Sport Management  News

What if one of the greatest student-athletes in Syracuse University’s storied history—its first Black sports star—was one of the world’s least-known legends? Wilmeth Sidat-Singh ’39 is partially recognized within the University community, but his full story hasn’t ever been told—until now, thanks to two Newhouse School of Public Communications alumni. It’s a tale that involves a former Orange football and basketball standout who dies tragically during World War II.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Sidat-Singh’s death, which occurred a year after his entry into the U.S. military. Following rigorous testing, he joined the elite Tuskegee Airmen. His P-40 fighter went down during a training mission in 1943, killing the young airman, just four years after earning a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Sidat-Singh’s life and legacy was recently honored during an event at the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building (NVRC), marking the 75th anniversary of desegregation of the U.S. military.

Even so, much of Sidat-Singh’s life remains undocumented. Award-winning journalist and author Scott Pitoniak ’77 and Rick Burton ’80, the David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management in Falk College, have written a years-in-the-making book that fills in the blanks of Sidat-Singh’s extraordinary but largely forgotten life.

Predicated on extensive research and interviews, their historical novel, “Invisible No More,” recently was published by Amplify/Subplot and is available online and in bookstores. The book was unveiled during the NVRC event, at which both authors discussed this remarkable student, athlete and veteran.

You wrote about Sidat-Singh in “Forever Orange: The Story of Syracuse University.” What fascinates you most about his life?

Pitoniak: I think we were intrigued by what an incredible person he was on so many levels. The more interviews and research we conducted for “Forever Orange,” the more layers we discovered.

Wilmeth truly was the greatest athlete many people never heard of. We could have produced a book solely on his athletic achievements, which were astounding. He was a quarterback compared to the Tom Brady and Peyton Manning of his day by the most influential sports media member of the times (sportswriter Grantland Rice). He was a superb basketball player, whom his peers from the 1930s and early ’40s said would have wound up in the Basketball Hall of Fame had he lived. He was a pre-med major who dreamed of following in both his father and stepfather’s footsteps and become a doctor.

On top of that, he was a courageous man who paid the ultimate sacrifice. And he gave his life for a country that didn’t consider him a full-fledged citizen because of the color of his skin. He overcame numerous racist obstacles along the way, and truly was a trailblazer for the Black quarterbacks who followed in his footsteps years and decades later.

Burton: He really was a great young man, not only a generational athlete with talent beyond reproach, but just a great individual, too. Everything you would want in a doctor, a teammate, a friend. In a different generation, he could have been a great leader, perhaps even president. What he had to overcome, including hiding his identity, was simply incredible.

You mention his story has largely been untold. Why?

Burton: That’s partly due to the racist times in which he played. During that period, athletic awards typically weren’t given to African American athletes. Then, when he died in 1943 during that training mission as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, he literally disappeared and was forgotten. It was at the height of World War II when many soldiers perished daily and one individual death did not receive much attention. It’s so hard to keep one’s legacy alive when they’re gone, and, unfortunately, it’s not until much, much later that we began to realize the generational talent we had in Sidat Singh.

It’s important to note this is a historical novel and not a biography. Was there a reason you approached it in this manner?

Burton: While we would have loved for this to have been a biography about a great young student-athlete, the reality is that most of his peers and family are no longer with us, which meant we had to really dig to provide a realistic account of his life.

During his playing days, there wasn’t much material in terms of newspaper quotes or even any letters describing his innermost feelings. This was in an era when reporters typically did not quote Black athletes, so press coverage was thin.

We wanted to get into his head. What was in his mind? What might he have been thinking? We piece this together through interviews with people who knew him, including surviving distant relatives, players and coaches. We created a fictional sports reporter who stumbles upon his story. She is a composite character of people Scott and I knew and worked with, and she and Wilmeth serve as parallel protagonists.

I need to reinforce that this is historical fiction. We are not trying to portray this as perfect history. We extensively studied his life in order to put this story together in an historically accurate way. It’s rooted in reality.

How do you make sure your work is indeed rooted in reality?

Pitoniak: Both Rick and I have worked as sportswriters at daily newspapers. We ultimately decided to create a female sports writer as a prominent character to drive the narrative. We wanted someone who was facing challenges and roadblocks similar to Wilmeth’s while trying to break into a predominantly white, male field.

