SMWW Success Stories Continue
 

Does working in college or pro sports sound too good to be true? We're here to tell you it's not! We're always hearing from alums thanking us for helping them get their foot in the door and preparing them to be successful in a career in sports.

Recently we heard from former Hockey GM & Scouting Student Stephen Samoyedny who has excepted a position as the Assistant General Manager of the Texas Wildcatters of the ECHL. We had a chance to ask him a few questions about his experience in the course and how it helped him get and prepare for his new postion.

Q: What was your experience like in the course?

Stephen: I loved the course. I thought that it was very enlightening and a great course for someone to take should they want to get into the field of scouting or team management. I had a great time learning about the history of the NHL, the collective bargaining agreement and how the player's association developed over time. I also enjoy watching hockey and being able to see players and recognize characteristics that would make them a valuable commodity to an organization.

Q: How did the course help you get it or help you prepare for the new job?

Stephen: I think that this course has helped me to see a lot of different sides of the hockey business. I have had the opportunity to see things from the side of the players, owners, NHLPA Executives, as well as the fans around the world.

Q: What is it like to get that first big hockey job?

Stephen: I am extremely excited to have this opportunity with the Texas Wildcatters of the ECHL. This for me is a great opportunity to show and hone a majority of the skills that I learned in the course. I believe that the course has prepared me not just for the specific General Manager and Scouting Positions that it is geared towards, but also in general sports business as well. I will be able to better troubleshoot and problem solve in my current role with the Wildcatters hockey team. I can't explain how excited I am to be working full time in hockey.

SMWW believes the best way to prepare individuals for the sports world is through hands-on teaching from experts in the field. That's why we have renown professionals as instructors for our courses. It simply makes sense for students to learn from those who have succeeded and are willing to share their insight.

All of our courses are eight weeks long and taught online. You can take any of our classes from anywhere in the world! All you need is a computer and an internet connection. We'll provide the expertise.

Whichever course you decide to take, SMWW can provide you skill set and connections you need to get into sports.

Call us today with questions or to enroll in our next Hockey GM & Scouting program 1-877-SMWW- Now. For more information please visit:

www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com

 

Start Dates For Our Programs

For more information, call us today at 877- SMWW-Now or visit www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com

  • Baseball GM and Scouting June 12th
  • Football GM and Scouting June 12th
  • Basketball GM and Scouting June 19th
  • Athletic Director June 19th
  • Athlete Management June 19th
  • Sports Business June 26th
  • Sports Broadcasting July 10th
  • Soccer GM and Scouting July 10th
  • Hockey GM and Scouting July 10th
  • New Rugby Course Fall 2006

SMWW Names New Director of Baseball
 

SMWW is proud to announce that Joe Bonahoom has taken over as SMWW's Director of Baseball. Bonahoom was chosen for this position because of his continued professionalism, knowledge of the agent industry & specifically baseball and his strong legal background.

"We are delighted to have Joe head up SMWW's baseball operations," said Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President of SMWW. "We have developed such a tremendous group of directors who are knowledgable and committed to being apart of the growth of Sports Management Worldwide. Joe is someone who came to us and took the course and after getting to know him, it was obvious that he is very talented and was the right guy for the job."

Joe has been practicing law since 1986 when he graduated from Marquette University.

"I am excited to head up the baseball department for SMWW," said Bonahoom. "For me, what SMWW is trying to do in the agent business fit with my belief in servicing the client to the best of my ability and always mantaining integrity. I firmly believe that an agent's responsibility goes well beyond the signing of the contract and obtaining a commission, and that all athletes have a need for a competent agent who understands all of the legal, business, financial and other issues that an athlete will face throughout his or her career and into retirement."

Through his background and experiences, Joe brings these aspects to SMWW not only for himself but for other agent advisors affiliated with SMWW so that they may provide top notch advice and service to athletes.

Those interested in becoming an agent with SMWW should sign up for our Athlete Management Course to learn the business.

To sign up today, call SMWW at 877-SMWW- NOW

 

SMWW Alumni Honored with “12th Player Award” at Norfolk State
 

Andy Hollander felt appreciated when the Athletic Department of Norfolk State University invited him to their annual Spring Sports Award Banquet. When it came time for the final award of the night, Hollander listened as the University's Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations Dr. Emma Best described the “caring, innovation, dedication, and selfless commitment” of this years recipient of the prestigious “12th Player Award, presented to an individual who has made a significant impact to the operations of NSU athletics through volunteer services.”

