Chris and I worked closely with Bill Bryant in the studio taping the players and coaches.  Bill, also a great friend of mine, does video for all of our games.  I have been privileged to get to know him throughout my years at Ball State.  He is a great guy so he was easy to work with.  He even gave me the opportunity to shoot some video of a couple players and coaches.  Men’s volleyball coach Joel Walton and players Ryan Clarke and Todd Chamberlain were my “actors”!    It was my first time behind the camera, but I caught on … well at least thats what Bill told me to make me feel good!  Trust me, it is tougher than it looks.  Makes me appreciate all of the camera technicians at our games even more.  Thanks guys.

While I was in attendance for this project, before heading back to the office, I was able to see many players and coaches on video and it was a lot of fun.  Out of all the players and coaches that were part of this video while I was present, my favorite had to be baseball coach, Greg Beals and women’s basketball coach, Tracy Roller.  I like Coach Beals because he is kind of like me, he likes to goof around but gets his work done at the same time.  Same thing with Coach Roller.  Over the years, my respect for Coach Roller continues to rise.  From what she has done with the program, the type of players she recruits and how she handles herself on the court and off is something I admire.

This video will not only be used for the freshmen Welcome Week, but the athletic department can use it for recruiting purposes as well.  I spent a lot of time in the studio but not nearly as much as Chris and Bill did.  You would think that we were making a movie instead of a four to six minute video!  Having everything perfect and presentable is key so this can be used for multiple purposes.  It should turn out great.

This is my second transition between head coaches since I have been at Ball State.  I am fully aware that things like this happen all the time and it is part of the sports business. 

As the oldest player in the program I feel the duty to let the new guys know that during these times is when we have to get closer as a team.  Nobody wants these things to happen to their programs but they still happen at times.  As hard as it was for me last year to accept the fact that my head coach was leaving, it made me stronger and it made me wiser.  Now, I can share some wisdom on how to handle things as a player to the younger guys. 

I have now seen both sides of the sport business.  I have seen it as a player and as a sports marketing and communications intern.  The two are obviously very different but similar as well.

As a player, I only go to the press conference and leave afterwards.  As an intern, I got to see just how quickly things evolved after the resignation letter was received.  The letter came in Thursday and by Friday at one o’clock there was a press conference with 16 cameras from Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, print and radio from all over the state, and phone interviews from ESPN and more.  After helping out with the press conference, I was then in the press conference.  Myself and Anthony Newell both answered questions to the media.  The press conference was very professional as expected.

As a player you have to be calm and patient and also keep a level head.  As an intern,  I noticed it was exactly the same as a Sports Information Director.  Those same aspects have to be attended to.  As my parents have taught me, from every situation — good or bad — there is always something that you can take away from it that will help you in the future.  I have become wiser from this situation and intend on helping my teammates even more.

Ball State WILL, be back on track and continue its tradition as a school of excellence in the classroom and on the court!  You have my word!  This “family”, and when I say “family”, that includes the team, the students, the university, alumni, fans and the community, will become stronger as ONE.  I have complete trust that Tom Collins will bring in the right guy for the job and we’ll get it rolling from there. 

Chris and I met with Major Baker from the Army ROTC and he was a character.  He picked us up in this huge green van to take us out to the football field so we could set something up for the opening game in August.  Some really great ideas were thrown around between myself, Chris and Major Baker.  If everything works out the way we want, Opening Night at Scheumann Stadium, this will be a special night to remember!  I have learned very quickly, working in the Athletic Communications and Marketing office, that a great experience for the fans is the goal.  I am very excited about the potential of this opening game celebration.

I have recieved many comments this summer on my blog and I want you to know that they do not go unappreciated.  I wish I had the time to personally respond to everyone, because I would!  Even our opponents, friends, and foes from other Mid American Conference schools have been logging on — right Mike Cihon of Bowling Green?!  I just want to thank everyone for their continued support.  My goal is to obviously win this year and hang banners in Worthen Arena but I also would love to get my team out into the community more to show appreciation.  I think that may be just as important. 

Last week Chris had to attend a CoSIDA Convention in San Diego.  He was there for an entire week so he left me in charge!  This gave me the opportunity to do some things on my own and see how I can take care of work without much supervision.  It felt great to test my skills in the office on my own.  Everyday I would come into the office and sit in Chris’ chair at his desk and begin working.  Every time I would sit down in his chair, I got a little more confident than the time before.  It felt good.  I did not tell Chris I ate lunch in his office as well but Chris will now know that after he reads this!

