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 SPEAKERS ENLIGHTEN STUDENTS ON WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED IN SPORTS
2-22-06
As a member of the VCU SportsCenter, students are acclimated with prestigious speakers from all facets of the sporting industry. Speakers who have visited the SportsCenter this year have included Fran Fraschilla, Jim Miller, Kanika Capel, Dan Cunningham, Eugene Kissourine, Greg Burton, and Mike Burch (pictured left).
Fran Fraschilla is an analyst at ESPN who comes from a very successful coaching background in Division 1 basketball. Fraschilla’s most successful tenure came at the reigns of the St. John’s program in New York. He related his experiences to the students providing valuable insight into the world of collegiate athletics and more specifically, the coaching arena. Fraschilla provided depth into his experience as an analyst giving students a well rounded learning experience.
Jim Miller, the Athletic Director at the University of Richmond, spoke of the differences between running a public and private institution’s athletic department. He stressed the importance of knowing your constituents and gaining an understanding for the climate of your program. Partnering and establishing relationships with your supporting alumni and businesses was a key element in the subject matter.
Kanika Capel, the wife of VCU men’s head basketball coach Jeff Capel, and Dan Cunningham, the husband of VCU women’s basketball coach Beth Cunningham, described what it’s like to be the spouse of a devoted head coach. Understanding the highs and lows of being a committed coach and how to cope with them was a highlight of their discussions.
Greg Burton, local news television sports anchor and sports radio show host, discussed the world of sports media. He talked about what it takes to fill a multiple hour radio show as well as dealing with passionate fans. He described the importance of creating an unbiased atmosphere for his viewers and listeners. Burton explained to the students how the media could be used to gain so much more than just exposure. The students learned about the process of reaching the level of success that Burton has obtained in his career.
Mike Burch, director of business development for Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (SMI), came in to the SportsCenter class to discuss the world of sports marketing. Burch showed the importance of creating financial success for the long term. He explained how important sponsorship is to huge venues such as Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Burch stressed the need for understanding the sales process and how vital it is to succeeding.
Eugene Kissourine, a former VCU basketball player, former Russia professional basketball player, and current coach for a professional basketball team in Russia, talked to the class about the cultural differences in athletics between Russia and the United States. Player development and coaching styles were two of the biggest differences that Eugene shared with the class. He explained that in Russia kids are picked at a young age based on physical characteristics and are bred to become athletic stars. He talked about his European sporting experience and how it differed from that of his playing career in the United States.
Guest Speakers are another unique element that helps the students in the VCU SportsCenter program gain insights into the dynamic world of sports and athletics. The program will continue to bring in speakers so the students can learn first hand accounts of what it takes to thrive in the sporting industry.
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