Starstruck

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Let’s admit it. We’ve all had those moments in life where we come across someone famous or someone we have wanted to meet in our life and felt a little “starstruck.” 

The reaction usually involves freezing up and not knowing what to say when this opportunity happens or possibly having a major reaction like crying or feeling so excited you can’t stay still. 

We’ve seen many examples of this on social media or on TV or even in person. 

But, for me, becoming “starstruck” is something that has happened very rarely. In fact, I am not sure I would need more than one hand to count the number of times it has happened. 

Ever since I was in high school, meeting famous people like professional athletes or celebrities hasn’t given me a reason to have that feeling of not being able to speak with them. This goes as far back as my senior year in high school when I stood in the Orioles dugout before a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and spoke with manager Mike Hargrove and a player for a Journalism class assignment. 

My credentials from the Apr. 28, 2000, game between Baltimore and Texas at Oriole Park

The same couldn’t be said for one of my classmates that day, who was supposed to be writing the story for our school paper (I was the sports editor for this edition of the Talisman – Towson High School’s student newspaper). He froze as soon as we walked into the dugout and as a result, I had to do his work for him. No problem – I asked the questions, got the answers and on we went with our work. (Side note: I wish I still had the game notes from this game.)

From working in a TV production truck to traveling with professional athletes, I don’t think it’s been tough to interact with people who are in roles I aspired to be in or always wanted to have conversations with. They’re people just like me, so it shouldn’t be that tough, right? 

So, if you’re still reading this entry, the question of “Who would he become starstruck around?” might be building in your mind. And that’s a good question. 

Since I am not sure if I can ever be starstruck again in my life, how about we go with a “bucket list” of people I want to meet (both past and present)? Here goes. 

Jaymee Sire – I have followed Jaymee on social media for the last few years and listen to her podcast “Food Network Obsessed” quite often, especially the last few weeks when the lineup has been amazing. There seems to be a genuine nature about her that draws me in … and it doesn’t hurt that her podcast is amazing. It would be really cool to be part of that podcast one day, but I don’t think I would be that interesting enough to fill a 45-minute segment. 

One of my followers specifically requested a recipe for cheesesteak egg rolls to celebrate the @Phillies and @Eagles, and who am I to turn down a challenge? (P.S. they’re delicious no matter who you’re rooting for!) #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/EQeqHB0JK4

— Jaymee Sire (@jaymee) October 26, 2022

Adam Richman – The “OG” host of Man vs. Food on Travel Channel has been on this list since I first started watching the show. I think that conversation might start with the question of “How in the world could you survive some of those challenges?” but then turn into a chat about how that show moved him into a TV career where he could talk about anything and people stop to listen. And every time I visit Chaps Pit Beef in Baltimore, Md., I think of Adam and his visit here on MvF.

I’m a bold man.@firstwefeast @Complex https://t.co/x9TrbTAZMS

— Adam Richman (@AdamRichman) October 16, 2022

The inventor of game notes – Okay, so let’s be real. I don’t know who this person is and haven’t been able to find out who it is in my meager attempt at research. But, if I knew who it was, that would DEFINITELY be a conversation I would want to have. As most people know, game notes are one of my favorite things about my job and to find out why they were created and to see what that person’s reaction would be to how game notes are done today is something that might pique my interest. 

Wink Martindale (Courtesy Game Show Wiki)

Wink Martindale – One of the greatest game show hosts of all-time, Wink is someone I would love to have a conversation with. Let’s start with the fact he was the original host for one of my all-time favorite game shows, “Tic Tac Dough,” and his career has spanned decades. To sit down with him and ask about how game shows have evolved during his lifetime is something I certainly could enjoy for hours. In fact, I have the Tic Tac Dough theme song on my phone as a ringtone – can you say I am a fan? 

Dick Clark – While Dick is no longer with us, he has to be on this list. Like Wink, he is one of the all-time greats in the game show business, but let’s not forget what else he did during his career. He brought us “American Bandstand” and was there in Times Square every December 31 helping us countdown the final seconds of the year. Before there was Ryan Seacrest, there was Dick Clark and that would be a conversation for the ages.

Any cast member for the show Blue Bloods – If you were to ask my wife what my favorite TV shows are, she would tell you Blue Bloods is at the top of the list. All of us have that one show that we can’t miss and for me, it’s Blue Bloods. From Commissioner Reagan to Danny Reagan to Garrett Moore, every character is one I am absolutely on board with. Not only would it be amazing to meet the cast, but one of the few collector’s items I have on a bucket list is a script from a Blue Bloods episode. 

