College Sports Information Directors of America

Jimmy Knodel, formerly an intern at Syracuse, has been named an assistant media relations director at Illinois State University in the department of athletics.

Knodel (pronounced CAH-no-duhl) worked one year at the Syracuse Athletic Communications Department and served as the primary contact for the Orange women's soccer, men's rowing, women's tennis and men's and women's swimming and diving teams. He was also the secondary contact for men's basketball and men's lacrosse. At Illinois State, Knodel will be the primary contact for women's basketball and women's soccer.

"Jimmy was someone who continued to impress us more and more throughout the interview process," said Todd Kober, assistant athletics director for media relations. "He brings a strong background to our operation and we are looking forward to working with him."

Knodel is also looking forward to joining the Illinois State family.

"I am extremely excited about joining the Redbird athletics media relations staff," said Knodel. "Once I came to campus and experienced the high level that every part of the athletic department operates at, I knew Illinois State is a special place. This is a tremendous opportunity and I am honored to be a part of this university and this community."

Prior to working at Syracuse, Knodel spent four years as an undergraduate student assistant at Ithaca College. He received his bachelor of science degree in sports information and communications in May 2006. Knodel, a native of Cooperstown, N.Y., also served as an intern with the Baltimore Orioles in 2005, while working three straight summers at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Kober also announced the hiring of Keith Trivitt and Jill Speer as graduate assistants in the athletics media relations office. Trivitt, a former student assistant from Truman State, will work directly with the Redbird softball team, while Speer, who served as a student assistant in the ISU office last year, will be the contact for cross country and track and field.

In addition, Brett McWethy, an assistant media relations director, will now serve as the primary contact for men's basketball, while continuing to work with Redbird volleyball.