College Sports Information Directors of America

Jerry Emig — Ohio State University Associate Athletics Director, Communications

by Todd Jones, Senior writer for the Ohio State Alumni Magazine
 

"I am thrilled, appreciative and humbled to be recognized as a CSC Hall of Fame member. The feeling of pride I have to be included among this distinguished and distinctive group of communicators is real and will be everlasting. I want to thank the CSC Special Awards Committee and current Hall of Fame members for this honor. I also want to thank the communications staff at Ohio State University for its spirit, work ethic and leadership that makes every day in this profession a pleasure. Working alongside colleagues, coaches, student-athletes and members of the media has been wonderful, and I will forever be grateful that it has positioned me to receive this honor." — Jerry Emig, CSC Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

The news of Jerry Emig’s election into the College Sports Communicators Hall of Fame, along with five other worthy individuals, made me smile because the much-deserved honor confirms all my memories of many experiences with him.

My happiness for Jerry, who is retiring as the longtime Ohio State sports information director in March, was forged by our time together during his 23 years at the university, especially days and long nights since 2011 while he has served as primary spokesperson for Buckeyes football. Other memories date to earlier days from his 33 years in sports information but remain vivid.

We’ve known each other since the early 1990s when Jerry was at Temple University and I was covering college basketball for the Cincinnati Post. I’m still grateful for the time many moons ago when he arranged for me to spend an early morning with John Chaney, and how that stretched into three hours of interview and conversation when the legendary Temple basketball coach got on a roll. 
 

Jerry’s job of dealing with the local and national media that cover Ohio State football is relentless and demanding. He’s always on call, often in the middle of difficult situations with two sides that have their own needs, with emotions high and deadline heat cranking up pressure. I once yelled at Jerry about something immediately after Ohio State’s night football game at Oklahoma, prompting him to give me a little gruff back (in his aw-shucks Minnesota way). Soon after, the two of us laughed it off, and we still joke about it. 

Jerry didn’t hold grudges. He didn’t see the media as the enemy. He understood us, understood our jobs, understood us as people. Jerry has a human touch, which you see less of now in sports media relations. 

We’ve been co-workers since 2017 when I left the Columbus Dispatch and journalism to work as senior writer for the Ohio State Alumni Magazine. I still have requests for Jerry in my current job, and he still handles them like a pro. 

We’ve shared a lot of press boxes, had a lot of good conversations about life, family, and rock and roll. He’s one of the true good guys. Rock on, Jerry.
 

Tim May, Reporter/Podcaster for "The Tim May Show", Ohio State beat writer for the Columbus Dispatch (retired): “Jerry Emig going into the Hall of Fame is no surprise to me, since I have witnessed him deal with all manner of head coaches, assistant coaches, players and — yes — media members, and almost always with a smile on his face. That takes talent right there. Usually accommodating, there also were times when he had to be assertive, even stern with those entities. That takes confidence and backbone. Working 60 hours a week as a norm, and beyond that always there to answer his phone no matter the time or question or his own family responsibilities, that takes honest dedication. For such service rendered, the Hall of Fame was always his destination.”  

Doug Lesmerises, Ohio State beat writer, The Bill and Doug Show: “On a competitive Ohio State beat that might be the largest in college football, Jerry created real personal connections while maintaining the highest level of professionalism in a way I think is unique in the sport. Reporters were always treated like people -- valued and respected -- as Jerry served the interests of both Ohio State and its huge fanbase. Always Minnesota nice, Jerry was as real as it gets, and we all know how good we had it with Jerry as our go-between to the Buckeyes.” 

Maria Slovikovski, Ohio State University Director of Athletics Communications: “Congratulations to Jerry Emig on two very prestigious awards! Over the past few decades, Jerry has given so much of his time and love to this profession, so it is amazing to see him get recognized for his impact. Jerry has not only made those around him better and elevated this profession, he's made those around him happier. I consider myself lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work with Jerry, even for only a handful of years. As awesome of an SID as Jerry is, he's an even better person. He's someone who cares so deeply about those around him and can easily brighten one's day. Jerry is intentional about taking care of his people - whether that's as small as a cookie to cheer you up, helping lighten the load of a game day during crossover season, bragging to others about how great his people are and everything in between - it's clear that Jerry is a servant leader by nature. There aren't many people in this world as kind as Jerry and I believe that his legacy of kindness and family will have a lasting impact on this profession, our department and me.”