There's always that ONE person. #BlueBloods pic.twitter.com/Ox1NzaN1QZ

— Blue Bloods (@BlueBloods_CBS) October 22, 2022

There are definitely more people on this list, but these are the ones that came to mind as I am sitting here at 7:45 a.m. on a Saturday morning while my puppy Daisy uses the window as a pillow. 

What’s a blog post without one of the cutest dogs of all-time, right?

So, take a second and think about who it is you might have on that “Starstruck Bucket List.” Let me know who is on that list. 

Until next time, take care of yourself and be kind to one another. 

The Learning Curve

I visited Wrigley Field to observe the Cubs’ media relations staff earlier this summer

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, once said, “Learn continually. There’s always ‘one more thing’ to learn.”

It’s something I have believed in during my 20+ years in athletic communications, especially when it comes to media guides and game notes. Over the last two decades, a lot has changed in both of those areas. 

And to be honest, a lot more has changed in how those in athletic communications go about their daily duties. 

I have always felt we can always learn something from observing others, which is why I usually try to visit with the communications staff for college and professional teams during my travels to athletic events. 

There may be something small I can pick up and apply to my own duties. Whether it’s a simple thing like whether to print game notes for attending media or how to organize archive files or records, there is always that extra piece of information to gather and perhaps use down the road. 

The game information setup for the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Railriders’ press box

In fact, that’s a key reason I still reach out to my colleagues at different levels of sports from time to time and ask them questions. That information could be useful to me as I embark on planning for the next set of Athletes Unlimited seasons. 

Maybe one of those responses will give me a way to disseminate information to the media and fans easier. Maybe one of those responses will give me a new idea for something to include in a media guide or set of game notes. Maybe one of those responses will help me look at either of those publications in an entirely new way. 

No matter the outcome, it’s important to keep asking those questions and trying to learn. It may take a little bit of time to draft that email and send it out to a group of people, but the effort will be worth it. 

It’s also important to keep doing your own research and seeing what you might find. I have always been a game notes and media guide junkie. Picking up a set of game notes or a media guide and reading it from start to finish is not uncommon for me. 

And I know I am not the only one. Most of us who have been in athletic communications long enough can tell you they might do the same thing from time to time. It’s important to do these little things, but they can make you better. And it can also provide a spark for creativity when you need it. 

Any other SIDs nerd out and read random schools game notes just because? Fav part of football season😂 https://t.co/txAo8NJjRP

— Liz Wac (@lizwac07) August 30, 2022

So, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and ask them a question about something you saw or ask them how they might do something. Chances are you might just learn something along the way and you might just get better at your own work. 

Until next time, take care of yourself and be kind to everyone.

Is This Heaven? No, It’s Camp.

The sunrise view from camp

SWANTON, Vermont – Camp. 

Many people think the word means heading to a campground where you pitch a tent and spend the nights sleeping outdoors. 

For the last several decades, however, the word “camp” has held an entirely different meaning for my wife’s family – home. It’s where they have spent summer vacations relaxing in Vermont while enjoying great views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding areas. 

While many of those family members may not consider camp to be a vacation spot (including my wife), it has become my favorite place to enjoy vacation … and that includes going on trips to Walt Disney World. 

Perhaps, it’s because of the simplistic life we have at camp. There is no air conditioning, you have to dry your clothes by putting them on a clothesline and doing the dishes doesn’t include a dishwasher … other than your own two hands. 

The clothes hanging on the clothesline after being washed

Or perhaps it’s the quiet nature I get to enjoy every day. The lake is quiet most of the time, you can see the sun rise every morning and taking the dogs for a walk is great because there is not a lot of car traffic on most days. 

Or perhaps it’s the fact that cell phones have hit or miss service and if it weren’t for wireless internet, you could easily go off the grid for a few days. While I enjoy having wireless internet at camp, the thought of putting down the phone and just enjoying peace and quiet without any worries does seem intriguing. 

Or perhaps it’s the fact there are so many things to do within an hour or so of camp, including going to some of my favorite food spots. You can go to Waterbury and visit the Ben & Jerry’s headquarters to get some ice cream or go right down the street and get some apple cider and cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. 

In Burlington, there’s amazing wings at Citizen Cider (where Diners, Drive Ins and Dives has been), great hand cut fries at Al’s French Frys and a great little place in Battery Park called Beansie’s Bus where you can get hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries. 

Beansie’s Bus in Burlington, Vermont

While I just listed a number of my favorite food spots in Vermont (or anywhere for that matter), it’s also the breathtaking views you see during the summer and early fall while going to these destinations. The bright skies and amazing views along the roads are some you can’t find anywhere else. 

