Medal–at the One University Awards Ceremony April 21 at Hendricks Chapel.

The Chancellor’s Medal is awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to the University, to an academic body of knowledge, or to society. Dean Murphy, who was appointed Dean of the College of Human Services and Health Professions (now Falk) in May 2005, checks all three boxes.

“This medal is given for the very things Diane has always done here: extraordinary contributions to the University, to the community, to academic knowledge,” Chancellor Kent Syverud said before presenting the Chancellor’s Medal to Dean Murphy. “She’s done those things, but she’s also done one thing that’s even rarer and worth celebrating and I can say this from experience, she has consistently and faithfully had the courage to speak up.

“She’s had the courage to speak up, including to chancellors, when things are not right, when they could be better, and even more rare is that after speaking up she has the integrity to roll up her sleeves and actually work to make them better,” Chancellor Syverud added.

Dean Murphy was one of several 2022-23 award recipients who were honored at the April 21 ceremony. Watch the video of the Chancellor’s Medal presentation here:

Dean Murphy received four degrees at the University and joined the faculty in the School of Social Work in 1978. Prior to her appointment at Falk, Dean Murphy served 17 years as director of the Women’s Studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dean Murphy’s many contributions to the University include co-authoring the University’s sexual harassment policy; initiating studies of gender pay equity; developing adoption and domestic partner benefits; and creating a family-friendly environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Chancellor Syverud started his remarks by reading a news release from January 1973 about Dean Murphy’s appointment as a personnel intern in the Office of Student Affairs who would “specialize in the problem of married students.” She served as a liaison between married students and the administration and from that work arose the first childcare center on campus.

“There have been a lot of initiatives in the last 50 years at Syracuse University to help people and populations in our community,” Chancellor Syverud said. “There have been precious few where Diane Lyden Murphy has not been present and accounted for in support of doing the hard work and listening and doing the problem-solving and speaking up to make things better.

“We talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and support for survivors, Diane was there often before most of the world had developed the vocabulary to describe the problem and the opportunity,” Chancellor Syverud added. “Going back to that first press release, Diane never regarded married students as a problem, she never regarded these things as problems, she regarded them as opportunities. And boy, she’s made an impact on this University! I can’t imagine what this place would be like today without her work, but I’m certain it would be a less accomplished and a colder and less just and less human place.”

The Chancellor’s Medal is the latest in an extensive list of awards Dean Murphy has received while at the University, including the Excellence in Graduate Education Award from the Graduate School, the Francis McMillan Parks Women of Influence Award, and a Chancellor’s Citation. In 2005, the Women’s Studies Program established the Diane Lyden Murphy Women’s Studies Activism Award in her honor.


Look Back, Act Forward

05/05/23
Falk College Student Alison Gilmore Named a 2023-24 Remembrance Scholar

Alison sits at a computer

Alison Gilmore, a Sport Analytics major in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, was selected as one of 35 Syracuse University students who will be 2023-24 Remembrance Scholars.

The scholarships, now in their 34th year, were founded as a tribute to—and means of remembering—the students studying in London and Florence through Syracuse University who were killed in the Dec. 21, 1988, bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The scholarships are funded through an endowment supported by gifts from alumni, friends, parents, and corporations.

Remembrance Scholars are chosen in their junior year through a competitive selection process. The selection committee is composed of University faculty and staff and current Remembrance Scholars. The $5,000 scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and service to the community.

Visit SU News for a complete list of 2023-24 Remembrance Scholars and more information about how they were selected.


Game Time

05/05/23
Student by Day, Semi-Pro Esports Player by Night
Group of students sits together posing for a photo in the eSports facility

Call of Duty player Braeden Cheverie-Leonard ’26 (front row center) started playing semi-professionally in high school. He is co-captain of Syracuse University’s esports team.
Would you believe that a pacifier is why one of the country’s best semi-professional esports players got into playing video games? It’s true.

Braeden Cheverie-Leonard ’26 didn’t want to stop using his pacifier as a young boy. So, his parents made him a deal: Lose the pacifier and he was allowed to play a video game with his father. The deal worked and Cheverie-Leonard played his first video game.

Over the years he engaged in all sorts of games, but it was the popular Call of Duty—a first-person shooter game—that really caught his interest. Like any athlete who specializes in a sport, Cheverie-Leonard, a sport management major in Syracuse University’s Falk College, played and practiced for hours. Eventually, he got the opportunity to play competitively.

While still a high school student, Cheverie-Leonard, whose player name is BCL, joined the Minnesota Rokkr Academy, a rookie team in the Call of Duty league based in Minnesota. As a semi-professional, he earned a salary and received performance-based incentives. He was sponsored by Mountain Dew Game Fuel, and recently he’s been in touch with Rumble Gaming, Under Armour, which is planning to launch an esports clothing brand, and Beats, which is looking to get into the gaming headset industry.

Now, Cheverie-Leonard is a member of the Syracuse esports team. Primarily an assault rifle player, he can also flex for the other positions on the four-person team. “I’m the only player at Syracuse—and I think in the country—with Call of Duty professional experience,” he says.

Two students sitting at computers in the eSports room bump fists.

Cheverie-Leonard, whose player name is BCL, studies sport management in Falk College. He hopes to one day become a general manager of a sports team.

Game Time

As a successful semi-pro, Cheverie-Leonard was recruited to play varsity esports by several schools, but Syracuse—which competes only on a club level—proved to be the best overall fit. “I liked having the ability to help shape the esports program at Syracuse,” he says. “A lot of schools have great esports business professionals that helped shape their programs, but not many have esports players that shaped them.

“The esports world is so new, it’s all about taking chances,” he continues. “Rokkr took a chance on me when I was balancing school, activities and playing at a high level. In a way, I took a chance on Syracuse, trying to envision the best possible outcome for a program with so much potential.”

