In the world of sports, there is always something happening. With so many sports to choose from, fans certainly have a variety of events to watch each week.  For example, just look at the overlap in terms of some of America’s major sports leagues: Major League Baseball (today is Opening Day www.mlb.mlb.com/mlb/schedule), National Hockey League (the 2010 regular season ends on April 11th www.nhl.com/schedules/20092010) and the Professional Golf Association’s Masters Tournament begins April 8th (www.pgatour.com/r/schedule). Even in terms of the sports not currently in-season, the media keeps fans up-to-date on breaking news and events such as the National Football League’s 2010 Draft (which takes place in one month www.NFL.com/Draft). Of course one cannot overlook other sports, such as basketball, especially since games are taking place at both the professional and collegiate level (March Madness is certainly in full swing www.ncaa.com/champ/m-baskbl-d1-champ.html). 

With so many sports opportunities available it is no wonder that the sport industry must constantly strive to attract AND maintain fans, particularly in difficult economic times. Given all of this, I surprised myself when I realized how much I actually missed watching the 2010 Winter Olympics. I can’t believe the Olympic Games ended almost a month ago. No matter how you look at it, there is something different about watching the United States Hockey team as opposed to watching the same players on their regular NHL teams. 

For me, a large part of it boils down to the pride and importance athletes take in playing their sport for their country. In today’s world, with free-agents and the reality of “sports as a business” there can be something lacking in terms of player and fan loyalty. However, the pride of playing for a medal for a country transcends all of the other stuff. In a sense, the Olympics seem to have a sense of innocence or purity that doesn’t exist in professional sports or even college sports when athletes have an eye for turning professional down the road.

I know I can be a bit idealistic but I can’t help wondering if there is a way to bring some of the pride, dedication, sacrifice, work-ethic and honor that accompanies successful, individual, Olympic athletes to our young athletes in recreational sports to collegiate sports and eventually to professional sports as well. In fact, we could all use a little of those qualities in our everyday life, regardless of the profession in which we work.

 What do you think? How can society use professional sports in America as a vehicle to inspire others towards attaining excellence in ways OTHER than looking at the paychecks of professional athletes? How can we take some of the business out of sports and put the emphasis on the game? How about the character of the player? Or, maybe I’m just wrong and nothing should change. What do you think about professional sports versus Olympic sports?

This week’s entry is a profile of York College Alum, Bob Ancharski (’04), and is based upon conversations with current student, Jason Yonkovitch.

What is your current job title and position? What does it involve?

As a season ticket sales manager for the Hershey Bears Hockey Club, I service and actively sell over 4,200 tickets (ranging anywhere from a 10-game flex plan to a full season plan). I also handle various other American Hockey League duties related to sales.

What job has been the most helpful in terms of you reaching your current position? How did the York College Sport Management Program assist you in your career?

I was actually really lucky. I had my “Dream Job” before I even graduated from YCP. I volunteer-interned with the BEARS for two years and went above and beyond the call of duty. Most of the jobs were not fun, but they got me to where I am today. I would have to say that interning is THE MOST important piece of the puzzle for young sport management professionals. I think the Program does an awesome job of getting your ready for the real world. I use my education on a daily basis and have had discussions with faculty members about a sales class that would really help the students.

What was the biggest impact that your experience at York College had on your life/career?

I learned how to push through the tough times. I was never the best student in terms of grades but I always had my goals in front of me, and having a passion for something is a key in getting through the tough times. I also played baseball at York. I learned many life lessons from Paul Saikia and Mike Scappa that I still use today. After the long grind of a college baseball season, a long day at the rink doesn’t seem so bad!

If there was one thing that you could “re-do” throughout your college career, what would it be?

I would have taken my first two years of college a little more seriously. I was very good in the Sport Management curriculum, but my general studies fell behind. I try not to have regrets, but that would be one!

What aspect of the Sport Management Program helped you the most?

All of the professors on staff never let my work be average. I think they really brought out the best in me throughout my time at York. I was pushed, yet encouraged at the same time. They supported my internship and actually encouraged me to take on another year. I am thankful for that advice!

What were you involved in throughout college? What was your biggest accomplishment?

I was a 3-year starter for the York College Baseball team. I set many offensive records while at York; they may still stand today, I’m not sure because I haven’t looked in a while. In addition, I met my wife at York (even though she did not attend the college). We are going to be welcoming our first child into the world next month. I have nothing but great things to say about the school.

What is the best advice you could give to the students currently enrolled in the Sport Management Program as they are beginning their careers and respective futures?

Intern, intern, intern…because interning leads to networking and networking leads to jobs. It is really pretty simple. I’m sure everyone has a home town team, take the time to phone them. Ask if you can shadow for a day, ask if you can be the mascot, do SOMETHING to set yourself apart from others. Honestly, it is tough getting a job in this industry, take it seriously!

Just for fun…what was your favorite class and what was your crisis situation for Sport PR?

My favorite class was Sport PR. I really learned a lot about writing and that class was by far the most hands-on and realistic class the major offers. The baseball team was actually on a long road trip when our crisis situation hit, I was fortunate enough to kind of slip in at the very end and act like I save the day! I think I owe my group big time for covering for me! I owe them a drink!