It also doesn’t hurt when you can go to the Champlain Valley Fair during its final weekend and enjoy a day of walking around and seeing many different attractions. And let’s not forget the Vermont Lake Monsters, a former minor league baseball team that has successfully transitioned into a summer league college team, reaching the league final in each of the last two years. 

You get the point – there’s a lot to do within an hour or so of camp, but being at camp is the most important thing. It’s the perfect place to spend some time away from everything. Even our dogs Daisy and Piper love being at camp – they get to catch up on their sleep.

Piper and Daisy enjoying their time on the couch at camp

Sure, I have needed to work some during my trips to camp over the years, but when you have a view like this, there’s no reason to complain at all. Your worries just sink into the lake and you can get work done while enjoying the outdoors. 

The view from the screened porch while I wrote this blog

I can still remember my first trip to camp in the summer of 2011, just a few months after me and my wife first met. There was some stress along the way due to work, but even with those issues, I left camp feeling like I was ready to come right back. It’s been a feeling I have had every time we have left ever since that initial visit. 

It may take the better part of two days to get there by car (or a long 18-hour drive in the case of extreme circumstances), but the journey is totally worth it when you reach a destination like the one we get to visit. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to get to camp; once you are there, you never want to leave. 

If it wasn’t for the extreme weather conditions during the winter months, I think my wife and I would actually consider moving to Vermont. There may be some hot weather times during the summer, but for the most part, the weather is just perfect. 

So, now that I have told you about camp, I am going to enjoy it and get away from my computer. It is vacation after all. 

Until next time, take care of yourself and be kind to one another. 

A Whole New World

Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill., home to Athletes Unlimited Softball

IN THE AIR SOMEWHERE BETWEEN TAMPA, Florida AND RALEIGH, North Carolina – In late January, I left the only profession I have ever known to pursue something new. While it may still be in the same general category, the thought of going from college sports to professional sports was daunting. 

Now, after serving as the main information contact for five women’s professional sports leagues over the course of seven months, I can look back on it and feel like I accomplished something great. 

Sure, there have been obstacles along the way. What challenge doesn’t? But, to be able to look back and see what I have been able to do since joining the Athletes Unlimited staff as its first media relations manager is a good feeling. 

When I was told early on this was going to be something unlike anything I ever did before, I had my doubts. Well, I was wrong. 

The last seven months have been grueling both physically and mentally. It has meant being on airplanes and in hotel rooms for more time than I have ever been before. 

It has also meant being away from my amazing wife and our two dogs (oh, by the way, we got a golden retriever puppy the same day I officially started with the company). But, their support has meant the world to me. 

My wife and me after the final AUX Softball game in San Diego (photo courtesy Jade Hewitt/Athletes Unlimited)

Daisy, our 9-month golden retriever puppy

Since I am a numbers guy (that’s a key part of my job after all), I decided to take a look at some of the numbers behind the last seven months. Needless to say, it’s quite a list (even if in my own mind). 

If you want to check out some of my work, visit the links below.

2022 Athletes Unlimited Softball Media Guide

2022 Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Game Notes

Athletes Unlimited Softball Game Story

My new opportunity has allowed to visit places I have never been before. I went to Las Vegas, Dallas and Chicago for the first time in my life. I got to spend my eight-year wedding anniversary with my wife in California and we did it the only way we know how – with a day trip to Disneyland. 

My wife and me at Disneyland for our wedding anniversary

I got to check off a couple of ballparks on my list and visit with some old friends both personally and professionally. I also got a chance to make some new friends along the way (hopefully they feel the same way about me). 

Impact Field (Rosemont, Ill.)

Petco Park (San Diego, Calif.)

Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago, Ill.)

Wrigley Field (Chicago, Ill.)

Now, it’s time to start planning ahead for what’s in store for 2023. There are projects I want to complete and more excitement to come. Perhaps there will be some more magic along the way. 

Until next time, make sure to take care of yourself and be nice to others.

San Diego, Calif.

SDSU Softball Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

USA Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Md.

Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill.

The Sports Center at Las Vegas

It’s the Little Things

A card in my suitcase during a recent road trip

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – I have the greatest wife in the world. 

I know that is something every husband or wife says about their significant other, but I will say my wife Erin is the best and it’s not even close.

There are many reasons why I can make that statement, but there is one that comes to mind and provides the basis for this blog post. 

My job and career has involved a great deal of travel and time away from her and our two dogs, Piper and Daisy. (Yes – you read that right. We now have two dogs. More on that in a future blog post). And that travel takes its toll on not only me, but Erin and the dogs. It’s time apart and it’s time we don’t get to spend together. 