When Hollander heard his name at the end of Dr. Best’s remarks he not only felt appreciated but total surprise and enormous gratitude.

“It’s an honor for me to do the kind of work I love with people who bring passion and commitment to their program on a daily basis.” said Hollander. “I share that passion and commitment and I thank everyone at NSU and particularly Dr. Best for her leadership and support."

Hollander, who completed his Sports Business Management Certification with SMWW in December 2005, took an internship with Norfolk State University in the Fall 2005 and quickly became part of the Athletics Department team. Hollander integrated himself into the Event Management, Game Day Operations, Ticket Sales, Marketing, Corporate and Group Sales/Sponsorships, Promotions, Public Relations and Equipment Management. His work this Spring on the 2006 Norfolk Invitational High School Relays produced revenues in a traditionally nonrevenue generating event.

Hollander credits a lot of his growth and success in his position to the skills he learned in the course and especially to the mentoring that Tom Leip provided him.

"I have great admiration and appreciation for Tom Leip's mentoring, guidance and friendship throughout this process. Tom is a gentleman and a man of his word. Part of my decision to enroll in SMWW's Sports Business Management course was the ability to openly interact with the Professors. Tom's door was and remains open at anytime to answer questions or in my case provide actual assistance," said Hollander.

"Perhaps it best said that as a 25 years sales and marketing veteran in Corporate America, Sports Business Management gave me the tools, guidelines and confident to pursues my true passions, Athletic Administration."

 

Hollander is currently interviewing for positions with colleges and professional franchises. “I’m ready to do what I did for Norfolk State for any Athletic Department in the country,” Hollander said. No doubt, any athletic program at any level will be happy to have him.

Those interested in getting a job in sports should take SMWW's Sports Business Management Course.

To sign up today, call 877-SMWW-NOW

 

Russ Lande's 2006 NFL Draft Analysis

We asked our NFL Scout and Draft guru Russ Lande, who heads up the Football GM & Scouting Course, his thoughts on the 2006 Draft and which teams he thought had the best draft. Let's just say that we opened a can of worms there. We couldn't include everything so below is his ranking of the top three teams in the 2006 NFL Draft.

1. New York Jets

10 Selections Average Grade = 5.92 Above 6.0 = 4 Players

The Jets really did a great job in the 2006 NFL Draft, especially when you consider it was the first draft with Coach Mangini and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum running the show. After struggling greatly on their offensive line in 2005, the Jets added the top left tackle in D’Brickshaw Ferguson (1st Round) and the top center in Nick Mangold (1st Round) who will combine with holdover tackle Adrian Jones to give them three very athletic young offensive linemen for the next 5 to 10 years.

They also were able to pick up their QB of the future in Kellen Clemens from Oregon – while he will compete for the starting job in 2006, by 2007 he should take over that job and hold it for the next decade. They also added some players who really fit the mold of the type of player that the Patriots used so well during their run – LB Anthony Schlegel, Safety Eric Smith, athlete Brad Smith and TE Jason Pociask. Additionally, they snared short cornerback Drew Coleman who is a very talented cornerback, but is just very short. Overall, the Jets really got their new era off on the right foot with a strong draft by adding a lot of quality players.

2. Green Bay Packers

12 Selections
Average Grade = 5.86 Above 6.0 = 6 Players

Green Bay did a great job of getting high quality players throughout the draft. Not only did they get the elite linebacker in AJ Hawk, but also added LB Abdul Hodge in the 3rd round and these two guys should combine with 3rd year linebacker Nick Barnett to give the Packers a very productive starting threesome of linebackers over the next ten years. They were able to shore up their offensive line by adding a very athletic linemen in Daryn Colledge. They were able to snare one of the elite receivers in the draft in Greg Jennings who should immediately make an impact as a receiver and returner.

