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Kevin Trainor – University of Arkansas, Senior Associate AD / Public Relations / Former Student-Athlete Engagement

CoSIDA 25-Year Award

by Bud Ford, University of Tennessee (retired)

Kevin Trainor: One of a kind and we love it.

As I began writing this story about my colleague, Kevin Trainor, the University of Arkansas Senior Associate AD - Public Relations, I felt like I should review his resume to make sure I was fully aware of his trail to this CoSIDA 25-Year service award.

In summation in his own words this is what the lead on his resume said:

“Strategic communications professional with over 25 years’ experience in public relations, media relations and brand management for Division 1-A athletic program. Accomplished public speaker, writer, editor and administrator. Communications Strategy • Executive Communications Crisis Management Communications • Print / Broadcast / Multi-Media / Online Content / Social Media Spokesperson • Marketing • Press Conference Moderator • FOIA Coordinator • Event Director”

Well, I had 47 years in the field of media relations and I know for sure that I did not touch nearly as many areas as Kevin Trainor. What I do know about KT, as he is affectionately called, is that he is a genuine person who cares about others, loves the Arkansas Razorbacks and a professional in all aspects of his life….except when it comes to one-liners and there he is the “King”.

Just ask Charlie Fiss, the Vice President for Communications at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. 

“Kevin is a crowd favorite, a terrific SID, and the life of every party. Humor is his trademark. Blessed with a lightning-quick wit and the uncanny ability to size up any situation, he drops hilarious one-liners all day long.”
 

During the week of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, KT compiles a Top 10 list of innocent comments or interesting happenings that occurred and then embellishes them with a zany twist. “No one escapes Kevin’s keen eye and ear,” Fiss notes. “And, when the week comes to an end, we all fight for a front row seat to hear his monologue while deep inside hoping that we don’t end up at No. 1.”
 
Since my retirement in 2011, I have been blessed to serve as a member of the Cotton Bowl Media Coordination Team along with Kevin, Scottie Rodgers, Chris Pika and Fred Gruhn among others who come together as part of “Charlie’s Angels” each year at the Classic.
  
As for funny one-liners, he utters them constantly and even though we laugh like hyenas, none of us can remember them all. I have the good fortune to share duties with Kevin in the press box on game day so I have a front row seat when game action begins.
 
In 2017, Wisconsin was playing Western Michigan as in house PA announcer Fred Gruhn opens the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic by stating that Wisconsin will receive the opening kickoff and defend the South Pole. Kevin quickly springs into action to proclaim that Santa Claus will continue to defend the North Pole. Those within earshot of Kevin’s remark barely quit laughing before the opening kickoff. 
 
As the list of corporate sponsors is read a drink sponsor is identified for which Kevin clarifies that “The official drink of the Cotton Bowl Classic is the next one.”
 
As Charlie Fiss puts it, ”Kevin is our very own version of Will Rogers.”
 
But let’s not get wrapped up in the levity. As a professional in the field he is top notch and highly respected by media, fans and peers alike.
 
Claude Felton of Georgia saw his shining future early on.
 
“Kevin is a born and bred, life-long, loyal Arkansas Razorback,” noted Felton. “I first met him as a rookie in the sports information office and was impressed with his professionalism. Early on, you could tell he was a rising star in the profession. I was right!”
 
As a high school senior Kevin took a handful of recruiting visits to various schools to gauge what might work best for him.
 
“I chose the University of Arkansas,” Kevin said. “That’s where my brother had competed, where I had family and also where Rick Schaeffer and Bill Rogers provided me an opportunity and afforded many great experiences at Arkansas. But the biggest break I received came when I was a sophomore and Charlie Fiss invited me to join his team to work the Cotton Bowl.”
 
Michael Konradi, CBAA Executive, has had the pleasure of watching Kevin grow to become the remarkable leader he is today. “He’s as talented as they come and has been a tremendous asset for both Arkansas and the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for over two decades. Kevin is an integral part of the Cotton Bowl family and has left an indelible mark on our game. No matter the task, he rises to the challenge.”
 
In the 20-plus years I have known Kevin, he’s “always been positive and upbeat,” stated Scottie Rodgers, Sun Belt Conference Associate Commissioner for Communications. “He handles the most challenging situations with a unique balance of wit and humor that very few have. Kevin’s always willing to jump in and lend a helping hand. He’s a consummate professional and truly one of the great people in our profession.”

Current CoSIDA President and SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent views Kevin as one of those people who is invaluable to a university because of his institutional knowledge of athletics and its history. 
 
“Kevin has instincts and insights that cannot be taught and are only gained through experience and intuition,” Vincent said. “Kevin is also a good friend who is ready to lend an ear when you need help or advice. He takes time to listen and he cares enough to help anyone who needs it. He is blessed with a remarkable sense of humor that can bring levity to the most difficult situations. I am proud to call Kevin a colleague and a friend.”
 
Kevin has often said that the best and worst thing about a life in intercollegiate athletics is that no day is ever the same.
 
“I love that each day is different than the day before,” he said. “We are all one text message or phone call away from our day being drastically different. We are also presented with so many dynamic opportunities to be a part of some extraordinary moments. And while the victories, championships and special moments are all special, for me, the most rewarding part of the job is building relationships with others.”  
 
No doubt about it, Kevin Trainor is a people person. But it is hard for me to end this story without one more KT classic one liner.
 
In December of 2005, Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles married Gen Whitehead, mother of Kevin’s wife Ruth, prior to the yearly spring SEC Meetings in Destin, Florida. As the SID meeting begins all are present except for Arkansas and when Kevin does arrive shortly before noon he is chided for being late. Within seconds he states he flew down on the school plane with Coach Broyles thus the reason for his late arrival. “Fellows you have to realize something. I am no longer the SID…I am now the SIL…..Son-in-Law.”
 
Enough said. Congratulations KT!
 
Bud Ford served in the Sports Information Office at the University of Tennessee from1966 until 2011. A member of the CoSIDA Hall of Fame (2001) and Arch Ward recipient (2006) he is currently serving part-time as Athletic Historian at Tennessee.