CU-Lock Haven sport management students gain valuable experience at College Football National Championship

In January, 17 students and two faculty members in the sport management program at Lock Haven University traveled to Indianapolis to volunteer at the College Football National Championship Weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday, the students worked at the Indianapolis Convention Center for the Playoff Fan Central. On Monday, they were outside as "Wayfinders" helping fans by answering questions and navigating them to the correct destination.

"It is important for our students to do the best that they can when working at the National Championship weekend, no matter what job they are doing," said Peter Campbell, professor and chair of the Sport Studies Department at LHU. "That will lead to numerous opportunities on this trip to grow personally and professionally."

Through working all of the different fan engagement activities surrounding the College Football Playoffs, students were able to gain invaluable experience, vital to their future career success.

"Everyone on this trip did a great job making all of the guests feel welcome," said graduate assistant Hunter Confair. "They all did so well that we have made some new connections for more opportunities like this in the near future."

"I am thankful for the sport management program and professors here at LHU that make opportunities like this possible for students," said LHU student Hailey Farr. "These industry experiences allow for us as students to gain valuable knowledge and network within the sport industry. I can't wait to use the knowledge gained from the experience going forward in my career."

Each year, the Sport Studies Department at Lock Haven University plans multiple "outside of the classroom" experiences for students to apply what they learn in the classroom into real life. In addition to the College Football Playoffs, recent students have had the opportunity to work at the NFL Super Bowl, NCAA Women's Final Four, NFL Draft, MLB Classic, the COTA F1 Race and others.

For more information on the sport management program at LHU, visit lockhaven.edu/sportadmin or contact Campbell at pcampbel@commonwealthu.edu