She uncovers Sidat-Singh’s story and immerses herself into it. She digs and digs and digs and finds all these different pieces. Because it’s fiction, we can jump back in time and get inside Wilmeth’s head and soul. It was a lot of fun for us to put this together, but more importantly, to help shine more light on Wilmeth’s fascinating life.

Though it takes place nearly a century earlier, we believe it’s very much a 21st century story—a story we hope will inspire people facing similar, daunting challenges. As the title says, we wanted to try to make sure Wilmeth was invisible no more.

About ‘Invisible No More’

From the publisher: “Wilmeth Sidat-Singh is the greatest athlete you’ve never heard of. In addition to having a laser for an arm on the football field and electric moves on the basketball court, he was also a scholar, civil rights pioneer, patriot and one other thing—forgotten.

“In this historical novel based on Sidat-Singh’s life, sportswriter Breanna Shelton inadvertently comes upon the compelling life of a Syracuse University phenom who generations earlier had to hide his identity in order to play, then was forced to deal with the backlash amid the tension of race and sports in 1930s America.

“As an aspiring Black woman building her career in a profession that doesn’t embrace her, Shelton finds a kindred spirit. She buries herself in research, committed to resurrecting an inspirational man whose name was long lost. In the process, she discovers courage and fortitude to transform herself and her goals.

“Post–civil rights era society still wrestles with stiff obstacles that Sidat-Singh faced when he was “passing” to get on the field; flying as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II; and interacting with celebrities of his day, including Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Grantland Rice, Sam Lacy and Joe Louis.

“This fictionalized account, as timely now as ever, honors an American hero whose life ended too soon serving a country that didn’t see him as a full citizen because of the color of his skin. After you read this book, Sidat-Singh will be invisible no more.”

An SU News story by Keith Kobland originally published on Nov. 1, 2023.

What five words best describe you?

Well, this is what I would hope for: Kind, empathetic, fun(ish), focused, humble.

Three fun facts about yourself that others may not know?

I have run 12 marathons and 25 half-marathons. I love live music and try to go to as many concerts as a I can. One of my favorite places to visit is Japan—I love the people and the culture.

Do you play a sport or follow a sports team?

During COVID I bought a Peloton bike, so now I spend a lot of time riding a bike that goes nowhere. After living in Philadelphia for 15 years, I tend to root for the Phillies and Eagles.

Favorite band?

Pearl Jam, I am old.

Favorite podcast, book, movie or hobby you’ve enjoyed recently?

I have been reading Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. It is a unique book that I have enjoyed quite a bit. Fun that he is a faculty member at Syracuse.

Most interesting travel experience you’ve had?

I love to travel abroad and experience all that is available at the destination, especially the food. The most epic travel day I have had was in Tokyo. The day started with a bike tour through the city where we stumbled upon one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations I have seen (it was in May by the way). The day ended with some amazing street food and a visit to the robot bar. I got to share this day with my spouse, Laurel, and a good friend, which made it even more special.

Best advice you’ve received?

Listen more, talk less.

What most appeals to you about living in Central New York?

I have really enjoyed learning about all the different outdoor activities and festivals.

How do you bring out the best in your students?

Understanding their academic and career aspirations and making sure we provide the necessary support and resources for them to be successful. We work collaboratively with our students to help them achieve their goals.

What do you look most forward to in your role as dean?

Working with the faculty and staff to provide a transformational experience for our students. We will tell the story of Falk, in part, through the outcomes of our students.

An SU Story by Maren Powell originally published on November 3, 2023.

With a massive 6-foot-10 frame and deep voice, former Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson was an imposing figure and “my toughest critic,” says David Falk, the renowned sports agent who represented Thompson.

“I know I was afraid of him,” said a smiling Danielle Cantor, executive vice president and partner of Falk Associates Management Enterprises (FAME), which was co-founded by Falk.

As Cantor rose through the ranks at FAME, Falk made sure she had a seat at the table whenever they met with Thompson. Eventually, Cantor knew she had gained Thompson’s trust when at the end of one meeting, he turned to her and asked, “What do you think?”