I have been working on the 2007-08 Football bios for the ballstatesports.com website.  I never realized just how many players there are on the team until I had to go through every single one of them and their bios.  The season is near and I know fans are ready to not only see the players but see the new renovations to the stadium as well. 

Speaking of fans… I can not WAIT until fans start walking into Worthen Arena for games this year!  I have discussed the players who have been here for the first summer school session and I am very excited about them.  Now we have Rob Martina, Deontay Twyman, and Laron Frazier.  They have been here working out for three weeks now and I feel like I have a feel for their games already.  

Martina is a long post player.  He can shoot the 15 foot jump shot and occassionally step out to my land the three pointer.  He is a good shot blocker and plays solid defense.  He needs more pounds on him but that can be fixed easily with the work ethic he has in the weight room already.

Twyman is a quick, high jumping guard.  He is a good slasher and can shoot as well.  He is a good athlete.  He is great in the open court and good at finishing at the basket.  He is also going hard in the weight room as well.

Frazier is the opposite of Twyman.  He likes to shoot the three point shot more often than drive to the basket.  He is very good at pulling up on the dribble and plays defense really well.  I think each new player is easy to work with on the court which is very important.  The guys are really going hard each day so the end result in March should be positive.

Not only did I get to speak and work camp last week but I also got to see three more of our new players play. It has only been a week for Laron Frazier, Deontay Twyman, and Rob Martina but they are doing a good job of proving themselves on the court. This second week I should get an even better feel on these new players. I can tell they have great character already which is very important for every program. I will keep you updated this week on my internship and how the basketball is bouncing in the gym!

Until I arrived at the high school, I did not realize just how big the event was. They gave each presenter a information binder about the entire event and I had time to read through it thoroughly. I read that this event ranks as the largest one-day state athletic association student leadership conference in the country. I was even more excited to speak. I would be able to hopefully influence the future college athletes and continue to steer them in the right direction. There were almost 900 student athletes that attended today. This is also a huge resume builder for me because of the magnitude of the event.

Chris and I spoke three different times today and had a great time with the students and coaches. Right before lunch, everyone packed into the auditorium to watch what they thought was just a comedy magic show by Stephen Bargatze. He was actually not only a comedian and a great magician, but he was an unbelievable and truly inspiring motivational speaker. It was “Magic With a Message”.

He told the crowd the story of his life and connected it to his magic. I really wish that every school in the nation could hear Stephen speak. He told the crowd that he did not grow up in the best home environment and that things were never a “walk in the park” for him. He told us he even attempted to take his life at one point. Then he told us how he and his wife now have three children and he was a grandfather. He never would have been a grandfather if he had succeeded in taking his life. He didn’t think of that at the time. Everyone was very touched by the entire show and he got a standing ovation.

Overall, I met a lot of new people and did plenty of networking. The opportunity to be part of this event was truly a blessing to me. It was a great day. The rest of the week I will be working the basketball camp with the youth. Updates on some new guys who have showed up for the second session of summer school coming soon! Stay tuned!

Chris and I had a meeting today with Kyle Ellis.  He is involved in bringing all Greeks together to attend sporting events.  We met with him today to speak about football.  There is not a set day yet for “Greek Day” but we had a couple ideas.  The ESPN 2 game vs. Toledo in November is the target day.  “Greek Day” at the basketball game last season was really successful.  I remember the entire student section (The Nest), being filled with different Greek letters.  There was a great attendance from all the organizations on campus!

Speaking of basketball, the team is continuing to look impressive.  Everyday that we play open gym, I see myself and my teammates improve something in their game whether its minor or not.  Newcommers Rob Giles, Melvin Goins and Rashaun McClemore are doing very well.  Rob is tall and can shoot the three.  He could be a matchup nightmare for a forward.  Melvin is quick with great ball control and can jump out of the gym.  On the days we play on the same team, we are hard to play against.  Rashaun was injured last year and redshirted for the season so he will be a freshmen again, but he plays like a sophomore or junior.  He can shoot and post up really well.  These young guys will be a good addition to our team.

Things are still going well on and off the court for me.  I am feeling like a leader on both sides of the ball and I’m getting excited for the season.  Great preparation is in place so be ready for a great year!