In the 4th round they were able to snag Will Blackmon who has tremendous natural athletic ability and could play cornerback or receiver in the NFL. Receiver Cory Rodgers was a very good 4th round pick because he is an under-rated receiver, explosive returner and very talented special teams player. Lastly, in the 5th round they scored big with the selection of QB Ingle Martin from Furman who has all the physical tools to become a good starting QB in the NFL if given time to develop. Overall, Green Bay did not hit home runs with all of their picks, but they did get a lot of good prospects who should help them start to build the depth necessary to turn the team around.

3. Tampa Bay Bucs

10 Selections Average Grade = 5.83 Above 6.0 = 5 Players

Tampa Bay did an excellent job of shoring up their offensive line which was a major concern. Adding guard Davin Joseph and tackle Jeremy Trueblood will really add some needed size, athleticism and aggressiveness that can be hard to find in offensive linemen. Receiver Maurice Stovall is a big receiver with the hands, strength and competitiveness to become a good starting possession receiver for Tampa Bay. Snaring cornerback Alan Zemaitis in the 4th round was one of the biggest steals of the draft as many teams had him rated as a late first round pick before some injury issues showed up. I think he will be a good backup this year and will eventually become a very good starting cornerback for the Bucs.

Late in the draft they added four players (TJ Williams, Charles Bennett, Tim Massaquoi and Justin Phinisee) who are very athletic and just need to become more consistent in their technique to become NFL Starters. Overall, Tampa Bay was unique in that they added five players who I am confident will become good starters and five players who will probably always struggle to become the players they are capable of.

If you are interested in taking the Football GM and Scouting Course from Russ Lande, give SMWW a call at 877-SMWW-Now or visit our website to apply or register for the course today.

 

SMWW To Advertise in UK; Launches New Rugby Course

The sport of rugby is a huge global game. In the month of June, Sports Management Worldwide will begin advertising on radio stations throughout the United Kingdom. As part of that campaign, SMWW has rolled out its latest course offering, The Rugby GM and Scouting Course.

To headline the program and serve as instructor, SMWW sought out some high profile professors from the UK and Austrailia.

Martin Bayfield is a former rugby union footballer who played lock forward for Northampton Saints, Bedford Blues and England, gaining 31 England and 3 Lions caps. The 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) tall policeman made his England debut in 1991, and although he was omitted from the 1991 World Cup squad, was a part of the 1992 Five Nations Grand Slam winning side. He went on the 1993 British Lions tour to New Zealand and was part of the 1999 World Cup squad. He would play 18 times partnering with Martin Johnson. His final appearance for England came in the 1996 Five Nations match against Wales.

Probably the most successful and high-profile Player Agent in Australia, Ricky Nixon manages a large number of footballers. Ricky played professionally for 11 years. Ricky founded the sports agency Flying Start in 1994 which has been the Australian leader in management and sports marketing. Flying Start is the pioneer of Australian player representation, and is recognized as one of the most experienced and reputable organizations in the field.

If you are interested in learning more about the course, call us today at either our US or London Phone Numbers:

London: ++44(0) 871 288 4799

US: 877-SMWW-Now

Or select this text to read more about the program...

 

Agents flock to Italy hoping to land NBA prospect Bargnani

by Liz Mullen
Sports Business Journal

Some of the biggest basketball player agents in the country have been flying to Italy in the last year to recruit Andrea Bargnani, a 20-year-old, 6-11 power forward who plays in the Euroleague and is seen as a top-five pick in next month’s NBA draft.

Antonio Ricciotti, Bargnani’s Italian agent, said that Bargnani will decide soon on an American agent and that an “extremely extensive number” of American agents have been recruiting him. Although Ricciotti would not mention names, sources said agents Arn Tellem and Bill Duffy were among those hoping to sign Bargnani.

Andrea Bargnani, who plays in the Euroleague, could be a top-five NBA pick.

“I can tell you for a year and a half I have been talking and interviewing a lot of people,” Ricciotti said. “Obviously, being a guy that could go extremely high in the draft and knowing that I don’t work with any American agent in particular, everyone had a shot at him.”

Ricciotti has applied to be certified by the National Basketball Players Association so he can help represent Bargnani. Ricciotti said he will allow the American agent to take the lead on contract negotiations, but that he plans to work in partnership with the agent on both contract and marketing work.