Cheverie-Leonard was named co-captain of Syracuse’s team where he oversees the roster. He also has two students working on the team’s Twitter and Instagram accounts, which feature game schedules and highlights. The team—which plays in the College Call of Duty league—currently consists of four starters and two bench players and is searching for a coaching staff. They’ve played several scrimmages and recently began participating in organized league play.

Student in full orange bodysuit cheers on the basketball team.
C

Cheverie-Leonard stays actively Orange outside of classes in Otto’s Army, as a Falk College student ambassador and as a campus tour guide.

“I absolutely love Syracuse,” he says. “I bleed orange. I’ve been involved in everything I can hear.”

It hasn’t been all fun and games, though. As one of the few openly gay competitive Call of Duty players, Cheverie-Leonard says competitive gaming can be sexist and homophobic at times.

“That is the current dark side of esports,” Cheverie-Leonard says. “It’s primarily straight men in their twenties. I think we could do a lot to diversify that.” To that end, he says one of his goals with Syracuse’s esports program is to make it more inclusive. He also implemented a zero-tolerance policy against trash talking. Any slurs or profanity and a player is off the team.

Braeden Cheverie-Leonard looks at his computer monitor while wearing a gaming headset in the esports room.

In high school Cheverie-Leonard played for the Minnesota Rokkr Academy and was sponsored by Mountain Dew Game Fuel.

Level Up Goals

Besides his aspirations for the esports team, Cheverie-Leonard is on the path to a new goal—with his sport management studies and training, he hopes to one day become a general manager of a sports team. “I’ve always liked leadership, whether that’s coaching or as a general manager or an owner. I’m a people person, I want to do something that can make the people around me more successful,” he explains. His classes have opened his eyes to the many opportunities in sports he hadn’t considered—sponsorship, ticket sales and event management. And he loves the access to guest speakers and alumni who’ve shared their experiences with him and his classmates.

Cheverie-Leonard is also recognized for his gaming accomplishments, literally and figuratively. He’s been approached for photos and autographs by fellow students, and he’s been a guest speaker in esports classes on campus.

A return to professional competitive esports isn’t written in the stars, though. Saying he doesn’t “want to get arthritis when he’s 30,” Cheverie-Leonard is looking for other ways to stay involved, including coaching, which he’s done in the past. He urges players to exercise like any athlete would and to be aware of injuries. Hand and wrist injuries, eye strain, and neck and back problems are common from hours of sitting at a computer.

Outside of class and the esports gaming room in the Barnes Center at The Arch, Cheverie-Leonard keeps busy with activities that allow him to interact with current and prospective students and their families. He’s in Otto’s Army, a Falk College student ambassador, and a University 100 member training to be a campus tour guide. He’s also done commentary on sports radio and sports podcasts.

“I truly appreciate the respect that esports gets at Syracuse,” Cheverie-Leonard says. “While esports has really added to my experience, my overall Syracuse experience has been incredible. I absolutely love it here. I can’t wait for the next three years.”

Game on.

~ An SU Story by Lisa Maresca originally published on April 4, 2023.


Class of 2023 Falk Scholars

25/04/23
‘I Am Forever Grateful to Those Who Have Made These Last Four Years So Special’

Fourteen members of the Class of 2023 have been named Falk College Scholars–the highest academic award conferred by Falk College on graduating seniors. Falk Scholars represent undergraduate students who display academic excellence, exceptional campus and community engagement, independent research and creative work, innovation in their disciplinary field, and personal integrity.

We asked the Class of 2023 Falk Scholars to describe their most meaningful experiences at Syracuse University. Here’s what they wrote:

Alexander Borelli
Alexander Borelli started the Fantasy Sports Club in 2021 and was a recruiting intern for the Syracuse University football team in 2021-22.

Alexander Borelli, Sport Analytics

Throughout my four years at Syracuse University, my most influential and memorable experiences have come from within Falk College. Starting the Fantasy Sports Club in 2021 and serving as its vice president was an incredibly fulfilling experience that allowed me to bring together many like-minded individuals. It has been amazing to see an idea I started with one of my peers develop into a hub for students to attend weekly and discuss their fantasy football leagues.

Being a recruiting intern for the Syracuse University football team during the 2021-22 season was also a memorable experience that taught me a lot about the player operations side of a football organization. I was able to tie my love for sports and my background in player evaluation to a position that granted me the opportunity to make an impact on the team. Syracuse University, and the various experiences in my time here, has helped me develop into a better person and leader.

In the News: Borelli competed for the Syracuse University team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Kylie Dedrick and friends posed in a stadium
Kylie Dedrick and friends Seth Warner (left) and Sam Auerbach celebrate the Syracuse University football team’s win over North Carolina State at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Kylie Dedrick, Sport Analytics

Syracuse has provided me with memories, experiences, and friends that will stick with me for many years to come. One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at Syracuse would be joining the Sport Analytics Women (SAW) Club. I was involved with other clubs but SAW truly gave me a tight-knit community of women to go through this program with as there are not too many of us.

The club gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and take on more responsibility. Coming into college, I never thought I would be the president of a club, but here I am in my senior year serving as president. I’ve been able to participate in multiple case competitions, attend the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, and connect with some amazing people in the sport industry. Coming to Syracuse University is truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

In the News: Dedrick competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Kiersten Edwards poses in front of a wall with graffiti
Kiersten Edwards explores the quarry beyond South Campus during her sophomore year and marvels at the artwork there.

Kiersten Edwards, Public Health, Neuroscience

My time at Syracuse University has been full of ups and downs. While my classes and clubs have always provided security in their routine, it’s really the people and the adventures you embark on with those people that make the difference.