It was yet another moment in her trailblazing career when Cantor realized she was indeed making progress in the male-dominated sport industry. Now, as the first female National Basketball Players Association-certified player agent, Cantor enjoys sharing stories about her journey with young women and men who want to work in sports.

Cantor and Falk, who has long been recognized as one of the sports industry’s leading figures and most talented innovators, visited Falk College Oct. 26 and spent more than three hours speaking with Department of Sport Management students from classes taught by Michael Veley, director and chair of the Department of Sport Management, and professors Dennis Deninger, Dave Meluni, and Kevin McNeill.

Their main theme was women in sports, but they touched on a variety of topics, including Thompson’s impact on Falk (“He was the most influential man in my life,” Falk says); how Cantor landed a four-year, $85 million contract for her first client (Malcolm Brogden) that doubled the contract he was previously offered; and, of course, Falk’s most famous client, Michael Jordan.

“I love being able to connect with students,” Cantor said. “You never really know how it’s going or how they’re feeling because we’re doing so much talking, but then they line up and want to talk after class to say this is amazing and thank you so much for being here and we learned so much.

“That’s what it’s all about, being able to share real-life experiences and real-life stories as opposed to just theories that you read about,” she added.

Cantor said she was impressed with the students’ questions and one of them came from Samie Haber ’24, who is interested in ecommerce and digital merchandising with a sports apparel company and asked Cantor for advice on how to get started as a female in the business world.

“She said it’s about connections and told me to have Professor Denninger give me her email and she would help me with those connections, which is very helpful,” Haber said. “It was interesting to hear about her experience from a woman’s perspective, and I feel like together they were able to provide a lot of insight for us.”

In 2017, Sports Business Journal wrote a “Game Changers” feature story on Cantor that highlighted her ascent to the NBA’s first female player agent. Cantor said she hadn’t paid much attention to the gender issue, but that story helped her understand her impact on the industry.

“That was a turning point in that a lot of work that I would do after that became about helping young women in sports and making sure there are more opportunities for everyone to be in positions of power,” Cantor said.

During their presentations, Cantor and Falk discussed the evolution of those opportunities and highlighted what has worked–and what hasn’t–for women’s sports and female athletes in terms of creating a product that consumers want to buy.

“My biggest takeaway was that women are getting more involved in sports, and I think that’s very important because of how things were in the past and we want to progress into the future,” Haber said.

In 2010, a gift from Falk and his wife, Rhonda S. Falk ’74, established the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University. Falk, the co-founder of FAME who earned his economics degree from Syracuse University, says he enjoys returning to campus and engaging with the future leaders of the sport industry.

“I’m really proud of what Michael Veley has created over the last 18 years (with sport management),” Falk said. “It’s a unique program because it’s structured to be experiential, like with what we had today (with the presentations). We have amazing professors, the quality of the students is so high, and I’m so proud that it’s something that bears my name.”

Visit the Falk College website to learn more about the academic programs offered by the Department of Sport Management.

As part of a series of campus tours with Syracuse University students, Sport Management major Braeden Cheverie-Leonard takes you on a whirlwind tour of his favorite spots on campus, including Falk College, his South Campus apartment, the JMA Wireless Dome, and the esports gaming room at the Barnes Center at The Arch, a place Cheverie-Leonard knows well because he’s a member of the Syracuse University esports team.

At the start of his keynote address at the Oct. 12 Jonathan B. Wanderstock “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Sport” lecture, Kevin Clayton had one request for the large gathering of students in attendance at the College of Law’s Dineen Hall.

“If nothing else, I want you to walk away with one new concept or tool that will help you on your journey to successful,” said Clayton, Senior Vice President and Head of Social Impact and Equity for the Rock Entertainment Group, which includes the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

It’s safe to say that the students–and everyone else who attended–walked away with more than one concept to consider and a far better understanding of what it means for an organization to practice what it preaches when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Clayton explained that his job title is his “what,” but it’s a person’s “why” that has more impact because your why is your purpose. For Clayton and the Cavaliers, their “why” became clear after George Floyd, an African American man, was murdered by a Minnesota police officer in May 2020.

