Sports PR

Sports PR

By Jason Bodin

A lot is required of those who want to be in public relations. Especially when trying to get into sports PR. Craig Moran, Assistant Director of Communications for the University of Oklahoma athletic department, has worked really hard to get where he is today. He knows what it takes to be apart of such a competitive and fulfilling industry.

Moran began his academic career getting his bachelors degree from Bowling Green University.

“I graduated from Bowling Green University with a bachelors in sports administration with an emphasis in communication and a minor in journalism,” said Moran.

After graduating college Moran says to getting an internship is key, if you have not already had one.

“I did my share of internships before I got hired full-time,” said Moran. “I was an intern at Bowling Green for three semesters and then I was in intern for the Toledo Storm, the Detroit Redwings minor league affiliate.”

From there he had a short stint at the University of Detroit where he was in charge of a number of different sports and responsibilities.

“At Detroit I was the sports information director for women’s soccer, softball, fencing, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s cross country and I traveled with men’s basketball,” said Moran. “From there I was hired here at OU, but I was still an intern here for a year.”

At OU Moran is in charge of soccer and baseball, while also working a number of other sports like football and basketball. But what does a day in the life of sports information director look like?

“On game day I arrive at the field two hours before the game,” said Moran. “Then I check with each radio team to make sure everything is set up properly and everything is working. From there you are getting lineups in order for both teams and making sure the media has everything.”

But that is not even the most stressful and tedious part of the job. Before each game he has to make flip-cards and game-notes.

“The game notes usually take roughly two days to produce,” said Moran.

As far as advice goes Moran had this to say.

“I think that interning is the most important,” said Moran. “You have to be willing to intern, even if it is non-paying. Going to grad school is important because it sets you apart from others.”

Another important bit of advice that a number of collegiate students hear is networking.

“Networking is key when trying to get into sports pr,” said Moran. “Especially at the collegiate level.”

Lastly, Moran says that getting the necessary training for desktop publishing software is key.

“One thing many people are lacking is having knowledge over desktop publishing software,” said Moran.

Now you know the necessary steps in order to make it in sports pr.

photo credited to googleimages via soonersports.com