Nothing has been more meaningful to me than the nights I spent with friends staying awake far too late, or the in-depth conversations with faculty beyond school–the ones that dove into my dreams, my sorrows, and our collective hope for what the world could be someday. I am so grateful for the friends I made here, for the faculty mentorship I have received, and for the future that Syracuse has helped provide for me!

In the News: Edwards is also a 2023 Syracuse University Scholar and through public health, she found the path to improving the lives of others.

Taylor Fein stands infant of a waterfall
On an unusually warm November day at Chittenango Falls, Taylor Fein remembers “being excited about the warm weather and eager to enjoy the day!”

Taylor Fein, Nutrition Science and Dietetics

I have had many meaningful experiences at Syracuse but volunteering for the Shaw Center program “Books and Cooks” each semester is one that stands out the most. During this program, we visit a local elementary school every Friday to teach students a lesson about nutrition and food from different countries. I have built connections with the students and witnessed how much joy it brings to their day. I am grateful to have been part of a program that makes a difference in students’ lives.

Another experience that I am thankful for is conducting my own research. In my “Sleep and Hydration” study I was able to conduct hands-on research with human participants. I learned how important it is to improve and learn from each encounter along the way. I am now looking forward to pursuing a Ph.D. in physiology and continuing this path of academic discovery through research.

In the News: Fein received the 2021 Ruth Tolley Award from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics.

Shane Haplin
Of his time at Syracuse University, Shane Halpin says “I could not have hoped for a more enjoyable journey than what I experienced in the Sport Analytics program.”

Shane Halpin, Sport Analytics

The Sport Analytics program at Syracuse University has provided me with countless rewarding opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate my analytical skills as they relate to the world of sports. My most meaningful experiences have been representing Syracuse through SABR Diamond Dollars Case Competitions.

As part of these events, I have collaborated with peers formulating responses to complex prompts relevant to current issues in baseball. These experiences have required me to think outside the box and find as precise and unique answers as possible. Being selected as captain of my teams in the last two competitions has been a gratifying experience for me, allowing me to reflect on my growth as a student and as a leader. Additionally, I have been inspired to pursue further research related to baseball with my professors, igniting my passion to continue working in the sport industry upon graduation.

In the News: Halpin competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Aric dressed in an EMS outfit leans against an ambulance
Aric Lechner says, “Being able to join the field of EMS, learn, and teach from my experiences with Syracuse University Ambulance has been very important to me.”

Aric Lechner, Public Health, Neuroscience

In my time at Syracuse University, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing, bright-minded people. Working closely under the guidance and mentorship of Professor Brittany Kmush and other faculty members in the Department of Public Health has been a defining experience and certainly helped shape my career goals. The pilot study was made possible through SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement), where I was able to receive funding for research to further analyze new methods for the detection of opioids in wastewater.

In addition to research and experiences in the Department of Public Health, Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) has been another place of support during my time here. Being able to serve as a personnel supervisor has had a meaningful impact on my growth as a leader, teacher, and person, and I am forever grateful to all of those who have made these last four years so special.

In the News: In addition to SUA, Lechner was a member of the “Goon Squad,” Syracuse University’s official welcoming committee for new students.

Eli Miller
Eli Miller says, “My time at Syracuse University was incredibly valuable in preparing me for my future career in the sports industry.”

Eli Miller, Sport Analytics

Being part of the Falk College provided me with a unique learning experience that I could not have received anywhere else. The coursework was not only challenging but also very practical, giving me real-life experience that will undoubtedly come in handy in my future career.

Furthermore, the university’s robust internship program allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings, giving me hands-on experience and the opportunity to network with professionals in the sports industry. The faculty and staff were also incredibly supportive, providing me with guidance and resources to succeed both academically and personally. I feel confident that my experiences at Syracuse University have given me a strong foundation for success in the sports industry, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

In the News: Miller competed for the Syracuse University team that finished second in the business analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Mara stands next to a research poster
Mara Miranda at the SOURCE 2023 Spring Symposium, where she and her research partner presented a poster that highlighted their undergraduate research.

Mara Miranda, Public Health

Since beginning my journey at Syracuse University, I have had opportunities that have helped me grow professionally and personally. As I reflect on the past four years, the experience that I’ve had participating in undergraduate research through the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE) has been truly rewarding.

Working with Professor Justin Ehrlich, Professor Brittany Kmush, and Professor Shane Sanders on research involving head injuries, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), helmet policies, and rule changes in the NFL has helped me bridge my love for sports with my passion for public health and medicine. It has helped me to look at athletics from a different lens, and I have appreciated this experience. Being a member of the Falk community has granted me opportunities that I will hold for a lifetime.

In the News: Miranda assisted with the research for the study on head injuries for NFL players that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Matthew Penn sits behind a computer at an auction desk
Matthew Penn sits in the backcourt of the JMA Wireless Dome for the 18th Annual Charity Sports Auction to benefit Vera House.

Matthew Penn, Sport Analytics

Some of my most influential experiences at Syracuse have been in clubs. One of those clubs is the Baseball Statistics and Sabermetrics Club, for which I have served as the vice president. Through the organization, I have been able to work on research and travel to Arizona to compete against other schools across the country in SABR Case Competitions.

Another club that has been influential in my time at Falk is the Sport Management Club and its Charity Sports Auction. As co-chair of the Analytics Committee for the auction, I have been able to help raise money and give back to the Central New York community. These experiences have helped me grow both as a person and in my career.

In the News: Penn and the Sport Management Club raised more than $50,000 for Vera House at the 2022 Charity Sports Auction.

