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From the Desk of President John Paquette – CALS conference offers reminders of the importance of communications
by John Paquette – 2023-24 College Sports Communicators President @wjpaquette
BIG EAST Conference, Senior Associate Commissioner, Sports Media Relations
November is here. It seems we can make a case for just about any month to be the “busiest,” but November is definitely in contention with fall sports nearing the ends of their seasons, basketball starting and football still happening. And we are all trying to figure out how to negotiate the Thanksgiving holiday.
One of our goals at CSC is to make a concerted effort to be represented at events where other respected constituencies are participating. I’d like to tell you about a very good experience CSC had at the CALS conference in Charlotte in early October.
If you are not familiar, CALS stands for Collegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium. It is designed to equip athletic administrators with practical knowledge that they can use in their current jobs and skills they can use when pursuing future career goals. Some of the most influential ADs and other leaders in collegiate athletics were there to offer their counsel.
I’m happy to report that CSC was one of the sponsors of the event. CSC Executive Director Erik Christianson, Second Vice President Kevin Trainor and I represented CSC. Erik hosted a panel, “Communications Is The Glue: Engage, Inform and Influence.”
First VP Kevin Trainor, Executive Director Erik Christianson and President John Paquette attending CALS in October 2023.
One message I want to pass along is that virtually all the athletic administrators were singing from the same hymnal in that they are facing the same challenges that we in the communications field are dealing with — being stretched to the limit in terms of time commitment, mental health and the overall uncertainty of what lies ahead in terms of staffing and in some cases, conference realignment.
I know we all realize that it’s not just us who are facing these challenges, but to hear it live was a good reminder — at least it was to me.
A few of the bigger themes I took from CALS: Almost every speaker talked about the value of personal relationships and how they can help keep you going. Reach out to your friends in the business when you need to share your feelings, good or bad.
John Roberson, CEO of Advent, termed it “Remember Your First Love,” when speaking on his topic, “Why Stay In The Game?” He said remember why you got into this business in the first place. It is our passion for collegiate athletics and being part of a team. Try to hang on to that when you’re still finishing a recap or putting a graphic together after hours.
I want to end with a very good thought. During the CALS conference, DePaul athletic director DeWayne Peevy said when important decisions are being made, your communications person needs to be at the table.
Thanks, DeWayne. No one touches so many within our departments than communications people.
Kevin Trainor and Arkansas are hosting CALS next year. If you have the opportunity to attend, by all means, do it.
John
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