Today in the office, I worked on some football stats for Joe Hernandez.  I searched for former football players who are currently or who used to play professionally.  I had not realized how many players the Ball State football program had helped get to the highest level over the years.  I have to research each player to see if they play for the same team, if they were traded or if they retired.  This will be a ongoing process throughout the week.

Earlier this afternoon, Chris, Joe and I, had a meeting with football coach, Brady Hoke.  We discused the media guide information to make sure everything was acceptable for this upcoming season.  He approved.  We also went into depth about the Women’s Football Academy.  This is an event that Coach Hoke teaches everything women need to know about the game of football to get them ready for the upcoming season! 

The great thing about this event is that all proceeds benefit The Cancer Center at Ball Memorial Hospital.  This year’s event was June 9th and it turned out great.  Texas Roadhouse and Hit Country 102.5 WMDH helped out at the event.  Coach Hoke had some ideas ready to make the event even bigger and better for next year. 

I am looking forward to the week ahead!

Later, I represented the athletic department when I stood up in front of all the freshmen and their parents on a microphone and gave them a heads up on the football season.  I told them about the first home game, the ESPN home, tailgating, and then gave out two free football season tickets.  I felt like Bob Barker calling the winner to “come on down”.  It was a great time.

After I finished helping out at the freshmen orientation, Chris, Paula Haughn (Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing), and myself drove to the Ball State Federal Credit Union where they hosted the summer football celebration.  Free food from Damon’s and free drinks from Pepsi was provided to fans and customers, while the official flagship station of Ball State Athletics — WLBC 104.1 FM – was on hand for a live-action broadcast with Steve Lindell.

I actually got interviewed live on the radio with Steve leading the way.  He even got Dave Stultz, who Steve named “Dave the ticket guy”, to say the ticket information on the air.  Steve is very good at what he does.  Many people came to the celebration to make it a great day.  Head coach, Brady Hoke, came and talked on the air with Steve, before leaving to go back to work.  Even the Voice of the Cardinals, Morry Mannies, made an appearance.  It was a great day for food, good conversation and a celebration for the upcoming football season.

Yesterday the fourth, was an exciting day for me in the office and out of the office as well.  It was my first day working on a actual media guide.  I was assigned to write the bios for the Men’s and Women’s Golf team.  It started off hard to compile all the fall and spring stats for each player, but I quickly embraced it.  It takes time and patience, and I have both.  The media guides are not just for the media and spectators, but the player’s families also love to read the guides as well.  I want to put forward my best efforts in every project Chris hands over to me.

I am excited to watch the 2007-08 Men’s Golf team because as the seniors move on, new leaders evolve.  The team will be young, but just like every year since I have been at Ball State, the seniors on the Men’s Golf team do a great job of leading on and off the links.  Coach Mike Fleck has done a great job recruiting players that have a drive for being future leaders.  I am also really looking forward to seeing my best friend’s younger brother, Eric Skillman, compete next year for the Cardinals!

Out of the office, basketball has been great.  Coach Roberson is working really hard with me so I have 110% confidence over my knees.  He has really helped me with my jumping ability.  I get that extra work in after weights and it has improved my confidence and jumping already.  I joke with high flyers on my team like Rashaun McClemore, that I am on the way and to watch out up there by the rim. 

Former teammate and great friend of mine, Dennis Trammell has been home from playing overseas during the year.  It has been great to catch up with him and talk about old times in the locker room and of course every moment on the hardwood together.  We are actually attempting to unite some of the guys from the 2003-04 team and catch up on old times as well.  Its amazing just how loyal one becomes to Ball State after attending the University whether its one year or four years.  There can be only one explanation for that Cardinal loyalty and it has to be the fans, the community and people of the University.  On behalf of the basketball team and a student-athlete, thank you.

The younger guys are still learning, but I think we as seniors are setting a good example of how to carry yourself as a Ball State basketball player and as a student as well.  They are doing a good job of managing workouts and school right now and will continue to do so.  The coaching staff is helping Ball State Basketball get back on its feet quickly.  Hanging banners for the university, community and fans in Worthen Arena is all we as a team want to do! 

In the office, I planned out my week, day by day of work to do.  Then, I finished the fall Athletic Calendar for the Ball State Website.  I have been here four years and did not know about the Athletic Calendar on the Ball State Website.  I always check ballstatesports.com because it is the official site for all athletics.  Now, I will check both since I put the schedules on the site! 

