Related Content
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 2019. See more features at CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID.
Gregory Goings – Bowie State University, Sports Information Director
by Monyae Williamson – Western Illinois University, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications
Gregory Goings was once invited to Patti LaBelle’s house. Yes, THE Patti LaBelle. How cool is that?
Is there anything
Greg Goings hasn’t done? Just look at a few of his titles: president, sports information director, on-air personality/host and DJ at a top-ranked radio station, and basketball ref.
The Bowie State SID has been in athletic communications for nearly 30 years, seeing the field transition from handwritten/photocopied stats to NCAA Genius Sports, and is a true legend in the business.
Greg Goings with his wife, Dr. Donna Powell-Goings, and two former sports information colleagues at Virginia State Homecoming 2019.
You represent a small population of African American males in this profession. How did you break into the field, and what advice do you have for young minorities looking to do the same?
I broke in the field kind of by accident. While serving as the men’s basketball bookkeeper (a long time ago), the then sports information director - the late LeCounte Conaway - asked me to help with compiling cumulative statistics because he thought I had nice handwriting. This was during a time when the profession did not have stat programs (i.e., Stat Crew or Genius), so I had to create a spreadsheet and do the calculations by hand. He (LeCounte) also asked me to transfer those stats to the appropriate CIAA and NCAA statistical forms (by hand) and send them to the appropriate offices via telecopier. Can you say OMG!
As for advice to young minorities, learn the “basics” of the profession even in these times of advanced technology and social media, and lean on veterans for best practices. I would also say be willing to work for free (internships), be willing to relocate to an unfamiliar state/school, and don’t be afraid to do something out of your comfort zone.
With nearly 30 years of experience, how have you seen the field change? How have you stayed above the curve and adapted?
Technology is the biggest, and I believe best change I’ve experienced. Fan bases as well as media outlets receive information much faster than they did when I (officially) started back in 1988. With the advent of computers, social media platforms, email, live stats, etc., how do you stay above the curve? Well, that can be a real challenge, especially for us “old-timers” in the profession. However, to remain relevant, we must continue to be a sponge in learning everything new, whether you want to or not.
Goings with his daughter, Shannen.
Have you been in the booth lately for any radio hosting duties? Any interesting stories from your time on The Quiet Storm (WCDX - Power 93 FM)
where you were an on-air DJ personality and were part of the #
1 rated (Arbitron) night time radio program?
I have not had the opportunity to get back into radio since leaving the profession almost 25 years ago but still get that itch quite often, especially as my time in sports information/athletic media relations winds down. My radio days were a pure joy, and I made a mark as host of the Quiet Storm. During my time hosting the Quiet Storm, I had countless opportunities to meet and interact with so many of the music industries' superstars, with the most memorable being Patti LaBelle. In fact, after meeting her at a concert in (Washington) D.C. and having an extensive conversation, she invited me to her house in Philly while I was in the city for CoSIDA convention.
You're very involved with several organizations. With CoSIDA, you served on the Board of Directors (2011-14) and served as president of the NCAA Division II Sports Information Directors Association (D2SIDA) from 2010-14. You are a past president of the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association. Why is it important to lend your time/efforts to those committees and organizations?
Getting involved with organizations can only make you a better person and give you a better understanding.
What’s the biggest career lesson that you’ve learned?
The biggest career lesson I learned was the “work will be there tomorrow” given to me by the late John Holley (Norfolk State). It is very easy to get burned out in this profession. It can truly consume you seven days a week, 24 hours a day, if you allow it. Learn to take care of yourself and your family first. I have done better over the past 20 years to manage the work, life, balance concept but still struggle from time to time cutting the “job” off.
Goings at a Bowie State basketball game.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
Under professional achievements … working the U.S. Olympic Festival (Denver), serving as a Press Officer for the Olympic Games (Atlanta), serving as President of the CIAA SIDA, serving as President of D2SIDA, and serving on the CoSIDA Board of Directors. I would also say having the top-rated radio nighttime show for eight of my nine years at Power 93 as an on-air DJ personality was an achievement I’m still very proud of.
How do you have fun at work?
I can’t really say I do anything “fun” at work other than doing the job to the best of my ability. My fun (and therapy) really comes when I get the chance to officiate a basketball game during my time away from work.
Do you have any favorite quotes ?
The work will be there tomorrow!
Work the job - DON’T let the job work you!
Be professional no matter what!
Do you and do you well!
A job is a means to an end! (My wife tells me this all the time)
Goings with his wife Donna in Monte Carlo, France.