Madison stands beside a research poster
Madison Roberts presents her research poster at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology national conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Madison Roberts, Human Development and Family Science

Syracuse University offered many extraordinary opportunities, but my time presenting at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) stands out as one of the most impactful. In the fall of my sophomore year, I began an independent study with Professor Matthew Mulvaney and another student. We examined the developmental and personality variables that influenced students’ willingness to engage with diverse viewpoints on campus. This project was accepted for the SPSP National Conference in Atlanta. In February, we flew to Georgia and presented our poster at a three-day conference.

This opportunity reinforced my passion for research. I have been able to conduct two projects across the human development and family science field. This contributed to my decision to pursue graduate school, including taking a position in a research lab. I look forward to taking these skills and applying them to my future academic career.

In the News: Roberts received the 2021 Florence B. Potter Memorial Award from the Department of Human Development and Family Science.

Brielle Seidel
Brielle Seidel says of her many memorable moments at Syracuse University, being a 2022-23 Remembrance Scholar was one of the most meaningful.

Brielle Seidel, Public Health

Syracuse University has been a place of true academic and personal growth for me. I have been able to explore my passion for the medical field and service by taking public health and addiction classes and engaging in meaningful campus organizations, including Syracuse University Ambulance and Camp Kesem. Additionally, I traveled abroad to Geneva, Switzerland, expanding my understanding of the world and addiction studies.

Syracuse University and its incredible staff have encouraged me to converge my personal and academic interests through their support of my thesis about psychedelic medicine. Their support for my passions has given me a deeper appreciation for my education at this University.

Finally, being a 2022-2023 Remembrance Scholar has been one of the most meaningful experiences at Syracuse. I faced challenges and grief in honoring Luann Rogers and those who perished on Pan Am Flight 103. Through that experience, I was able to find the importance of promoting peace, connection, and love–the qualities that build a better future.

In the News: Seidel was one of Syracuse University’s 2022-23 Remembrance Scholars, whose mission was to honor and remember the Syracuse students and others lost in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103.

Joanna Vines
After graduation, Joanna Vines will work as a business technology analyst at Deloitte Consulting in Washington, D.C.

Joanna Vines, Public Health, Policy Studies

During my freshman year, I determined that a double major in public health and policy studies would align with my interests and goals. This interdisciplinary path of study created a trajectory that has provided me with valuable opportunities and meaningful experiences and enabled me to make positive impacts over my years at Syracuse.

I have engaged in experiential learning roles as a research consultant for the Onondaga County health department, an intern for Planned Parenthood, and a laboratory assistant at the COVID-19 Program Management Office. Through these positions, I enhanced my skills and knowledge in public health practice and connected with influential public health community leaders. These experiences inspired the research content for my honors thesis, which addresses public health and educational disparities and inequities in New York State.

In the News: This spring, Vines is working as an intern in the Education and Outreach department at Planned Parenthood of Syracuse.

Ben Wachtel
Ben Wachtel enjoyed attending Syracuse University football games, particularly Family Weekend 2022 against North Carolina State when Syracuse clinched a bowl game.

Benjamin Wachtel, Sport Analytics

When I first learned of the Sport Analytics program at Syracuse University, I knew it was the best choice for me. Now as I am completing my studies, I can reflect on how much I have grown both inside and outside the classroom.

Out of all my experiences–whether it be competitions, research, or other extracurricular projects–one of the most meaningful has been being a Berlin Scholar for Sport Management Instructor Adrian Simion. In this role, I am participating in department research while also learning about this process. I have assisted with research pertaining to the NCAA transfer portal, providing input on project ideas and cleaning data.

Currently, I am aiding the initial stages of a Major League Baseball deep-learning project. My growth as a student and researcher, and my future professional in the industry, could not have been achieved without the opportunities the Sport Analytics program provided to me.

In the News: Wachtel competed for the Syracuse University team that finished first in the game analytics division in the AXS National Collegiate Sports Analytics Championship.

Junhui “Carol” Yang
Junhui “Carol” Yang says, “The confidence and passion I have developed at Syracuse have propelled me toward pursuing my dream of becoming a physician-scientist.”

Junhui “Carol” Yang, Nutrition Science and Dietetics, Psychology

As an undergraduate researcher and research assistant at Syracuse University, I have been presented with numerous impressive opportunities and resources. During my sophomore year, I joined Professor Latha Ramalingam’s lab and worked on a study investigating the cross-generational effects of omega-3 fatty acids on improving obesity and chronic inflammation. Through this research project, I learned various skills in experimental operation, including testing gene expressions. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but allowed me to receive multiple scholarships, awards, and poster presentation opportunities, which have been incredibly encouraging.

Furthermore, serving as a peer mentor in International Student Success and the Renée Crown Honors Program, and being a teaching assistant for Professor Jane Burrell, has provided me with meaningful opportunities to assist others. Additionally, I am honored to have been pre-selected by the Phi Beta Kappa Society New York Chapter at Syracuse University, the most prestigious academic honor society in America. The confidence and passion I have developed at Syracuse have propelled me toward pursuing my dream of becoming a physician-scientist.

In the News: Yang’s research with Ramalingam involved examining obesity in male mice to explore the idea that a healthier father will produce a healthier child.


Passion for Research

17/04/23
ACC Meeting of the Minds Conference Attracts Top Student Researchers

A group of 7 young people are posed together

(From left): SOURCE assistant director Odette Marie Rodríguez poses with student researchers Jordyn Lee ’25, Katarina Sako ’24, Nathan Ashby ’23, Husna Tunje ’24 and Grace Brock ’23 during the annual ACC Meeting of the Minds research conference.

 

Each spring, there’s a prestigious, student-centric event featuring colleges and universities affiliated with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) that has nothing to do with March Madness and everything to do with research and preparedness.

During the annual ACC Meeting of the Minds research conference, held March 24-26 on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, undergraduate students from each ACC institution convened to present recent findings to their peers.

