UISRM’s guided field experience programs continue to connect students with a range of successful organizations. Furthermore, the industry-focused coursework provides students with projects and responsibilities that develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that position them for success in a range of sport and recreation roles. Already in 2024, over 100 students earned course credit and strengthened their experience portfolio through guided field experience working with organizations such as Hawkeye Athletics, NASCAR, the John Deere Classic, and more. Listed below are each of the five practicums, names of all students who successfully completed each practicum, and highlights from the experience.
NASCAR Practicum
Congratulations to the students in UISRM’s summer NASCAR practicum course (pictured top right) that worked on projects for the inaugural Iowa Speedway NASCAR weekend.
- Max Baum, Reed Beecher, Milo Breitbach, Mia Clark, Alexa Ebeling, Mohit Kamat, Adeline Kenlin, Mikey Kogan, Mason Lantz, Sam Longo, Ryan Lynch, Grace Nordahl, Roshni Patel, Jet Reagan, Brayden Schulz, Violet Sliwa, Josie Snyder, Nik Theysohn, Charlie Whittaker, Zach Wirz and Andrew Xu.
Twenty-one students from UISRM, Journalism and Mass Communication, Communication Studies, Enterprise Leadership, Marketing, and Business Analytics and Information Systems worked together in project teams to perform market research and develop and present creative promotional campaigns designed to increase Gen Z ticket purchases and TV viewership of the Iowa Corn 350, NASCAR’s first-ever Iowa Speedway Cup Series race.
All five project teams received high praise for their work from Cole McGinnis, NASCAR Director of Licensing and Consumer Products (and a UISRM alumnus); and Matt Nordby, NASCAR Managing Director of Communications. As part of their research, students had all-access passes during NASCAR weekend at the Iowa Speedway where McGinnis and other NASCAR executives taught them about the different business and communications elements of a race weekend.
Special congratulations to the project teams of 1) Max Baum, Adeline Kenlin, Josie Snyder and Nik Theysohn, and 2) Alexa Ebeling, Mohit Kamat, Grace Nordahl and Charlie Whittaker. Executives singled out those two project teams for presenting the top overall promotional campaigns (“Women in the Winners Circle” and “Infield of Dreams”). Well done, students!
San Diego Sports Consulting Practicum
Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the San Diego Sports Consulting practicum and provided innovative solutions to a range of partners located in the San Diego market!
- Ryan Cassidy, Miles Corrigan, Elly Crider, Nick Criscione, JT Cunningham, Logan Daniels, Emily Diggins, Joey Dunklau, Olivia Gehrke, Joe Glasgow, James Glover Konfrst, Tate Goodman, Travis Hantz, Jacob Hollister, Emma Kay, Cael Koob, Jacob Martin, Sam Moore, Ryan O’Hara, Paola Pastrana-Rocafort, Aubrey Roberts, Devin Schwarz, Josh Stefans, Vivian Sumoski, and Nanya “The Zeffsterr” Walker-El.
Twenty-five University of Iowa students began by joining students in the Business of Golf practicum for pre-week learning in Iowa City. In doing so, students learned the basics of consulting and presentation standards for the program. They were able to flex their muscles on a pitch project with the Iowa City Area Sports Commission.
Afterward, students spent two weeks in San Diego learning about the market and applying their knowledge on projects for clients on the regional and national level. The Hawkeyes used the first week to experience the unique offerings of the San Diego market from visits to Petco Park and Snapdragon Stadium to participating in the thrill of racing at K1 Speed electric cart racing. The beach and coastal weather provided their own appeal for the visitors.
Projects in San Diego were provided by partners including Major League Baseball’s Padres, Major League Lacrosse’s Seals, The ALS Association, and The One 44 Group. Client projects in San Diego included work on incentives and renewal opportunities for entry-level season ticket purchasers; game entertainment and merchandise offerings; sponsorship prospecting and activation ideation; and social media and NIL guidance.
This year marked the twelfth year of the San Diego Sports Consulting Program in partnership with Ohio University. The program would not be possible without the work of the students who provide value and insight to the clients involved. The faculty and partners of SDSCP also play a big role in the program's success as a learning experience. We look forward to a lucky 13th edition in 2025!
Business of Golf Practicum
Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the inaugural Business of Golf practicum and learned details about a growing sector of sport and recreation!
- Jace Carsten, Ryan Cassidy, Nate Christensen, Joey Dunklau, Tate Goodman, Sarah Hoffman, Trent Maiers, Sam Moore, Cade Mozell, Jack Olson, Mason Richman, and Leo Rude.
