College Sports Information Directors of America

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CSCommunicators.com/CelebrateCSC

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This feature is part of our series of profiles showcasing members throughout the CSC membership during the celebration of College Sports Communicators Membership Appreciation Week for 2022-23. See more features at CSCommunicators.com/CelebrateCSC.


Adam Fornwalt – Cecil College, Assistant AD & Sports Information Director

by Allison Hogue – Sacred Heart University, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant // CSC Young Professionals Committee

Adam Fornwalt is in his first year as Assistant Director of Athletics & Sports Information at his alma mater, Cecil College in North East, Md. He oversees athletic communications for nine athletic programs at the NJCAA two-year institution, and provides student-athletes with the academic support that meets their needs. Fornwalt received his associate’s degree in visual communications in 2015 before attending Liberty University, where he was a student assistant in sports information. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sport management. While at Liberty, he was a campus radio station personality and won four Associated Press of the Virginias awards for his work across three sports talk shows.

Fornwalt has been serving at the junior college level since 2018. His first full-time gig was sports information intern at Harford Community College and he was later promoted to Manager for Sports Information and Game Operations. Under his leadership, his sports information staff was named 2YSIDA Sports Information Department of the Month in November 2021.
 

When did you first discover sports communications and what made you decide to enter the profession?
AF: I really had no real idea what sports information was until I went to Liberty as an undergrad student. Prior to Liberty I had worked alongside Brian Howard at Lincoln Univeristy (Pa.) for a few months and got a taste of what this looked like.

It was during an internship class at Liberty where I was introduced to the profession proper. My professor made it sound like an interesting field and I decided to interview for the position. A few days later and I met with Todd Wetmore, who heads up the sports information department at Liberty, and I ended up staying on as an intern for almost two years. Seeing the work that Todd and the rest of the staff did at Liberty elevated my interest in doing this as a career after graduation.

When you graduated from Liberty, you transitioned from working in Division I to two-year college. What made you decide to go that route? Do you want to stay at that level in the future?
AF: Moving on from Liberty was a tough decision, but I was looking to return home for my final semester. I was able to find a spot as a support staff member working under Mark Winkel at Harford Community College. Mark took me under his wing, and I got a crash course for the next five months in the NJCAA.

After my internship wrapped up, I was fortunate enough to take Mark’s place after he moved on. I learned how to run a sports information office on my own for the next four years. Fast forward to this past summer. I took over as Assistant Director of Athletics and Sports Information back at my alma mater, Cecil College. Both places have taught me a lot about myself and this profession.

Much like a student-athlete that goes the two-year route to begin their college career, I believe the NJCAA is a great place to start a career in the sports information field. I get to work closely with the student-athletes from every sport, hone my skill set in other areas like broadcasting and graphic design, and maintain a solid work-life balance. I would never say never on moving back to the four-year level, but I am very happy where my career is right now.
 

What are some of the greatest moments that you got to experience throughout your SID career?
AF: I have been fortunate enough to serve some excellent coaches that have won a lot of games and championships, but there are two moments really stick out to me.

First, in what turned out to be my final home games at Harford, I was able to watch the baseball team win regionals and then districts to make it to the JUCO World Series. The final game was incredible, and I could not have scripted a better ending to my time there.

Second, at the end of my first year at Harford, the women’s lacrosse team won the NJCAA National Championship. I was at the game and got to see history made both individually and for the team. Their next two seasons were cut by COVID-19, but the program returned in 2022 and won it again. That was a special moment for the program as well.

When not working in the office or at games, how do you like to spend your free time?
AF: I am a Philadelphia sports fan, so I am always tuning in to see how my teams are doing. Outside of that, I enjoy playing softball and spending time with my family and friends.
 

Who are some of the mentors that have shaped you into the sports communicator you are today?
AF: Tough question! There are a lot of people in this field who have shaped my SID career. As I mentioned earlier, Brian, Todd, and Mark all played a role at different times in getting my career off the ground. The entire sports information staff at Liberty has been incredibly supportive every step of the way.

I am also thankful for the relationships I’ve built at the NJCAA level over the last few years. David Spiegel at Monroe College and Hillary Fisher at Anne Arundel CC push me to be a better SID, and I’m grateful for their support.

What would be your best tip/advice for a fellow athletic communications professional?
AF: If you are just starting out, learn every aspect of an athletic department. Understanding how each role works alongside one another will allow you to do your job better. You don’t have to be an expert in each field, but that versatility will help further your career as well.
 
Be sure to make time for yourself and enjoy the little moments that come along each day with this profession. Invest in your student-athletes and your college.