But, Erin decided to start doing something this year that means more to me than a lot of things in my life. On every trip I have gone on when I was with UNCW until I started working for Athletes Unlimited earlier this year (Yes – I need to catch you up on that too), Erin sneaks a surprise into my suitcase or travel bag. 

An example of the goodies Erin puts in my suitcase on the road

It usually involves a card and some sort of sweet treat. I know Erin puts some serious thought into these treats and cards – just like she does with every other gift she gives me during the year, including my yearly calendar Christmas present. 

I know these surprises are coming, but the excitement is still there when I open the suitcase to see the card and whatever treat she included. It’s just a small reminder of having her there with me even if it’s being there in spirit. 

Sure, we talk over the phone and share text messages and photos of the pups during the day when I am gone. But, the surprise is something I look forward to because of the thought and love Erin puts into it. 

Traveling without my wife and dogs has been tough. I miss them quite a bit when I am gone and I have been gone more in the last few weeks than ever before. But, I know my family is waiting for me when I get home because of the little things they do for me. 

It may not be much to some people, but the little surprises that I get when I am traveling from my family mean more to me than you will ever know. 

So, the next time you have a loved one who has to be gone for a few days, take a few moments and surprise them with something small to let them know you love them and can’t wait for them to get home. Believe me, it’s worth it. 

Until next time … 

My SID Bucket List

My wife and I at the 2018 NCAA Women’s College Cup in Cary, N.C.

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – If you’re like me, you have a bucket list of things you want to experience in your lifetime. It can be a short list or a long list, but there are those “once in a lifetime” opportunities you hope to have before all is said and done. 

Recently, I asked my SID friends on Twitter what their “SID Bucket List” might include. The responses ranged from working a national championship or attend a game at a certain location to working with a team that wins a championship. 

Since I asked the question to the Twitterverse, I figured it might be a good idea to answer the question myself. 

So, without any further delay, here are some of the items on my “SID Bucket List” … 

Work at the NCAA Final Four (men’s or women’s)

The NCAA court design for the 2020 Men’s Final Four

Before the COVID-19 pandemic brought our world to a screeching halt like rush hour traffic on the highway, my wife and I were all set to be a part of the local media coordination team at the 2020 NCAA Final Four in Atlanta. 

It would have marked the seventh NCAA sport where I worked a championship event, joining men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, men’s ice hockey and baseball. 

Unfortunately, my hopes of being at the NCAA Final Four will have to wait. We wanted to work at a Final Four location that was relatively close to us to save on expenses. Atlanta was the closest location and within driving distance, which saves money. 

There is just something about being a part of seeing teams win a championship – I have seen it first hand numerous times with the other sports. And it also gives you a chance to interact with national media, which can always help you in the future. After all, networking is important these days with trying to do our jobs at the best level possible. 

While we were disappointed not to be in Atlanta for the Final Four in 2020, my wife and I still have hopes of being at a Final Four together in the future. We just hope it’s not too long. 

Complete the “College World Series” Pair

I have been to the NCAA Men’s College World Series twice – once as a part of the media coordination team in 2010 at Rosenblatt Stadium and once with my wife as a fan in 2016 at TD Ameritrade Park. Both experiences were amazing and if you are a baseball fan, I highly recommend you go to it once. 

But, I have also wanted to go to the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I watch it every year on television and seeing a sold-out stadium for nearly every session is a sight I want to see in person. And I also wouldn’t mind being a part of the media coordination team either (hint, hint). 

To be able to complete the pair of “College World Series” events would be amazing. Hopefully, I can do that at some point in my life. 

Be at a Professional League’s “Signature Event” 

Have you ever sat at home watching the Super Bowl or the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and wondered what it would be like to attend the event? Or if you are an SID like me, wonder what it would be like to work one of those events? 

Well, that is something I think about every time I see one of those events on TV. I wonder about all of the media operations efforts that are required to make those events happen. And while I have been involved with some professional sports “signature events” with my time at Major League Lacrosse, those events were not as large as the main pro sports leagues. 

I don’t think it would matter if I was working a championship event (i.e. World Series) or the All-Star Game, but the experience would be exciting. 

Before you ask if I have a preference about what leagues I would like to be involved with for this type of event, let me answer it for you – yes I have a “pecking order” in terms of preference. So, I will share that with you.  

1. Major League Baseball
2. National Hockey League
3. Major League Soccer
4. National Football League
5. National Basketball Association

Again, I don’t think it would matter which event it is (championship or all-star game) – either of those “signature events” would work for me. And it wouldn’t hurt that the credential would probably have my picture on them either – those are credentials to hold onto for all time. 

