College Sports Information Directors of America

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. 

Steve Fink — University of South Carolina Senior Associate AD of Communications & Public Relations

Steve Fink is in his 20th year overseeing the communications and public relations department at the University of South Carolina, after spending the previous five years in a similar capacity at TCU.

He assumed the duties as South Carolina’s director of athletics media relations on July 18, 2005, was promoted to assistant athletics director of media relations in 2012, promoted to associate athletics director in July of 2021 and to senior associate athletics director in November of 2024.

He is the primary contact for the Gamecock football program.

Under Fink’s leadership, South Carolina was recognized as a 2021 recipient of the 13th Annual Super 11 Awards, which the Football Writers Association of America rewards annually to the best performing sports information departments in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Carolina received its second-straight Super 11 recognition in the 2022 season.

Fink has produced several publications that have received national recognition, both at South Carolina and TCU. His 2009 South Carolina football media guide was honored as “Best in the Nation” by CSC (CoSIDA). He was a 2005 recipient of the Scoop Hudgins Outstanding SID Award for his performance in football.

Kevin Trainor, Arkansas Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Public Relations, CSC President (2024-25), CSC 25-Year Award (2020): "Steve Fink is one of the most talented and experienced sports communicators in our profession. His tenure in both professional and collegiate sports has helped him develop a style that helps position his coaches and student-athletes in the best light. Steve has the trust of those he works with as well as those in the media that cover the University of South Carolina. I am proud to call him a colleague and friend."

Charles Bloom, University of South Carolina Executive Associate AD/Chief of Staff/CCO, CSC Past President (2007-8), CSC Hall of Fame (2011), CSC Arch Ward Award (2022), CSC 25-Year Award (2018):? "Steve has had a tremendous career in communications and media relations. He demonstrates a commitment and passion for our business that carries over to his department and institution. He not only carries the obligation of his title and is responsible for Gamecock Athletics messaging, but he is also a fan for our programs, student-athletes, coaches and his staff."

Chris Low, ESPN.com Senior Writer, College Football: "Steve has been wonderful to work with over the years and always has the same steady disposition whether you’re working on a hard news story or lengthy feature story. His experience in both pro baseball and major college football makes him unique in a lot of ways. He’s accustomed to handling a wide array of situations and doing so with professionalism and an even keel. As Steve Spurrier used to love calling him, the ‘Finker’ is one of those people you always look forward to seeing when you’re working on a story."



David Plati, University of Colorado Historian/SID Emeritus, CSC Hall of Fame (2019): "When I was hired as SID at Colorado, I had been the assistant, so I needed to replace myself. I was familiar with Steve as he was interning with the Denver Bears, where I had worked two years earlier. He was highly recommended by people I trusted. They did not do me wrong; I could tell from Steve's work ethic and how he dealt with coaches and players that he was no doubt a rising star in our profession. I didn't want to lose him, but he proved me right with the path his career has taken. He's one of the best in business."

Fink on his career to date…
"I have been blessed to be around so many good people at all my stops around the country — whether it be peers in the business, co-workers, staff members who have worked for me, coaches, athletes, or members of the media. I’ve made a lifetime of memories — traveling to and attending sporting events in many of the great cities and venues in the country — getting the opportunity to do things I never dreamed of while growing up in a single-parent home in a small farming community in Iowa. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, especially my wife, Charlene, who has been with me every step of the way. Working in sports is a lifestyle and may not be for everyone, but for me, it’s been a great journey, and I can’t think of anything I’d rather have done for the past 40 years at both the collegiate and professional levels."
 
Fink’s advice to young sports communications professionals…
"Bet on yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. Get involved early on and gain as many experiences as you can. Don’t be afraid to try new things and broaden your skill set to make yourself valuable to the organization. Treat everyone professionally and with respect. The sports industry is a pretty small circle and people know people everywhere. You never know who is watching and can help you get that next opportunity."