Open Letter to SIDs
An Open Letter to the SIDs of the Northeast Conference (and a few
others):
As an SID who has been in this business for two decades, I have a new
appreciation for the family side of the information equation. My sister
Jill was named head women's basketball coach at St. Francis (Pa.)
University last July, and from that day through Sunday's loss to
Purdue in the NCAA tournament, it has been a great year for our whole
family. I thank you for posting your game notes so promptly, for listing
all the opportunities to access radio broadcasts and live stats for your
teams, and especially for answering your press row phones so quickly and
so patiently - that was me calling several times a game, then relaying
the info on to family and friends.
A great big thanks to Noah Hammond and Pat Farabaugh at St. Francis,
both superb SIDs and just a pleasure to know. The media from West
Virginia who contacted them for info on the team, photos and interviews
were so happy with the results they got, and Noah was gracious in
allowing me to attend the postgame interviews several times. Erin
Rosacker from Iowa State allowed me the same privilege of sitting in on
the press conferences at the NCAAs (plus I got some of the world's
best kettle corn and also got to see my buddy Langston Rogers from Ole
Miss, another plus of a trip to Iowa State!)
I've always known we are lucky at West Virginia because of the
resources we have; those of you who have to do so much work with less
are almost miracle-workers. My admiration and gratitude are just that
much greater for you now, because now I know first-hand how much the
families of those involved with your teams appreciate and crave the info
we produce. Thanks again, and if any of you NEC folks are in Calgary,
look me up for some refreshments.
Shelly Poe
Sports Information Director
West Virginia University