The nomination and selection process—conducted by the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE)—is extremely competitive, and only five students represented Syracuse:

  • Jordyn Lee, a sophomore sport management major in Falk College;
  • Nathan Ashby, a senior biochemistry and neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences;
  • Grace Brock, a senior political science major in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences;
  • Katarina Sako, a junior neuroscience and biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences; and
  • Husna Tunje, a junior environmental engineering major in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Students either delivered a 10-minute oral presentation followed by a Q&A (Brock and Sako) or they devised a poster displaying their research (Ashby, Lee and Tunje).

Get to know this year’s Falk College Orange representative at the conference, her passion for her research topic and how this experience inspired her to go further with her research:

Jordyn stand next to a research poster

Jordyn Lee’s research focused on the lack of diversity and equity in the front offices of professional sports teams and leagues.

 

Jordyn Lee ’25: Tracking a Lack of Diversity and Equity in Professional Sports Front Offices

When Lee heads home after completing her sophomore year, she will intern for two different sports organizations: with event operations for Fastpitch Nation Softball Park, a sports complex in Windsor, Connecticut, and with USA Boccia, a national organization dedicated to promoting a highly competitive seated Paralympic sport where athletes with disabilities and able-bodied athletes participate in a throwing sport.

Lee, a lifelong tennis player, hopes to work for a professional sports organization or league once she finishes her sport management degree. As someone who grew up playing and following sports, Lee knows the front offices of these leagues and teams predominantly feature male executives.

When she arrived on campus, Lee noticed that her sport management classes contained mostly males, but she was determined to follow in the footsteps of recent female sport management graduates who have landed key jobs with professional sports teams and leagues. Those experiences of being in the minority in the classroom, combined with her personal experiences in sports, inspired Lee’s poster presentation delving into the lack of diversity and equity among the front offices of teams in both the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

“Just speaking with the other participants at the Meeting of the Minds gave me new insights into my research and [the knowing] that the possibilities are endless,” Lee says. “This experience inspired me to keep doing what I’m doing, to keep going with this research, and to expand it to include other sports leagues, like the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), to compare their front offices to the NBA teams. I left this conference more determined to raise awareness of this issue and make changes in these professional sports organizations.”

Read more about all the students representatives.


The Clock is Ticking

10/04/23
America’s Pastime in Less Time: What to Expect as MLB Season Begins

The Major League Baseball (MLB) season opens this week with major changes in store. A pitch clock, new pickoff limits, bigger bases and rules on shifting infielders are all aimed at helping America’s pastime take up less time. Three Syracuse University faculty members with connections to the game and the numbers behind it offer thoughts on what fans can expect on opening day and beyond.

Brad Horn Portrait
Brad Horn

Brad Horn, professor of public relations in the Newhouse School and former VP of communications for the Baseball Hall of Fame

“The reality is that for the game to navigate a 162-game regular season, change is essential to the sport’s relevancy. Change is overdue, and change is good.

“Ironically, baseball was never meant to be played over a span of more than three hours. Efficiency has been the ultimate reward: the shortest effort between 27 outs typically signals victory.

“But somewhere along the way, the game itself slowed to a crawl while the rest of the world ran out of patience. As sports fans, we crave efficiency: the two-minute drill, the last-second possession, the power play. Yet baseball has continued to rely on the timeless nature of the game. While redeeming, good only for the few who can afford to wait.

“The reality is that the game can no longer stand on history and tradition alone to be relevant. The raw numbers just don’t matter as much as they once did. But the excitement of baseball—a thrilling postseason, a dramatic walk-off, an incredible World Baseball Classic—are the moments that matter more today. Creating more shareable moments is central to the game’s growth and future.”

Jason Maddox Portrait
Jason Maddox

Jason Maddox, assistant professor of sport management in the Falk College with a teaching specialty in analytics

“I do not believe the new rules will have a very large effect on the way the game is played. There may be some minor growing pains for pitchers with the pitch clock early on in the season, but many players have already played with a pitch clock instituted in the minor leagues since the 2015 season. As with any rule change or emphasis, I envision the umpires will enforce the changes more strictly at the beginning of the season, but I would expect there to be a lot of leeway on the new rules once September and October roll around.

“I think that the biggest change in the game for this season will be a lot more action occurring on the basepaths with stolen base attempts. Limited pitcher disengagements and larger bases will make it much more difficult for pitchers to hold runners, and therefore increase stolen base successes along with attempts.”

Jeremy Losak Portrait
Jeremy Losak

Jeremy Losak, assistant professor of sport management in the Falk College and former baseball analytics consultant

“MLB rule changes will do exactly what the league wants them to do: make the game of baseball more interesting and enjoyable to watch. The new rules also allow for more diversity in play styles.

“Starting with the new pickoff rules and larger bases (and pitch timer, to some extent). Analytical thinking had mostly killed the stolen base because the potential cost of getting an out outweighed the benefit of gaining the extra base. These new rules reduce the likelihood of recording an out when attempting to steal (we do not know by how much just yet, but some expect the effect to be huge), which should lead to significantly more attempts to steal bases.

“This, in turn, impacts the marginal impact of a single and reduces the marginal impact of a walk. Generally, it takes three singles to score a run (if only singles are hit). With increased stealing, it may only take two singles to score a run. This makes singles hitting more valuable than it was previously, and more importantly, it decreases the value of the home run relative to the single. Combine this with the new shift restrictions, increasing the likelihood that a ball hit on the ground results in a hit, hitting for contact in general, as opposed to hitting for power, should become much more prevalent. Now combine this with less dead time, and there should be much more in-game action this season.

