"The SID Life" is a series surveying CoSIDA members for their thoughts on topics and issues in the athletic communications industry, plus personal insights into not-so-serious issues, too.
In 2021, Clayton Coffman joined NCAA Division II Oklahoma Baptist athletics department following a nearly seven-year stint at NCAA Division III Kenyon College as Assistant Director of Athletics Communications. He has also worked at Trevecca Nazarene University, Delta State University and Flagler College.
Isaac Comelli is in his eighth year at Cal State Bakersfield, having been promoted to Sports Information Director after three years as Assistant SID. He is currently the primary contact for CSUB indoor volleyball, golf, men's basketball, softball, and beach volleyball teams.
Tim Heiduk is in his first year as Assistant Athletic Director, Events and Communications at The Master’s University (NAIA school in Santa Clarita, California). He previously was an SID assistant at his alma mater, Westmont College, and earned a 2020-21 CoSIDA Wylie Smith Postgraduate Scholarship which helped him complete his master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine.
Jenna Jorgenson is in her first year as Coordinator of Strategic Communications & Brand Enhancement for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, focusing on social media coverage, graphic design, and external communications of the league. She formerly spent three years as an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications at Colgate University.
Favorite gameday sports app or your favorite work tool, app, or software – and why?
Coffman: Final Cut Pro X! That’s been my go-to video-editing software for some time now. It’s very user friendly and has professional features and capabilities that make video production fairly easy.
Comelli: Any.Do is what I use for my to-do lists and it helps me keep my scattered brain organized. Plus, it makes me feel very accomplished every time I cross another item off my list.
Heiduk: SIDEARM Sports - it is very easy to navigate and update the backend of our website, and they have great customer service.
Jorgensen: A phone gimble – really ups the video game for social content! I might feel a little different walking around the rink with it, but it definitely brings an elevated look to video content.
Best advice you’ve shared with a colleague at work …
Coffman: You don’t have to say “yes” to every coach’s request.
Comelli: Get to know your coaches and make sure both sides establish expectations early on.
Heiduk: Be proactive and don't be afraid to fail. Learning new skills makes you more employable in the future
Jorgensen: Once you start scheduling all of your content, it will be life changing.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a colleague at work…
Coffman: Is that battle really worth fighting?
Comelli: Matt Turk (now at CSUN) taught me to be meticulous about keeping historical records and I have never regretted it.
Heiduk: Make sure the canopies out at the soccer field are weighted down, otherwise the 40 mph gusts of wind that can appear out of nowhere in the Santa Clarita Valley will blow them away!
Jorgensen: From editing wizard John Painter [formerly at Colgate with Jorgensen and now at Maryville (Tenn.)] – “will” can almost always be eliminated to become more active.
What time of the day are you most focused?
Coffman: Definitely the evening, when most athletic events occur!
Comelli: Game time! No seriously, there’s something about tip off/first serve/first pitch that just triggers something in my brain. It’s when I feel most alert.
Heiduk: Nighttime. Hosting late-night sporting events has kept me a night owl ever since graduating college.
Jorgensen: Being far from a morning person, the afternoon-evenings are my most productive times.
What is one goal you hope to achieve in your lifetime?
Coffman: To reach CBS Sports as an announcer. Among the many times I watched sports as a kid, I remember quite specifically watching Monday Night Football on a Sony portable TV, past my parents’ curfew. That profession just lit up my imagination and ever since the age of 11, that’s what I’ve really wanted to do.
Comelli: I hope to be a good enough father to teach my son the same values and work ethic my parents instilled in me.
Heiduk: Visit all 50 states to explore and enjoy God's creation!
Jorgensen: I want to visit all 50 states – at 34 and counting!
Would you ever consider being a reality show contestant? Yes or no- if yes, what show or genre; if no, why no?
Coffman: Absolutely not. Too much acting involved. And, you have to deal with back-stabbers. “Survivor” put me off to reality TV a long time ago!
Comelli: I have seen every season of Survivor ever produced (some seasons multiple times), but I don’t think I would go on that show or any other reality shows. I prefer to watch the drama than live it. I was a contestant on an episode of Wheel of Fortune back in 2017, though. I got second place (the wheel was not my friend that day). I still got to take home some money and had a blast in the process!
Heiduk: No, not sure the SID schedule would allow for that!
Jorgensen: I’m ready to “come on down” on The Price is Right any day!
What pairs best with chocolate?
Coffman: Pretzels, for sure.
Comelli: I love chocolate dipped strawberries!
Heiduk: Peppermint... 'tis the season!
Jorgensen: Coffee – and lots of it.
Who is the first person or persons you call with good news?
Coffman: My mom and dad. They made my sister and I’s childhood so much fun. The least I could do is keep them abreast on positive happenings in my life.
Comelli: I start with my wife, then I usually end up calling my mom next.
Heiduk: My parents. They've sacrificed so much to get me to where I am today and are my biggest supporters.
Jorgensen: My work husband turned (soon to be) real husband Justin Wolford!
This or that: Going out or staying in
Coffman: I’m so split on this question! I love going to sporting events, but also enjoy just turning on a movie at home.
Comelli: I’m all for a quiet night in.
Heiduk: It depends on how many games we've hosted in a week but being within 45 minutes of downtown LA makes going to a professional sporting event not nearly as time consuming
Jorgensen: Going out – I’m big on exploring new places on trips or becoming that regular at the local brewery.
This or that: Which do you prefer: getting the perfect gift or giving the perfect gift?
Coffman: Getting the perfect gift! (If any SID wants to send me a B&H Photo/Video gift card next Christmas, please don’t feel afraid to reach out).
Comelli: I much prefer giving the perfect gift.
Heiduk: Giving the perfect gift. There's nothing like putting a smile on someone else's face and showing appreciation for them.
Jorgensen: I have never been known as the one to deny a gift, but recently I’ve found a lot of excitement in hunting for the perfect unexpected experience for others.