I also looked through the ticket information for the football games this season.  The ticket pamphlet is going through the last stages of editing and is almost ready for printing.  I took the final draft down to the BSU Ticket Office for final review.  The schedule is very exciting again this year, plus all the new additions to Scheumann Stadium, the attendance record should be broken more than once.  Don’t miss out! 

Today, Chris and I should be able to take the pamphlet in to CSKERN for the final printings.  I am hoping Mr. Kern will be there so I can get a look at exactly how they do everything necessary for a perfect print. 

Another update on how basketball is going for me and the team is coming later this week so stay tuned!

We arrived and made our way to Drew’s house where he gave us our tuxes for the wedding to try on.  Well, Chris had everything, but he had the wrong vest color. I laughed at him for a good 5 minutes before I changed into my tux pants. My jaw dropped! I had on a size 44 pants and I wear size 34. Chris got his laugh in too. What goes around comes around I guess. Everything was fixed correctly later that day.

We then went to the church where the wedding was going to be held. We met Drew’s family and all of Jamie’s family as well. I quickly realized how lucky we were to be part of this wedding.  The rehearsal dinner was great and allowed us to get to know everyone better, including my new biggest fan, fourth-grader, Jacob.  I promised Jacob and his family a good time at a Ball State basketball game this year.

Friday the 25th, “The Big Day”, everything was in place for a perfect day.  The weather was beautiful, the church was beautiful and of course the bride and the bridesmaids were beautiful as well.  Myself and the groomsmen waited in the back ready to come out for the wedding.  Right before the ceremony, Drew had something special planned for just the guys.  For the five of us, it was something we will never forget.

At the reception, all the wedding party got introduced one by one as couples.  Good friend of mine, Chris Ulm, introduced everyone.  He introduced Chris Taylor as the fourth member of Rascal Flatts, then introduced me as,  “starting at guard, 6’1 out of Lafayette, Indiana, #12, Peyton Stovall”.  It was very funny and he had the crowd laughing hysterically.  The night turned out great.  The wedding party burned a hole in the floor with all of our dancing that night.  We had a great time and got everyone involved.  I’m not sure, but I think Chris started the conga line and I think I started the Soul Train Line.  They loved us!

As much fun that we had those two days, it did not stop there.  Sunday, me, Chris, Andy Skillman, and two really close friends of ours went to Indianapolis for the Indy 500!  This was our third straight year of attendance.  Everyone had their favorite racer, but as long as Danica Patrick is racing, I will be her #1 fan!  Despite the rain, the race started on time and they actually got 110 laps in before it rained again.  It was a three hour delay before the race started back up, but this time they only got 50 laps in before it poured down with rain.  They waved the flag on the track and the leader Dario Franchitti won the race.  After 11 hours at the track, it was time to go home and end a great weekend. 

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend!

It was good to see former teammate and great friend of mine, Dennis Trammell in the record book.  He holds the record for most three pointers made in a game (8).  I remember that game like it was yesterday.  Probably because I was passing him the ball every time down the court.  He was on FIRE! 

It was not long ago that my good friend and former teammate Skip Mills scored his 1,000th point in his career.  He is in the record book for that as well.  I am actually only 21 points away from doing the same.  Hitting that mark will mean more to me than just points.  It will remind me of how far I have come, former teammates I have had, the support from my family, the student section (The Nest), and support from the community, the university and alumni.  Thanks!

This will be the last post until Tuesday the 29th, because I am heading to Valparaiso tomorrow for a wedding.  I can’t believe I am to the age where I have to attend — and now actually be in – weddings!  Then Sunday I will be on my way to the Indy 500 to watch a great race! 

See ya Tuesday!

Right now football is the next upcoming sport that I am working on for this summer.  There are many aspects that are important to making the Ball State Football games run smoothly.  Having personnel at the games, selling tickets, the student section and more. 

Another portion that is very important to bringing fans out to the games is the tailgating.  I was fortunate to be able to go out to the tailgating site with Joe Hernandez, Chris Ulm, Jeff Weller, and Chris.  We went to figure out exactly how to set up the Arby’s Tailgate Town somewhat different than last year and maybe even add some more definition to it.  I just sat back with my ears and eyes wide open so I could see them at work.  They accomplished a lot of things yesterday and even asked for my input!  I look forward to seeing the tailgate area up and running when the season begins.  It won’t just be a great game, but great tailgating as well!