“It wasn’t until post-George Floyd that we knew our why: connect the platform of sports to social justice,” Clayton said. “We’re the only city where three sports teams (the Cavaliers, NFL’s Browns, and Major League Baseball’s Guardians) have met every two weeks for the past three years around issues for social justice. We focus on law enforcement, education, and voting/civic engagement, and for all three teams to be involved the impact is like 1+1+1 equals 100 and not 1+1+1 equals three.”

The “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Sport” Lecture Series is made possible through a generous gift to Falk College’s Department of Sport Management from alum Jonathan B. Wanderstock, who earned his undergraduate degree in public communications and management from Syracuse University and is a philanthropic advisor for the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus.

The second annual event featuring Clayton and four other sport industry executives was hosted by the Department of Sport Management in conjunction with the Syracuse University College of Law’s Office of Career Services and Entertainment and Sports Law Society. Watch the full event on the Syracuse University video webpage.

“The establishment of the Sport Management DEIA symposium by Jonathan Wanderstock has impacted the lives of hundreds of students across campus, not only those attending the symposium, but from having our panelists attend eight classes as part of their supportive contributions,” said Michael Veley, director and chair of the Department of Sport Management.

“Our department stands in solidarity with our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as we focus on areas of awareness, training, and education,” Veley added. “We seek to use sport as a platform for social justice and social responsibility, while encouraging open, honest dialog, including those related to racism, privilege, and allyship.”

In addition to Clayton’s keynote address, the event featured a panel discussion moderated by Rockwell Brown Burton, Associate Dean for Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at the Newhouse School of Public Communications. The panel included:

• Kwame Agyemang, George and Betty Blanda Endowed Professor in Sport Leadership and Director of the Future of Sport Institute at the University of Kentucky.
• Dom Cambareri, Volunteer Executive Director of Syracuse Challenger Baseball and Founder and Board Member of the Carrier Park Field of Dreams All-Inclusive Sports Park.
• Leashia Lewis, Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Villanova University.
• Amy Reed, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Athletics Director at Rochester Institute of Technology.

The panelists explained their roles in DEIA and social justice initiatives and answered questions from Brown Burton. After a Q&A with the students, Clayton and the panelists remained for one-on-one discussions with students.

In his address, Clayton said one of the ongoing issues with DEIA is that “we have not come to a universal understanding of what diversity is.” He said the Cavaliers and NBA have defined diversity as the “collective mixture of our fans, team members, properties, teams and partners characterized by our differences as well as our similarities.”

He said it’s possible to have diversity but not inclusion unless you create a trusting environment in which all are included, respected, and supported. And equity, Clayton says, is building an “organizational landscape where all are empowered to be their authentic selves and contribute.”

At the end of the Q&A, Lewis–a Syracuse native who attended Villanova University–offered advice for students courtesy of a conversation she had with renowned political activist, author, and University of California professor Angela Davis, who notably once said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

“I asked her, ‘What hope do we have?’” Lewis said. “She said, ‘Ask the youth; they are the future.’

“I came away from that meeting (with Davis) asking myself, ‘What am I going to do to help (students) be ready to fight for social justice?’” Lewis said. “So, I would say that we all have a role to play.”

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Q&A With Falk College Dean Jeremy S. Jordan

Jeremy S. Jordan, new dean of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, was inspired to become an academic leader to be of service to others in pursuit of their aspirations.

“I enjoy creating processes and building structures that help others achieve their professional goals. My role as dean is to help our students, faculty and staff in Falk by removing barriers that can prevent individuals from accomplishing their goals,” says Jordan, who was most recently vice provost for faculty affairs at Temple University in Philadelphia. “Additionally, I enjoy the ability to work across campus and form interdisciplinary partnerships that are mutually beneficial for all parties.”

In this Q&A with Syracuse University News, Jordan, who started in his new role Sept. 1, discusses the academic journey that brought him to Syracuse, shares the opportunities ahead for the Falk College and reveals something unexpected that keeps him going the distance.

Tell us about the academic and professional journey that brought you to this point.