Twelve University of Iowa students began the practicum by joining students in the San Diego Sports Consulting practicum for pre-week learning in Iowa City. In doing so, students learned the basics of consulting and presentation standards for UISRM by working on projects with Northwoods League Softball and the Iowa City Area Sports Commission.
Following pre-week activities, students began their Business of Golf learning journey through ‘Lecture and Learn Meetings’ and ‘Experience and Learn Sessions’. These learning activities provided students foundational knowledge of the business model, operation, and maintenance of golf courses, indoor golf and entertainment centers, and outdoor hitting range and entertainment centers. Special thanks to the professionals at Finkbine Golf Course, X-Golf, and Pinseekers for sharing their time and expertise.
The culmination of the students’ experience involved working several marquee events. First, students delivered participant-focused events benefiting Special Olympics Iowa and the Iowa Women’s Basketball program at Finkbine Golf Course. Next, students traveled to Silvis, IL to work the John Deere Classic PGA TOUR spectator-focused event. Students served in a preparatory role in advance of play and as part of the Event Management and Guests Services team once play began.
To demonstrate their learning through the practicum, students performed research to develop recommendations for the benefit of future John Deere Classic tournaments. The two areas of emphasis included sustainability and volunteer experience and outcomes. After formulating recommendations, students presented their findings to John Deere Classic tournament staff. Special thanks to Peter Zucker (Manager, Tournament Services – John Deere Classic, UISRM Minor 2020, pictured front left with students) who helped re-ignite the partnership between UISRM and the John Deere Classic.
Fans First Practicum
Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the Fans First practicum and provided excellent guest services and event management at a variety of local events!
- Wil Barker, Sara Bayer, Jalen Bickett, Audrey Black, Jeremy Chaplin, Colton Clark, Brendan Cooprider, Brenden Deasfernandes, Joe Glasgow, Grant Harbour, Tyson James, Blake Lewis, Dawson Livingston, Max Llewellyn, Andrew Lundvall, Libbie Malecek, Kevin Marshall, Jacob Martin, Clayton McFarland, Carson Nasstrom, Ryan O’Hara, Drake Powell, Lily Rennick, Mason Richman, Cade Siebrecht, Leshon Williams, and Charlie Wolf.
During the spring semester, the Fans First course students completed 2,315 hours of dedicated work with Hawkeye Athletics and other approved entities. Students gained valuable knowledge in this updated version of the practicum. We have integrated ourselves more with Hawkeye Event Management and become more a part of the “team” than before! Students were given the opportunity to attend regular weekly event management meetings as well as NCAA Women’s Basketball 1st and 2nd Round planning meetings. Roles have been updated to mirror the changing needs of the department.
The practicum’s goal is to provide in-depth experiences with customer service and event management. During basketball games the class provided security around the tunnel for the team as they exited and entered the court; students learned new skills by searching bags and scanning tickets at softball and baseball; and the class provided much needed customer service by driving golf carts to increase accessibility for softball and track and field fans.
For fall 2024, we will update the class uniform which will allow students to seamlessly integrate with and work alongside Hawkeye Event Management staff. Each student will receive a polo shirt and permanent credentials. We have some spots available for Fall, so email Anna Jensen to be considered for the Fans First team!
UISRM Agency Practicum
Congratulations to each of the students who successfully completed the UISRM Agency practicum and provided innovative solutions to a range of sport and recreation industry partners!
- Gray Baginski, Alec Boege, Isabella Carter, Eric Cortes Parra, Brenden Deasfernandes, James Glover Konfrst, Zach Goldstein, Maren Judisch, Emma Kay, Zach Madden, Paige Magee, Meghan Phelan, Tori Michel, Gramm Schneiter, Sydney Smetzer, Josie Snyder, Brittlyn Taylor, Gavin Tichy, and Noah Zukowski.
With the United States hosting FIFA World Cup 2026, opportunities within soccer will be growing. Associates worked with Sporting Kansas City, Major League Soccer team, to learn about soccer fandom in Iowa City and deliver an activation to soccer participants. Special thanks to Jon Felton and Seth Reid for the opportunity and feedback throughout the practicum.
Furthermore, associates completed consulting projects for existing partners Harvest Adventure Camp and the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex in addition to new partners Team RunFree and the Northwoods Softball League. To cap off the experience, a team of associates delivered two aid stations for the Iowa City Area Sports Commission’s Gran Gable bike ride on May 4.