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CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID
This feature is part of our series of profiles showcasing members throughout the CoSIDA membership during the celebration of CoSIDA Membership Recognition Week for 2018. See more features at CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID.
Cedrique Flemming - Texas State Assistant Director of Sports Information
by Lindy Brown, Duke University Senior Associate Sports Information Director
Working at press row this fall.
Cedrique Flemming is in his third year as an Assistant Sports Information Director at Texas State University. He is the primary media contact for volleyball, men's basketball and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field. He was the primary contact for baseball during his first two years.
Flemming came to Texas State after a four-year stint as the Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations at Northeastern State University. He was the administrative supervisor for the women's tennis program and also handled the media relations for NSU's 10 athletic programs.
Looking back on your career, what sparked your interest in athletics communication? How did you get your start?
I always knew I wanted to be around sports in some capacity. I was a journalism major at Kansas State, and my senior year I worked for three different media publications. I have always been a strong writer, so it made sense to try sports journalism. I loved everything about that career except how the only time I was able to interact with student-athletes was when I was interviewing them. I saw how SID's operated at Kansas State and that seemed more like my calling. After I graduated I had an internship with
Sports Illustrated, and it was at that time that I decided to try the sports info field. I was hired as a graduate assistant at Bemidji State University, and I absolutely fell in love with the business. Eleven years and five schools later, here I am!
Who were some of your early influences in the profession? How have they helped shape your career?
The athletic communications staff at Kansas State (Tom Gilbert, Kenny Lannou and Randy Peterson) gave me an early look into how cool this profession can be if done the right way. The three biggest influences in my SID world have been Brad Folkestad (Bemidji State SID), Blake Freeland (former Charleston Southern and current Oral Roberts SID) and Don Tomkalski (Tulsa SID). I learned so much from all three of those gentlemen. I grew up a lot in various ways thanks to them. They taught me so much about professionalism and how to do things the right way. I look up to all of them, and I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for them.
What's been some of your most meaningful accomplishments during your career?
I've had the honor and privilege to be part of numerous conference championship-winning teams and NCAA tournament teams. I was the head SID for four years at Northeastern State, and we won 1,073 different awards during my time there. That was by far the most in a four-year span in school history, which is something I'm very proud of. We also won the CoSIDA Nation's Best Poster award in 2016. Every time someone I have mentored lands a new job or gets to the next stage in their careers is something that I'm also super proud of. I love helping out young professionals and passing down the knowledge I've obtained in this business.
What's been the most enjoyable part of your time in athletic communications?
My favorite part of athletic communications is the relationships I gain with the student-athletes. I enjoy looking back at my early student-athletes. So many of them are starting families and blossoming in their own careers. I get to keep in touch with them and see them grow as young adults. I'm so happy to know that I got to be part of their lives in a small way.
You attended the 2015 CoSIDA Convention with a MOAA/NCAA Division II ethnic minority grant. What were your takeaways from the convention?
One of my proudest moments in this business was when former MIAA Commissioner Robert Boerigter informed me that I was selected as one of the recipients of the MOAA/NCAA Division II ethnic minority grant. That was, and still is, just the second time I have been able to attend the CoSIDA convention. I had an absolute blast. I got the chance to meet so many new people, while also seeing a lot of old faces. The networking piece of it was incredible, but I also loved attending all of the seminars and learning so many things about this business that I was unaware of. Also, getting to meet so many people involved with MOAA was an incredible experience. Since then, I have tried to stay active in the organization. I have served on their Communications Committee for the last three years. None of that would have been possible without someone taking a shot on me with that grant.
While at Tulsa, Flemming is pictured while hosting
the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball
first/second round competition.
What's your advice for someone who is new to the athletics communications field? What skills should they have, and how should they approach the demanding job?
The best advice I can give younger professionals is to never settle and to always strive to be better. I love the younger SID's that ask questions and yearn for more knowledge. They also need to be ready for change. This business is constantly evolving and if you aren't willing to change then you're going to just get lost in the shuffle. You need to find ways to stand out and be different than those around you. Don't be too proud to help out in every way possible. Learn how to stat every sport. Run the scoreboard. Do PA for games. Take pictures at events. Become a jack of all trades, so you don't become expendable. Know that someone is always watching you, and you never know how certain interactions can change your life forever. Keep a smile on your face. People should enjoy being around you.
What are your outside interest/hobbies, and how do you find time for them?
The work-life balance piece of this business is something I have strived to maintain over the last five years or so. I spend a lot of my free time relaxing, since I have to travel so much when my teams are in season. I love going to new coffee shops or going hiking up in Austin. I enjoy going to the movie theater or hitting up a winery. I have a side job as a high school basketball referee, which keeps me plenty busy throughout the winter months. Finding time for those interests has become increasingly easier for me over the last few years. I pride myself in taking care of business when I'm in the office. I'm a very organized person, so when it's time to get away from work I can fully decompress and not think about the job.
Do you have a professional development tip you could provide?
As I mentioned earlier, you just need to learn how to do everything. I would definitely recommend attending CoSIDA and NACDA conventions if you can find a way to make it work within your budget.
And VOLUNTEER! I can't stress that enough. I have served on so many committees, whether they be voting committees or organizational committees. I have also volunteered at dozens of NCAA Championship events. This past April I was lucky enough to be selected as a volunteer at the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Final Four. That was an incredible experience and opened up so many new opportunities. Look for NCAA Championship events in your area and ask if they need any help.