After I completed my Ph.D. at The Ohio State University, I served as a faculty member in sport management at the University of Memphis, Mississippi State University, University of Miami and, for the past 15 years, at Temple University. My different roles at Temple included professor of sport management; director of the Sport Industry Research Center; senior associate dean in the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management; NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative; and, this past year, vice provost for faculty affairs. My time in administration these past six years prompted me to pursue additional leadership roles, which is how I ended up as the dean of the Falk College. I am thrilled to join the team at Falk and become a member of the Syracuse community.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a leadership position at Syracuse?

This is a world-class institution with a proud tradition of academic excellence; I am inspired to be part of this community. Additionally, Syracuse has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA); student success; and social justice. All these areas align with my professional and personal interests. I view Syracuse as a place where I can continue to grow both personally and professionally by working with some very talented colleagues.

As you begin in your new post, what are you most excited about?

Learning more about the traditions at Syracuse and enjoying living in Central New York. I am also excited about the opportunity to advance the Falk College by working with all the different stakeholder groups that comprise the overall community.

Looking at academic priorities specific to your college, what are the greatest opportunities ahead?

Complete the Academic Strategic Plan for Falk so that we understand our priorities and how we plan to achieve our established goals. Invest in areas of the college that provide the greatest opportunities for academic excellence and future growth.

In five years, what do you hope to have achieved as dean of the college?

• Elevate the research profile of the Falk College by providing the necessary resources and support for our students and faculty.
• Increase the percentage of Falk students who study abroad and away.
• Build stronger connections with industry partners, alumni and donors.
• Be viewed as a leader in DEIA programming and practices.
• Achieve a level of financial stability that provides opportunity for continued growth and support for students, faculty and staff at Falk.

What advice do you have for our incoming students, both undergraduate and graduate?

• Be an active learner. Take ownership of your education and professional development.
• Meet as many new people as you can. Expand your personal and professional networks.
• Plan to study abroad or away; these are life-changing experiences.
• Use your time and talents to improve the lives of those around you, especially those who have not been provided as much opportunity.
• Attend a play, art exhibition, sport event, lecture, concert or some other new experience. Give yourself the opportunity to grow and learn new things.
• Utilize all the resources available at Syracuse that will help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
• Enjoy your time at Syracuse; it will go by much too quickly.

Quick questions

Kindle/e-reader or old-school books? Old-school books.

Movies or series? Series—I never seem to have time to watch a full movie unless I am on a plane.

Take out or dine in? Favorite cuisine? Dine in. I love all food but really enjoy a good taco.

Museums or theater? Theater.

Ocean, lake or mountains? Domestic or abroad? R&R or adventure? Ocean, abroad, active relaxation.

Night owl or early riser? Early riser—definitely not a night owl.

Favorite season? All of them except for winter. I realize I might be in trouble moving to Syracuse.

Something about you no one would expect? I have run 12 full marathons and over 20 half marathons. I will never be fast enough to win but I enjoy the experience, most of the time.

View original story on Syracuse University News.

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Video: Explore Careers in D.C.

In October 2022, Falk College students traveled to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD for the Falk in D.C. Career Exploration Trip. This trip takes place annually and offers students an opportunity to connect with alumni and career pathways related to all Falk College majors. The 2022 trip included site visits to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The National Council for Mental Wellbeing, The Capital Area Food Bank, St. Coletta of Greater Washington, and Living Classrooms. During panels and networking receptions, the students spoke with Syracuse alumni from the FDA, USDA, USAID, Childrens National Hospital, Medstar National Rehabilitation Network, American Red Cross, and many others D.C. area employers in Health, Human Services, and Sport.

Falk College will return to D.C. October 22-25, 2023. Learn more about the Falk in D.C. 2023 trip and apply.

Syracuse Welcome, the University’s required orientation program, is scheduled for Aug. 24-27. At Falk College, we’ll be welcoming a student body that includes more than 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students.

The newest Falk students in the Class of 2027 are a talented group from 31 U.S. states and 10 global countries. Joining the Falk family are 319 first-year students, 16 transfer students, and 283 graduate students (123 in residential programs and 160 in online programs).

For everything you need to know about Syracuse Welcome, please visit the Welcome Schedules webpage, where both University and Falk College-specific events can be found. Welcome to Falk College and Syracuse University!