“I also anticipate lineup management, and specifically the role analytics plays in lineup management, to be even more crucial this year. With multiple home run jacking individuals in the lineup, the key objective in past years would typically be to get people on base so home runs do more damage, leading to fairly simple lineup strategies (and incentivizing walks, i.e., not swinging). With more diverse outcomes, and more hits in play as opposed to home runs, player sequencing will be especially critical to get right. I expect there will be a general reversion toward more traditional lineup setups (speed hitter no. 1, best contact hitter no. 2, best overall hitter no. 3, best power hitter no. 4) as opposed to what we have seen more recently (best OBP player no. 1, best overall hitter no. 2).

“Of course, there will be bugs to work out, especially as teams find loopholes in the pitch clock and shift rules. Teams will spend the early part of the season trying to identify the optimal aggressiveness on the basepaths, and pitchers will continue getting accustomed to working under time duress. The pickoff rule is wonky, which is part of the reason stolen base rates should go up significantly. At this point, it is not clear if everyone will run more, if just the top players will run more or if everyone will see some sort of proportional increase in their baserunning aggressiveness. Again, part of that will work itself out during the early part of the season. Teams will surely review early season data very closely. Although I do expect catchers who can throw out runners will be more greatly compensated and sought after.

“I expect more runs to be scored despite a slight decrease in home runs (unless MLB messes with the aerodynamics of the baseball again). And the pitch clock has already shown evidence (in the minors and spring training) of being successful in its endeavor: to cut down on dead time in baseball games. Games will go much quicker but will also see more action. I am concerned about how the pace-of-play rules will impact pitcher durability, health and player safety. These rules may continue to push us away from the traditional starting pitcher. In fact, I wonder if this will be the next area of the game that is targeted for rule changes: the number of pitchers allowed to be brought in during a game.”

~ An SU News story by Keith Kobland originally published on Thursday, March 30, 2023.


Making Their Case

30/03/23
Syracuse University Sport Analytics Students Excel at Basketball Negotiation Competition

Preston and Jackson are sitting at a table in with laptops discussing with others.

At the Tulane Pro Basketball Negotiation Competition, Syracuse University’s Preston Klaus (left) and Jackson Hett were the youngest team in the event and finished just two votes shy of the winning team.

 

Syracuse University students Jackson Hett and Preston Klaus aren’t studying law, but they proved they can negotiate with some of the best law students from around the country.

Sport Analytics major Hett ’23 and Sport Analytics alumnus Klaus ’22, MS ’23 recently finished second at the Tulane University Pro Basketball Negotiation Competition (TPBNC) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The competition annually attracts competitors from top law schools across the United States and high-profile judges from the NBA.

“I was thrilled to place second overall in the competition,” says Hett, who’s from North Berwick, Maine. “In a field of over 40 teams, my goal was to make the final round. As the event progressed, I did believe that we could win. We gave it our best effort, but came up just short.”

Department of Sport Management alumnus Chris Robinson ’15 created the event while he was a student at Tulane Law School. The competition randomly assigns students to act as an agent or a team to represent an active NBA player who is eligible for free agency in the summer.

Both sides negotiated, seeking to come to a legal contract under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. The competitors were judged on Negotiation Ability/Strategy, Basketball/NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Knowledge, and Strength of the Deal.

“We were told this year’s negotiations were the most competitive and that we were just a few votes shy of winning it all,” says Klaus, a Palm City, Florida, native who graduated from Sport Analytics last year and is now studying finance at Syracuse University. “Even in defeat, we knew we made a positive impression and exceeded expectations.”

In the first two rounds, Hett and Klaus faced off against law students from Loyola University Chicago/Chicago-Kent College of Law and University of California, Berkeley. After negotiating against the University of Massachusetts, Syracuse’s Hett and Klaus were one of four teams to reach the final round, where they negotiated against third-year law students from Tulane in front of 32 NBA executives.

In the final negotiation, Hett and Klaus placed second by two votes. It was the highest finish by a non-law school team in the competition’s history, and they were the youngest team in the event this year.

“The department is very proud of Jackson and Preston for not only taking the chance to enter this top-notch competition, knowing it was stacked with law students and graduate students, but to then finish second is unbelievable,” said Sport Analytics Director Rodney Paul. “It truly shows how talented they are and how Falk College Sport Analytics is making a name for itself around the country in these types of competitions and conferences. Jackson and Preston are destined for success in the sport industry.”

Preston and Jackson are posed holding a plaque together.

Jackson Hett (left) and Preston Klaus display their runner-up plaque after earning the highest finish by a non-law school team in the history of the Tulane Pro Basketball Negotiation Competition.

 

To learn more about their performance at the TPBNC, we asked Hett and Klaus about their passion for sport analytics, their negotiating strategy, and what it was like to reach the finals. Here’s that conversation:

Q: Why did you want to study sport analytics and what brought you to Syracuse University?

Klaus: I wanted to study sport analytics because I’ve always had a love for math and wanted to combine it with my passion for sports. Syracuse University was the best–and at the time, only–place to get this analytical focus using sports data, all built into one academic major. As a bonus, I was able to graduate early and use my fourth year to earn a finance master’s degree.

Since I enrolled, I’ve honed my interest toward the NBA salary cap sector and upon graduation in May I’m looking to work for a team in basketball operations and strategy.

Hett: I wanted to study sport analytics because I have loved basketball my entire life and realized I had a passion for statistics during high school. I chose Syracuse University because this is the perfect major for me and brought together my passions and talents. During my childhood, I crafted NBA big boards and watched or played basketball almost every night. I plan to work in an analytics or strategy department for an NBA franchise in the future.

Q: What made you decide to enter the TPBNC that was filled with law students?

