Detroit Mercy’s Mark Engel earning 25-Year Award at CoSIDA on July 6
by P.J. Gradowski
DETROIT, Mich. – Mark Engel arrived at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1983 as the institution’s sports information director. In the ever-changing world of collegiate athletics, he still holds that position 27 years later.
On Tuesday, July 6, at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis in San Francisco Calif., Engel will be recognized for his longevity and contributions to the field when he receives the College Sports Information Director’s of America 25-year Award.
The honor is presented to sports information directors who have completed 25 years in the profession.
In the ever-changing work of collegiate athletics, Engel still holds the SID position 27 years at Detroit Mercy, albeit as the assistant athletic director for sports information.
During his career, Engel has served in the media relations efforts for a number of NCAA basketball championships, including media coordinator when UDM hosted the 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Midwest Regional and the 2009 Final Four at Ford Field. He assisted at the NCAA I Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional in 1988 as well.
His experience outside of college athletics includes working such golf events as the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Women's Open and the Ryder Cup.
"Mark is one of the true gentlemen in our profession,” Jim McGrath, associate athletic director/sports information at Butler University, said. “He’s been an outstanding representative and spokesman for Detroit athletics, and many of the university’s student-athletes have benefited from his tireless efforts. He’s always conducted himself in a first-class manner, and those of us who have worked with him through the years greatly admire and respect him. And he’s a heck of golf coach."
In 2005 Engel received the Kathy Best Award from the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association. The honor recognizes the "quality and tireless work performed by Detroit-area media professionals in sports-related public and media relations."
Engel is a member of the Horizon League Sporting Conduct, Golf Coaches, Sports Information Directors and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Election committees. He also is in his 20th year as the Detroit head men's golf coach where he has led the Titans to six Horizon League Championships and five NCAA I Regional appearances, and has been selected the Horizon League Coach of the Year four times.
"It has been a distinct pleasure to work with Mark for almost two decades,” Jon LeCrone, commissioner of the Horizon League, stated. “Mark’s dedication to his position and to the university has been noteworthy. I am pleased that CoSIDA is recognizing Mark for his service."