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25-Year Award
Presented to College Sports Communicators members who have completed 25 years in the athletics communications profession.
Vetted and voted on by the Special Awards Committee.
Matt Weitzel — University of Iowa Associate Athletics Director, Strategic Communications
Named associate athletics director for strategic communications in June 2023 with the retirement of CSC Hall of Famer Steve Roe,
Matt Weitzel works with the marketing, creative content, video, photo, and graphic arts directors to shape the department’s strategic communications strategy. Weitzel leads the department’s communications strategy for all 22 sports and is the communications contact for the Hawkeye football team.
A 1997 graduate of Iowa, he has been on the Hawkeye athletic staff for his 25 years in the profession. Prior to his elevation to associate AD, he served the previous 11 years as the UI’s associate director of athletic communications. Weitzel has been a part of the staff who earned the FWAA Super 11 Award in 2019 and 2021, which recognizes sports information departments and programs across the country that exemplify excellent media relations.
Weitzel is just the fifth director of the UI’s strategic communications department in 100 years, following Steve Roe (2011-23), Phil Haddy (1993-2011), George Wine (1968-93) and Eric Wilson (1924-68). All four previous directors have been inducted into the CSC Hall of Fame, the second most by one institution in the country.
Gallery: (5-31-2024) Matt Weitzel, 25-Year Award
Lisa Bluder, recently retired University of Iowa women’s basketball head coach: "When I first began at Iowa in 2000, Matt Weitzel was one of the first people that I met. He was assigned to women’s basketball and he did a fabulous job helping me adjust to the Hawks and helping me as I began my Iowa career. Matt has always been professional, hard working and organized. Matt has worked hard to advance to the top of his profession and I want to congratulate him on 25 years of service to the Iowa Hawkeyes and to athletic communications!"
Steve Roe, former University of Iowa Associate Athletics Director, Athletic Communications / CSC Hall of Famer (retired): "Congratulations Matthew on receiving your 25-Year Award! You are a true professional in the world of college athletics and communications and a dedicated graduate of the University of Iowa. More importantly, a great friend, an experienced and proven leader of others, and the perfect fit as the Director of Strategic Communications for Hawkeye Athletics!"
Weitzel’s reflections on his 25-year career in athletic communications…
Stability comes to mind when reflecting on 25 years in the profession, all at the University of Iowa, my alma mater. It was truly humbling to be chosen as just the fifth SID in 100 years at the University of Iowa last summer. I would not be where I am today without having the opportunity to learn from Hall of Famers Phil Haddy and Steve Roe, as well as the working relationships with countless other talented professionals around the country.
Beginning as a student intern in 1995, I quickly learned the importance of communication, dependability, selflessness, teamwork, networking, and personality. The multitude of skills learned as a sports communicator are essential as we work in harmony with every aspect of the athletic department.
On remaining at his alma mater, Iowa, for his entire professional career…
My position at the University of Iowa has provided me the opportunity to work national championships, Final Fours, Rose and Orange Bowls, the Softball College World Series and several Big Ten championships. I have had the chance to travel to 32 states and nine countries with various teams. I have had pivotal roles in successful national and conference player of the year campaigns, and have had the privilege to work alongside legendary coaches and student-athletes. Lastly, being able to mentor the next generation of sports communicators has probably been the most gratifying.
His career advice for the younger professionals in sports communications…
My advice to the next generation of sports communicators is to invest in yourself and embrace working outside your comfort zone. When starting out in this profession, view your experiences as an investment in yourself. Young professionals log a high volume of hours at little pay, but the on-the-job opportunities pay dividends in the long run.
It is important to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself as much as possible. By attempting something that is outside your comfort zone, you can grow. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Reframe those mistakes as an opportunity to learn and develop.