I know the season is months away, but I have noticed something very different about the upperclassmen’s approach to workouts everyday.  I see even more desire, determination, and fire in the eyes of my teammates that I believe will carry us through the season.  Everyone is taking care of small aches so its not a problem during the season.  The preparation for a season that is far away, yet coming closer so fast, is very intense.  As a veteran, my job is to keep the younger guys focused with their ”Eyes on the Prize”!  That prize is not only winning the conference championship, but being part of a tournament that they will never forget about in their lives — the NCAA Tournament! 

Stay tuned, there is more to come!

More than three thousand members of the Cardinal Varsity Club annually provide scholarships and academic support for hundreds of student athletes participating on 19 teams. Working at this event gave me the opportunity to thank some of the members for their contributions to Ball State University and Athletics.

Coach Thompson arrived at the golf course later after finishing up work in the office. He did not actually play — us basketball players tend to have bad golf swings — but his personality on the course made up for it. Members were happy to see him out.

Recent graduates of the Ball State Golf Team played in the outing with the members. Good friends of mine, C.D. Hockersmith, Kyle Cox, Austin Steele, and my roommate of four years Andy Skillman helped their teams through 18 holes. Since this was a fun event, my roommate Andy decided to play a joke on his coach Mike Fleck.

Coach Fleck had arrived, unloaded his golf bag from the trunk, then left it close to his vehicle but obviously not close enough. Andy then pulled up and comes close to hitting coach’s golf bag. Andy parks, then goes directly to coach’s bag to move it closer to his vehicle but not without removing Coach Fleck’s driver first. As a point guard, I see everything that is happening. Andy walks to me and tells me what he did and puts the driver in his car.

Here comes coach Fleck. He is ready to play some golf! Except, he has no driver. He searches throughout his car for five minutes thinking he is crazy. He finally walks up to the registration table and notices a larger smile on my face than usual and says, ”Have you seen Skillman?” I then laughed out loud and he caught Andy. Coach Fleck then goes to Andy’s golf bag and takes his driver. He walks back to the registration table and says, “Tell Andy he’ll get his driver back when I get mine.” Then Andy shows back up ready to play some golf! Except, he has no driver. He looks at the registration table, I smile, and he retrieves coach’s driver and heads to get his back.

It was great to get out of the office and mingle with some supporters of the University like Kermit Hayes, member of the CVC, and Alice Cheney, the CVC president. Both had knowledge to share and I was definitely willing to learn. I also had the chance to meet and visit with several alumni and supporters like Steve Kern (C.S. Kern), Mike Hensley (Ritters Frozen Custard) and Ralph Flowers and Randy Glassburn (Ball State Federal Credit Union).

If you would like to join the Cardinal Varsity Club it is easy. There are two ways to join:

1. Call the Cardinal Varsity Club at 765-285-8120. Members of our CVC staff will be happy to discuss membership options with you and either send you an application through the mail or even take your credit card number over the phone.

2. Click on the “Make An On-Line Gift” link and designate your gift to CVC using your credit card. Your gift of $100 or more (directed to CVC) will automatically qualify you for club membership.

As much fun as I had operating the scoreboard, it was not the most exciting part of being in the press box.  The best part was meeting people I had never met before.  I was fortunate enough to talk with Ben Holden in the press box between innings.  He now works with Comcast Local doing “play by play” and has called a few of our basketball games.  He has also worked with ESPN.  He is a good guy and was  fun to talk to.

I also met Fred Stabley Jr., former Sports Information Director of Central Michigan.  He is retired now and does the “play by play” for the Central Michigan baseball team on the radio.  While speaking to him I also learned that he used to be a sports writer for a newspaper in East Lansing, Michigan, when Earvin Johnson played at Michigan State University.  He wrote about Earvin Johnson and described his skills as “Magic”.  Obviously that name stuck with him, so I met the man who gave “Magic” his nickname.  It was just my luck to be in a baseball press box, but talk about basketball.  He also told me that his father, Fred Sr. was one of the pioneers in the sports information profession and helped establish the national organization CoSIDA.  It was a pleasure meeting these two men. 

To top off a great day at Ball Diamond the Cardinals pulled off a win 2-1!  Go Cards!  Today I went out to the CVC Golf Outing.  Look for details and pictures of the event Monday!