Ricciotti worked for IMG from 1989 to 1995 but now has his own agency, which represents about 40 European players. All the major shoe companies have already been in contact about a deal for Bargnani, Ricciotti said. Additionally, Italian companies with business in the United States and U.S. companies with business in Italy have also been in touch.

Bargnani plays for Benetton Treviso. NBA head scouts, general managers and coaches have come to watch him play in the last several months, Ricciotti said.

If you are interested in becoming a sports agent, SMWW's Athlete Management Course is a great way to learn the business.

 

Dr. Lashbrook's Latest Blog Postings

Fan Behavior will be on stage during World Cup

In my book on Fan Etiquette I strongly state that Fan Etiquette starts with Player Ettiquette. Players from all 32 countries must be courageous in setting the pitch(npi).

American Media bashing World Cup has begun!

Don't you love how sportstalk radio hosts are so passionate about mocking soccer? One would think after reading the front page news every morning regarding the conflicts around the world involving Americans that maybe it is time for Americans to try to better understand the world. There is no better stage to learn than the World Cup. That's my pitch (npi).

World Cup Runneth Over!

Arriving late in life to the game of soccer I am more excited about this World Cup than any sporting event I have ever followed. My son once reminded me that America is the only country who hosts a World Championship (baseball world series) and doesn't include other countries. Once I began traveling around the World I realized soccer wins hands down (npi) when it comes to worldwide participation.

 

Earn Your Masters or Doctorate Degree Online!

Earn your Masters or Doctorate through Northcentral University online! M. ED, PH.D, ED.D and MBA are all available with a specialization in Sports Management. It is possible to get a Masters degree in a little over a year.

There are no residency requirements, you work at your own pace, all online... all from home. Courses are 16 weeks long, however you may take an 8 week accelerated course.

SMWW President and Founder Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, who is also a certified NFLPA agent, and Sally Sullivan, former agent of Venus and Serena Williams, teach many of the courses.

Call 1-877-SMWW-NOW to speak with one of them today or for more information, Select this text!

 
Profiling Football GM Student Fabian Baez
 

SMWW offers numerous sports job training programs to get you started in a sports job or advance your sports career. In the highly competitive sports industry, SMWW is here to provide quality sports career education and a skill set that professional sports teams are seeking when they hire new employees.

For one student, working in football was something that he had always wanted to do but before coming to SMWW, he, just like many others, didn't know where to start. Fabian Baez decided to enroll in Russ Lande's Football GM and Scouting Course to see if it would help him learn more about the sport that he loves and help him get on his way to working in football. Fabian is now a staff writer for Pro Football Central.com

"Before I came across Sports Management Worldwide, I was in the dark and I didn't know how to get into football," says Baez. "Russ Lande and Matt Brock are great instructors and they helped me learn about the behind the scenes of the NFL and the reasons why things were happening. I had been watching football my whole life, but the things you learn in the course open your eyes to so much. "

Fabian was the first of SMWW's football graduates to begin writing for Pro Football Central.com, but since Fabian began working with them, three other Football GM & Scouting students have also began to contribute.

"Since I began writing for Pro Football Central.com, I have interviewed Jeremy Mincey (Patriots), Chris Chester (Ravens) and Cedric Humes (Steelers). Next I will be interviewing David Barrett of the Jets," said Baez. "I obviously really enjoy getting to speak to the players directly and it is also really cool to see your articles getting posted on such a well known website."

Baez first learned of the opportunity with PFC through SMWW while taking the course and he knows that what he learned in the course has helped him tremendously in working with PFC.

"Without SMWW, none of this would have been possible. I have stayed involved with the course and continue to learn from Russ Lande. Everyone on their staff has been so great to work with. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to get into football."

SMWW has developed this relationship with a great company in Pro Football Central.com. Fabian has strengthen that relationship and hopefully opened the door for our future graduates to continue to get involved with them.

"The people over at SMWW from first to last have been nothing but a class A orginization," said Brian Harrington, CEO of Pro Football Central.com. "There professionalism stands out bar none to anyone else. Working with SMWW from interns to the upper management has been nothing but a great pleasure"

And so would we! If you are serious about getting into sports, Sports Management Worldwide is the place to go to get the training you need to get your foot in the door.

To enroll in our next Football GM & Scouting Course call us today at 1- 877-SMWW- Now. For more information please visit:

www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com

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