Attend the SEC Baseball Championship in Hoover, Alabama

Ever since MTV showcased the Hoover High School football team as part of its “Two-A-Days” series in the 2000s, I have been intrigued by the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium and how it is used for football and baseball. 

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that going to the Southeastern Conference Baseball Championship at “The Hoover Met” is on the list. I watched this year’s tournament on TV and kept thinking about how cool it would be to see it first hand. Of course, with me being an SID, I would love to see how the SEC handles the media operations for the tournament. 

In fact, as I was watching the 2021 tournament, I proposed the idea of going to it next year (2022) with my wife since it is not too far away (about 8 hours if I put the right address into the Maps app on my phone). We could make it a belated 40th birthday trip for me (yes – I turn 40 next year). 

It would also allow my wife and I to add another state to our list of places we have visited – neither one of us have been to Alabama, so it’s a way for us to cross off a couple of items. 

And since we know the dates of the tournament, we might be able to get a hotel at a good price now instead of closer to the date (if we decide to go). But, if the SEC media relations staff needed help at the tournament, I am sure we would be willing to chip in if asked. 

Attend a Major League Soccer Game in Each Team’s Press Box

A couple of years ago, my wife and I attended an Atlanta United game at Mercedes Benz Stadium and I instantly became hooked on Major League Soccer. We also had a chance to visit the press box and watch the second half from that location thanks to the generosity of the Atlanta United media relations staff. 

Now, I would like to see a game from the press box of every Major League Soccer stadium and gain knowledge of how each media relations staff handles the gameday duties. I think it would be beneficial to see it in person. 

The press box at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

And of course, it would also allow me to cross off every MLS stadium – there are certainly some nice ones around the league along with some classics. 

So, there you have it – my initial “SID Bucket List.” I am sure there will be more that come up and perhaps, I will add another blog post on those items. But, if you have any ideas, please do not hesitate to let me know – I will be happy to hear them. 

Until next time …

Serba’s Scholarship Surprise

Kyle Serba Endowed Scholarship Ceremony (Photo by: Kevin L. Dorsey)

(Note: This story originally appeared on the website for the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association, an organization which I am serving as president.)

DURHAM, North Carolina – The first home football game of the season can be stressful for any sports information director, including a 27-year veteran like North Carolina Central’s Kyle Serba. 

And having a curveball thrown your way during the game only adds to the stress. So, imagine the increase in Serba’s stress level when NCCU Director of Athletics Ingrid Walker McCree sent him a text message during the middle of the first quarter of the Eagles’ Sept. 18 home opener against Winston Salem-State. 

Serba, NCCU’s Executive Senior Associate A.D. for Strategic Communications, was being summoned to stand in for an on-field check presentation at the end of the opening frame. Despite some objections by the Eagles’ lead publicist, he made his way down to the field. 

It’s a good thing he listened to his boss because he was about to encounter a gesture he never expected.  

Serba arrived on the field to find three of  his former football student-athletes – quarterback Malcolm Bell and offensive linemen Clevonne “Bear” Davis and Carl Jones – waiting for him. 

“I walked onto the field and still had no idea what was about to take place other than I was going to take a picture with some donors,” Serba recalled. “When I noticed the three former football student-athletes walking onto the field, I was like ‘How nice of these guys to make a donation to the university.’”

But, the trio of former All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference performers had a surprise waiting for their former SID. They were actually there to present Serba with a check for $25,000 and announce the start of The Kyle Serba Endowed Scholarship. 

The scholarship will provide an internship opportunity to a NCCU student who majors in Mass Communications and carries at least a 2.5 grade point average while possessing a demonstrated financial need. The recipient will be able to learn from Serba with an internship and use the funds for whatever he or she needs to make their experience at NCCU smoother. 

As the public address announcer made the announcement in front of the capacity crowd of 10,918 fans, Serba was overwhelmed with emotion and tried to keep his composure as the ceremony continued. 

“I lost it,” Serba said. “I did my best to compose myself for the picture. Even as I hugged each of the three men to show my gratitude, I was so choked up that I don’t think any words came out of my month.” 

Even after the ceremony, the emotions continued to flow as Serba thought of the gift he was just bestowed by the three former NCCU letter winners. 

“Throughout the game, [the magnitude of what took place] would hit me and the emotions would stir up again,” Serba said. “I was blown away by their generosity and kindness. 

“That gift says so much about the character of those young men,” he continued. “Still just five years or less out of college, they could have spent their financial resources on a lot of other things, but they decided to give back to their alma mater. I am truly impressed with them and I applaud them for making that commitment to NCCU.”