Hett: The main reason I decided to enter the TPBNC was because of the mentorship of Chris Robinson. I worked with Chris when he was in charge of Edwards Robinson Sports, a consulting company for a large NBA agency. Although his role ended when he was hired by the Utah Jazz, I kept in touch and he encouraged me to apply to the TPBNC.

Last year, I did not decide to pursue the opportunity because I didn’t think I could compete with law students. This year, I knew we could be competitive because Preston has studied the intricacies of the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement and I was confident in my knowledge of basketball.

Klaus: TPBNC was something I have personally been looking to compete in for a couple of years since it is the premier competition for NBA salary cap and strategy. Since basketball operations is an extremely competitive position, this was my best chance to showcase my capabilities in front of people who are working my dream job and get my name on their radar. It was a welcome challenge; to be the best, you have to beat the best.

Q: Can you describe your assignments at the TPBNC and how did you divide your duties for the assignments?

Klaus: Before the competition, we created a presentation designed for (San Antonio) Spurs’ ownership regarding Devin Vassell’s upcoming contract extension. This helped decide who we went up against; the competition committee tried to match up teams of equal skill.

At Tulane, there were three preliminary rounds and one final round. Given my finance background, I mostly handled the salary cap side during negotiations, while Jackson focused on finding player comparisons. However, before the competition, we both prepared statistics on our player, discussed what the other side might propose, and decided on an initial and walkaway price.

Hett: We acted as the Minnesota Timberwolves in a negotiation for Jaden McDaniels; as the agent for Grant Williams in a negotiation with the Boston Celtics; and as the New York Knicks in a negotiation for Josh Hart. Finally, we acted as the agent for Spencer Dinwiddie in a negotiation with the Brooklyn Nets. Preston focused on creating cap sheets for each team while I focused on finding comparable players and talking about the basketball side of things.

Q: Describe the feeling you had as you moved on and what was it like negotiating against third-year law students in front of 32 NBA executives?

Hett: As the event progressed, we felt like we were a competitive team since we competed against two of the top four teams on the first day. At first, it was nerve-wracking negotiating in front of so many NBA executives. We knew we just needed to focus on the task and tune out everything other than the students in front of us. We knew we were prepared, and the previous negotiations helped us build confidence.

Klaus: In the preliminary rounds, we faced law school teams from Chicago, a team in last year’s final four, and last year’s winner, UC Berkeley, which both made this year’s finals. We knew if we could go toe-to-toe with them, we could do well against anyone.

The final negotiation in front of Tulane third-year law students was tough because we only had 90 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to negotiate. I was less intimidated by the judges after the earlier rounds, but accuracy was even more critical because no mistake would slip by a full room of NBA executives.

Q: How did the Sport Analytics program at Syracuse University prepare you for this competition and your future professional careers?

Klaus: Our sport analytics background proved to be a hidden advantage. Going against law students, we needed to find an edge and were able to do that analytically. Our player comparisons gave us a huge upper hand, which we sourced via advanced statistics. I hope to be doing similar projects in my future career, using my unique skillset.

Hett: I have learned through the Sport Analytics program how to build an argument using statistics. Additionally, my experience as president of Syracuse University’s Basketball Analytics Club helped me prepare for the TPBNC. I am confident all the skills I have developed at Syracuse make me a competitive applicant for the jobs that will help fulfill my professional dreams.

This article from The Athletic looks at how the competition became a “retreat” for present and future NBA executives (an account from The Athletic is required).


Sport Management and Business

29/03/23
Syracuse University’s Falk College and Whitman School Launch Dual Degree in Sport Management and Business

the JMA Wireless Dome aerial view at night

Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management and David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics are launching a new undergraduate dual degree program that helps students pursue growing career opportunities in sports business.

The new undergraduate Sport Management/Business dual degree program is an innovative program that combines rigorous business training with in-depth knowledge of the high-growth area of sport management. This new dual degree program will prepare students to be versatile, multidisciplinary, and future-leading thinkers well-prepared for careers related to various aspects of sport management and business.

This dual degree program is offered in a streamlined format. For the undergraduate dual program, students can complete the degree with a minimum of 148 credits and can graduate in four years.

“There is so much potential for this new dual-degree program as the areas of sports and business continue to overlap. We have seen this recently as part of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) regulations for student-athletes; the commercial aspects of sports and related events, merchandising, marketing, and entrepreneurship; and the emergence of the business side of esports, among other areas. Having our students become stronger interdisciplinary thinkers about these issues is truly beneficial,” Whitman School Interim Dean Alexander McKelvie says. “We’re also delighted to partner with Falk and its outstanding sport management program. We hope that this will continue to pay dividends for preparing our students for the future.”

“Falk College has been a national leader in educating future industry professionals in sport business, marketing, and analytics for two decades,” says Falk College Dean Diane Lyden Murphy. “The new undergraduate dual degree program between Falk’s sport management program and the highly regarded Whitman School capitalizes on synergies between sport management and business disciplines to give students a competitive edge in the job market. By gaining specialized skillsets in both sport management and business, students will be well-equipped to meet new emerging and evolving sectors of the thriving global business of sport.”

“We are confident that this new dual degree sport management and business program will attract highly qualified and diverse students based on the quality and unique approaches of both schools. We hear with great regularity from students and their families about the demand for this type of program,” McKelvie says.

Admission requirements will remain similar for both programs and emphasize both academic credentials and leadership potential. Dual degree programs are highly demanding, and students should possess both strong analytical abilities and the soft skills needed for leadership positions.

Learn more detailed information about these new dual programs.