What Serba did for Bell, Davis and Jones during their time on the Durham, N.C., campus certainly did not go unnoticed, especially given the constraints he may have faced in doing the job every day. 

“If you know Kyle, then you know there aren’t many people more deserving of being honored in this way,” Bell, a three-time All-MEAC signal caller, said in a Facebook post. “For 27 years, Kyle has been able to provide top notch coverage of our athletic department – doing a job that (other schools) would have multiple assistants and interns helping to fulfill day-to-day tasks. 

“I was always taught to find creative ways to show appreciation and I’m so glad (we’re) able to put our heads together and make this happen. Congrats, Kyle – thanks so much for making my experience a great one.” 

Davis, who earned All-MEAC notice twice, followed by saying, “This was the definition of giving someone their roses while they can still smell them. Carl, Malcolm and I were able to do some research on Kyle before choosing to put the scholarship in his name. Every person we talked to about Kyle had nothing but top tier compliments to say, which wasn’t surprising at all. 

“Kyle, you are appreciated!!,” Davis continued. “And it’s an honor to be able to do a scholarship in your name. It was a joy watching a grown man cry.” 

Serba’s impact on the NCCU community certainly has not gone unnoticed, especially from his colleagues. 

“I can’t think of anyone better to receive such an honor as Kyle Serba,” said Walker McCree, who joined the NCCU staff with Serba in August 1994. “I have had the pleasure and honor to work with Kyle from our very first days at NCCU and cannot begin to tell you how wonderfully blessed I have been to have a co-worker and teammate such as Kyle. 

“His dedication to our student-athletes and coaches is highly valued and greatly appreciated,” Walker McCree continued. “Kyle has helped to elevate this athletics program since he stepped foot on this campus and continues to create opportunities for not only our student-athletes and coaches, but students majoring in mass communications with special interests in sports journalism. 

“Kyle’s impact is deeply felt in so many areas of this university and we are fortunate to have a genuine, caring and ultimate professional at NCCU. Kyle’s legacy will be forever entrenched in the history of NCCU.” 

If there was any doubt in Serba’s mind about the impact of his work on NCCU student-athletes, it was quickly erased by the generous gesture. 

“As SIDs, we spend countless hours working to promote the accomplishments of student-athletes and I am sure many of us wonder if our tireless efforts are making a difference,” he said. “This incredible honor is proof that our work does matter and it is making a positive effect.” 

A 1991 graduate of Syracuse University, Serba joined the NCCU staff as Director of Sports Information in August 1994 after working two years as the Sports Information Director at the State University at Albany. 

Serba, a four-time Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Sports Information Director of the Year recipient, was instrumental in the formation of the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Directors Association and was named as its second president in 2004. 

In addition to being a member of the NCCU Alex M. Rivera Athletics Hall of Fame, Serba earned his master’s degree in physical education and recreation with a concentration in athletics administration from NCCU in December 2019, graduating summa cum laude.

What a Blast!

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Have you ever been listening to the radio when a song comes on and it instantly takes you back in time to a memory?

I know I have. In fact, it happened just the other day when my wife and I were driving down to Fort Fisher to give our dog, Piper, some time in the car. (That’s another story for another time.)

As we were driving, the song “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang came on and it instantly took me back to watching one of the greatest professional sports franchises in Baltimore history. 

I was taken back to the days when the Baltimore Blast played games at the venerable Baltimore Arena … or is it called First Mariner Arena … or is it called Baltimore Arena … or is it called Royal Farms Arena. Haha – the name has changed quite a few times during my lifetime. 

No matter what the arena was called, the fact still remains that the Baltimore Blast is one of the most successful professional indoor soccer franchises EVER. In its four decades of existence, the Blast has claimed 10 league titles and contended for several others. 

For me as a fan of the Blast, there was nothing better than heading downtown to watch a game and see the players introduced as they came out of the large BLAST sign that was wheeled out onto the turf before the game. 

And then, when the Blast scored, Celebration was piped through the speakers of the arena followed by the dulcet tones of longtime public address announcer Gary St. Ours, whose goal call starting with “Blast Goal …” got the arena rocking. 

Going to Blast games also provided me with many memories in the media world. I always enjoyed visiting with the Baltimore media covering the game. It wasn’t lost on me that I got to carry conversations with Glenn Graham of the Baltimore Sun or Pete Kerzel, who remains one of my very close friends.

Chats with Paul Mittermeier and Gary Stein of the Blast broadcast team were also a treat … and listening to them call a game was always an education in quality play-by-play. And learning about keeping stats for indoor soccer from the Blast stats crew and watching them in action was certainly educational – they were so good at their job. 

I even had the opportunity to play in the annual halftime media game in 2012 right before I left Towson thanks to the invitation of long-time Director of Public Relations Amy Keller Lewkovich (who was one of the best in the business by the way). 

Fortunately, I didn’t embarrass myself that night (or get hurt for that matter), but I do remember being quite sore the next morning when we had an afternoon lacrosse game at Towson. I definitely understood why they say playing on AstroTurf can be damaging to your body. 

In fact, my fellow Towson alum Sean Welsh and our good friend Glenn Clark might remember playing in that game as well? 

And because of the job Amy did with the Blast, I wanted to be the Director of Public Relations when she left the organization and continue that tradition. Alas, that dream didn’t happen for me. 

I remember watching the Blast win championships in the home arena and dominate opponents on a nightly basis. It was always a treat whether I was sitting in the stands or taking the elevator to the fifth floor (or taking the stairs on some nights). 

Watching Blast games in-person remains one of the things I miss the most about living in or near Baltimore. The games were always entertaining and there was just something about going to the arena and having a good time. 

The Blast setup at SECU Arena at Towson University

The Blast moved to Towson several years ago and plays its games inside SECU Arena, a facility that was in construction when I was working at Towson from 2006-12. I have been back several times to SECU Arena, but not for a Blast game yet. I hope to do so one day and hope I can relive some of those memories. 

I did get to see the facility set up for a Blast game a couple of years back when UNCW was practicing at Towson between road games with the Tigers and James Madison. It was weird to see the facility set up for soccer and part of me wished I was back at Baltimore Arena or First Mariner Arena or Royal Farms Arena or whatever it’s called now. 

Going back in time and seeing the credentials and media guides I have collected from the Blast gives me a joy of the good old days. They remind of the fun times in Baltimore. My wife and I also have game programs, ticket stubs and other collectibles to give us even more memories.

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Credentials and media guides from past Baltimore Blast seasons

The Blast has always played a big role in my love for sports. Some people may claim the Orioles or the Ravens to be the most successful team in Baltimore sports history. But, those who know are fully aware of the Blast’s championship culture. 

The Baltimore Blast scarf on the wall in my “man cave” room

In fact, when I set up my “man cave” room in my house, I wanted to make sure the Blast was part of it. So, I got a Blast soccer scarf (on my trip in Towson a couple of years ago) and it is now hanging on the wall for everyone to see. In fact, it might have been the first soccer scarf in my collection (and if anyone wants to add to the collection, I am happy to include them). 

So, the next time you hear a song come on the radio that reminds you of a memory, take a moment to go back down memory lane. You never know how much of a blast you might have with it. 

Until next time … 

This Place Needs to Go to the Dogs

My dog Piper enjoying the grass at Al’s French Frys in Vermont this summer.

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – People need to be more like dogs … and not in the lay around all day and sleep way.

People need to be happier and give more unconditional love. 

I was walking over to the post office on campus to send some mail to my in-laws and in front was a woman and a dog. From a distance, I could tell the dog was very happy to be walking around campus and seeing people just by the wag of the tail. 

I went about my business and went over to the post office but noticed the dog and its owner stopped to sit down. When I came out of the campus post office, I saw they were still there so as I walked by, I made sure to say hello to the dog – from a distance of course. 

The dog, which was looking in the opposite direction, turned around and as soon as it saw me, got excited and was jumping around as I said good morning to it. The owner said something like “You’re happy someone said hello to you, huh?” and as I walked away, it hit me. 

That dog was just happy to be around people and didn’t care who it was. It had a happy-go-lucky attitude and was just enjoying being outside. It didn’t matter that the dog didn’t know me or anything about me. It had an unconditional happiness, which brightened my morning as a result. 

But, it’s nothing new for me. I have a dog … the world’s greatest dog might I add (and yes, I know I have a biased opinion). She is happy to see me every morning when I get up and give her belly rubs and she is happy when I come home from work. 

It’s that unconditional love that makes me sad every time I leave her to go to work or we can’t take her for a ride in the car (one of Piper’s favorite things by the way). 

And I think people could learn a few things from dogs. Our society as a whole has become too bitter and too negative. Not just on social media, but life in general. 

Yes – life is hard right now and the last 18 months have given us plenty of trials and tribulations. But, it’s also given us plenty of opportunities to see the bigger picture. Frankly, the negativity and hostility are some of the major reasons I won’t watch the news anymore. 

Our pets are not necessarily immune to stress, anxiety and worries like we have. But, it doesn’t mean they can’t help us overcome those obstacles either. 

I am not saying everyone needs to go out and get a dog or a pet (even though the idea of shelters not being overcrowded would make me happy), but I am saying that maybe it’s time we think like dogs or cats or other animals and be a little happier and share a bit more unconditional love. 