About the Whitman School

The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University inspires students for a world of accelerating change. Offering B.S., MBA, M.S., and Ph.D. programs, all accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Whitman School’s faculty includes internationally known scholars and researchers, as well as successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Whitman continues to be ranked among the nation’s top business schools by U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

About Falk College

The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University offers degree programs in exercise science, food studies, human development and family science, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science and dietetics, public health, social work, and sport management. Named in 2011 by a generous gift from David B. Falk ’72 and Rhonda S. Falk ’74, Falk College’s legacy is grounded in the values of social justice and global citizenship and continues the meaningful work that originated at Syracuse in 1917. Falk College is the alumni home of programs in the former Colleges of Home Economics, Human Development, Human Services and Health Professions, Human Ecology, and Nursing, and the School of Social Work. The College’s signature theory-to-practice academic model includes intensive hands-on learning to prepare students for professions that improve the emotional and physical well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is an independent research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our 13 schools and colleges and over 200 majors close the gap between education and action, so graduates are equipped to be resourceful, responsive and real-world ready. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected issues with innovative approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community of game changers that moves ideas, individuals and impact forward.


First Of Its Kind

09/03/23
Syracuse University to Launch a New Degree in Esports Communications and Management
Students are sitting at esports computer consoles in a room

Esports gaming room at The Barnes Center at The Arch.

Syracuse University will soon begin offering a new, first-of-its-kind degree program focused on esports.

The program, Esports Communications and Management, will be offered jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Falk College. It will include three tracks: Esports Business and Management; Esports Communications; and Esports Media and Design. The University will begin enrolling students to the program in fall 2024.

“The esports program is a natural extension of Syracuse University’s leadership in sport-related programs and commitment to 21st century academic excellence,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “This new major is the latest example of Syracuse University innovating, expanding career options in emerging fields and delivering programs students want.”

“This new academic offering is particularly exciting because it leverages the University’s key areas of strength, distinction and excellence to embrace an emerging, fast-growing field and provide our students with the tools to enter that field,” says Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter. “Investment in our sport-related academic disciplines will be one of the keys to our success moving forward.”

A proposal for the Esports Communications and Management degree was passed by Falk College and Newhouse School faculty last fall. It was subsequently passed by the University Senate in December and approved by the New York State Department of Education in February. A search is currently underway for an executive director of esports.

The program, which will be among the first of its kind at a major university, taps into the rapidly growing, multibillion dollar esports industry and builds upon work already happening on campus. The Barnes Center at The Arch, the University’s recreation center, includes a designated esports gaming room outfitted with Omen Obelisk gaming stations; Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo consoles; SIM racing stations; and a virtual reality unit. An active Esports Club has also flourished in recent years.

Jeff Rubin, special advisor to the chancellor on esports and digital transformation, has been leading the effort to bring an esports major to Syracuse. For more than a year, Rubin has been working with faculty and deans from both Falk College and the Newhouse School to develop the program that will span both colleges.

“It has been an extraordinary experience working with some of the smartest minds in communications and sport management to develop a program that will be at the forefront of this burgeoning industry,” says Rubin. “I am especially proud of the collaborative work that is producing the educational opportunities and experiences are students are looking for.”

In 2018, the Newhouse School collaborated with social video service Twitch to launch an innovative new course, Esports and Media, which is still offered through the school’s Sports Media Center (SMC). Rotating industry partners serve as case studies for the students, who develop skills to enhance the company’s social media strategy, distributed content and brand management. Some recent partners include ESL, Microsoft and Super League. The course is co-taught by SMC director Olivia Stomski and Chris Hanson, associate professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences, who has taught multiple courses with an esports component over the last several years.

“The Newhouse School has long been known for excellence in sports communications, with roots stretching back to 1939 alumnus Marty Glickman, one of the first great sports broadcasters,” says Newhouse School Dean Mark J. Lodato. “We are excited to build on that foundation with this new degree, which—as we have already seen with our academic programming in esports—will set students up for success in this burgeoning field. Our partnership with Falk College ensures a truly top-notch program that will provide students with the best possible education and training to keep pace with the industry.”

The Falk College has been at the forefront of sport industry education for 20 years. In 2005, Falk launched one of the nation’s earliest undergraduate degrees in sport management, followed by one of the very first undergraduate degrees in sport analytics in 2017.

“The Falk College is an established leader in sport management and sport analytics academic training, preparing future leaders who have found great career success in the sport industry,” says Falk College Dean Diane Lyden Murphy. “With this partnership between the Falk College and the Newhouse School, Syracuse University is well positioned to enter the next era of growth in sport academic programming with a major in esports.”

“This pioneering esports degree will focus on an emerging sector of the global and domestic sport industry,” says Michael Veley, chair of the Department of Sport Management in the Falk College. “It combines the strengths of Falk and Newhouse programs in sport communications, media production, technology, business and event management to offer a cutting-edge degree.”

“This esports major embodies the culture and reputation of both the Newhouse School and the Falk College,” says Stomski. “We have spent countless hours researching the industry and the interests of our students to create a rigorous and dynamic curriculum that will prepare graduates to succeed in this thriving, ever-changing field.”

Stomski, Veley and Hanson—together with Newhouse School Assistant Director of Academic Operations Rachel Francisco, sport management Undergraduate Director Gina Pauline, David B. Falk Endowed Professor Rick Burton and Falk College Senior Associate Dean Eileen Lantier, and Falk Academic Operations Manager Kelly Pettingill—worked to build the new degree as part of a University-wide task force convened last spring. The well-rounded curriculum is designed to provide students with industry-specific competencies in event management and marketing, broadcasting/production, communications, content creation, entrepreneurship, strategic communications and esports experience and design. The three tracks will provide students with the ability to tailor the degree according to their career goals.

  • Esports Business and Management: Covers such topics as sport promotion, sport venue management and finance for emerging enterprises.
  • Esports Communications: Includes coursework in virtual reality storytelling, esports and advertising, public relations principles and sports in the metaverse.
  • Esports Media and Design: Covers 3D animation, game experience design and virtual production.

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