Not being as negative is something even I struggle with lately, but the thought of being able to go home and be with my dog and share her happiness is something that keeps me going. So, I don’t mind if I get up and take her for a walk in the morning – in fact, it is one of the best parts of my day. 

If everyone can be even close to as happy as the dog I saw while going to the post office, I think the world would be a better place … and it’s something we all could use right now. 

I hope you are able to encounter a dog who wags its tail for no reason. I believe it will have the same effect on you as it did to me – put a smile on your face and make you think about being better. 

Until next time … be safe and do what you can to help us get through this pandemic. 

Other Duties as Assigned

Me and Tom Lamont (far) calling the UNCW-Northeastern women’s basketball game on Feb. 20, 2021 (Photo Credit: Joe Browning)

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – I am pretty sure anyone who is reading this blog has heard of the term “other duties as assigned” and chances are you’ve used it at work at least once. 

For some people, it might mean going to get the boss’ coffee or make copies. For some people, it might mean something entirely different. In my case, it means filling in as a play-by-play broadcaster for athletic events on the Seahawk Digital Network (SDN) at UNCW. 

Now before you take a big gasp of air and ask me if I was/am crazy for doing something like getting in front of a camera and calling a sporting event live, let me tell you this – it’s in my background and is partly responsible for my start in college athletics. 

Let’s go back in time for a moment – I was a senior at Towson University getting ready to graduate and I had been helping out at Loyola College (now Loyola University Maryland) with game-day stats and other functions. In the spring of 2005, there was a women’s lacrosse game against Stanford where they needed someone to call the game for their internet radio broadcast. 

So, since I had been doing some public address announcing for them, I was offered the opportunity to call the game. You’re probably asking the question of whether I had ever called a game before. Unless you count the Sportscasting class I took two years earlier at Towson University, the answer is no. 

One of my early lacrosse charts from my time at Loyola in 2005-06

But, I wasn’t about to let that get in my way. I did all of the prep work, called the game and ended up working at Loyola on a full-time basis for a year after I graduated. You can ask Marty Kelly about my prep for those women’s basketball and lacrosse games during that year – I made sure to share my charts with him from time to time haha. 

So, let’s fast forward in time to the present, shall we? 

Every so often, I get asked to handle play-by-play duties for our streaming events. My first broadcast at UNCW was calling the UNCW-Elon women’s basketball game in the 2015 CAA Tournament at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Md. Fortunately, it was only an audio stream. 

Since then, I have called women’s basketball, softball and volleyball games on SDN and/or FloHoops. Each sport requires its own preparation and depending on how much notice I get, I can be ready to call a game in a couple of days (unless you are forced to fill in a couple of hours ahead of time, which has happened).

This season, I called three women’s basketball games, including two against my alma mater. I was fortunate to have enough advance time to build charts and develop information to use. In my mind, the more time I use to prepare, the better the broadcast. 

I have also been given the opportunity to call a women’s basketball game inside Carmichael Arena on the University of North Carolina campus. If you are a college basketball fan, you know the history of that building and it’s certainly a cool experience. 

Since starting my broadcasting journey, I have used many different charts. Just like my game notes, I can’t seem to get a consistent file that I like and this year was no different. 

I decided I wanted to use my iPad more and not have so much paper around me – makes for a cleaner area at the broadcast location and it keeps me from fumbling paper. So, with the help of Seattle Mariners broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith, I developed a spotting chart that I could easily use in GoodNotes on my iPad and away I went. 

My broadcast position setup for the Towson-UNCW women’s basketball games in early March

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What my charts look like on the iPad once I load them

I feel like once I got back into a rhythm, it was like riding a bike – I felt more comfortable. And once I reminded myself that we have video to help tell the story, it was even easier since I didn’t have to say much. 

As you can see from the highlights below, things worked themselves out over time. In fact, I received a very nice email from an administrator at Towson on my efforts, including my ability to say the name of the school properly, knowing the team and where the school is located. 

In my response, I made sure to note that I better have known all of that information. After all, I have a degree hanging in my office that says I graduated from Towson in 2005. If I didn’t know it, that might be problematic. 

People have asked me if I ever thought about getting into broadcasting for a career. The thought did cross my mind from time to time, but let’s be honest – I have a face for radio and there are too many broadcasters out there who are better than me. 

But, every once in a while, it’s nice to get back in the play-by-play chair and handle those “other duties as assigned.” Especially when you can call a home run in softball … Hawk Yeah! Home Run!

Until next time, take care of yourself and each other … and remember to wear a mask!