AD 360

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of fan engagement in high school athletics with guest Brady Pond, the athletic director at Westwood High School in Arizona. They explore various strategies for building community connections, maintaining engagement throughout the year, and the role of branding in creating a positive atmosphere for student athletes and fans alike. Brady shares insights on creating memorable events, the significance of social media, and the importance of collaboration among athletic directors.

Summary

In this episode of AD360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the importance of branding in high school athletics with guest Leo Lopoz from De La Salle High School. They explore the evolution of De La Salle's brand, the significance of visual identity, and the need for consistency across various platforms. The conversation also covers community engagement, measuring branding success, and the future of athletic branding in an ever-changing landscape.

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the evolving role of data in athletic departments, particularly for athletic directors. They explore how data from ticket sales, streaming platforms, and social media can inform decisions, enhance fan engagement, and improve overall program performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing data-driven insights with instinct and experience, while also addressing common pitfalls in data usage and the emerging tools that can aid in data collection and analysis.

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the challenges and preparations that athletic directors face as they transition into a new school year. They reflect on their experiences with preseason worries, the importance of flexibility in management, and the dynamics of a coaching staff. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication, setting boundaries, and the excitement that comes with the return of students and staff. The hosts share valuable insights and lessons learned from their careers, providing practical advice for new and seasoned athletic directors alike.

00:00 Summer Reflections and Preseason Preparations

11:46 Navigating Preseason Challenges

23:03 Game Day Operations and Team Coordination

29:08 Excitement for the Upcoming School Year

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discuss the transition from traditional ticketing to digital ticketing for athletic events. They explore the challenges faced by athletic directors, the benefits of digital systems, and how to effectively communicate these changes to the community. The conversation also covers training staff, financial impacts, leveraging data insights, and expanding the uses of digital ticketing beyond just sports events. The hosts emphasize the importance of communication and preparation as schools gear up for the upcoming school year.

Chapters

00:00 Summer Reflections and Transitions

02:35 Pain Points in Traditional Ticketing

09:19 The Shift to Digital Ticketing

14:32 Addressing Community Concerns with Technology

20:31 Communicating the Benefits of Change

24:18 Enhancing Fan Experience through Digital Ticketing

25:48 Training Staff for New Systems

30:02 Financial Benefits of Digital Ticketing

35:24 Leveraging Data Insights for Planning

41:05 Expanding Digital Ticketing Beyond Sports

In this episode of AD360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg welcome Steve Montoya, Senior Director of Editorial at MaxPreps, to discuss the evolution and growing interest in high school sports. Steve shares his journey with MaxPreps, the impact of social media and live coverage on sports, and the importance of providing exposure for athletes. The conversation also highlights memorable athletes, the rise of girls' flag football, and the future of high school sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

01:43 Steve Montoya's Journey with MaxPreps

04:54 The Growing Interest in High School Sports

10:34 Evolution of High School Sports Coverage

16:47 MaxPreps and Its Role in Athlete Exposure

21:27 Impact of Data and Rankings on High School Sports

25:13 Memorable Athletes and Stories from High School Sports

32:25 The Rise of Girls Flag Football

36:19 Closing Thoughts and Future of High School Sports

In this episode of AD 360, host Greg Vandermade and co-host Scott Rosenberg talk with Christine Dahle, an athletic trainer at Fountain Valley High School, about the vital role of athletic trainers in sports. They explore Christine's journey into athletic training, the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by athletic trainers, and the importance of communication and relationships with coaches and parents. The conversation also touches on the hiring process for athletic trainers and how their performance can be evaluated effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Athletic Training and Appreciation Month

01:36 Christine's Journey into Athletic Training

03:42 The Role and Daily Life of an Athletic Trainer

06:58 Navigating Relationships with Coaches and Parents

08:30 Adapting to Changes and New Mandates

11:43 Importance of Communication in Athletic Training

18:09 Hiring the Right Athletic Trainer

25:43 Evaluating Athletic Trainers' Performance

28:04 The Iceberg Analogy: Understanding Athletic Training

29:34 Building Trust: The Role of Athletic Trainers

31:52 Evaluating Athletic Trainers: The Four C's

32:11 Calm Under Pressure: Handling Emergencies

35:50 Budgeting for Athletic Training: Essentials vs. Luxuries

43:17 Memorable Experiences: A Day in the Life of an Athletic Trainer

48:49 Advice for Aspiring Athletic Trainers: Be a Sponge

In this episode, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg engage with Rich Porfido, a former athletic director, discussing the journey of transitioning out of the athletic director role.

They explore the importance of leveraging existing connections, identifying suitable job opportunities, and preparing for a smooth transition. The discussion highlights the challenges faced during the transition, the skills that translate well into new roles, and practical steps for athletic directors considering a career change.

The speakers emphasize the value of networking, continuous learning, and the need for careful planning when making such a significant career move.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Athletic Directorship and Transitioning Out

02:18 The Journey to Becoming an Athletic Director

05:24 Recognizing the Need for Change

10:04 Mentorship and Guidance in Transition

13:48 New Beginnings in Technology

17:10 Leveraging Connections for Career Transition

19:28 Finding the Right Fit in New Opportunities

21:23 Navigating Challenges in Transitioning Careers

27:05 Preparing for a Smooth Transition

31:57 Identifying Suitable Career Paths for Former ADs

35:25 Practical Steps for Athletic Directors Considering Change

In this episode of AD 360, we discuss the rise of girls flag football nationwide with insights from Dr. Jeff Sullivan, Director of Systemwide Athletics for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland.

Sullivan shares the initial steps to launching a program, overcoming challenges, the importance of community engagement, and the partnerships with NFL teams that have supported the initiative.

Our conversation highlights the significant impact of girls flag football on student participation and equity in high school athletics, as well as the future potential of the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Girls Flag Football

02:11 Initial Steps to Launching a Program

05:03 Overcoming Challenges and Fears

08:50 The Impact of New Opportunities

10:00 Partnerships with NFL Teams

12:03 Building Excitement and Momentum

15:07 Training Coaches and Officials

18:14 Addressing Unexpected Challenges

22:03 The Rise in Popularity of Flag Football

24:57 Public Perception and Community Support

32:58 Future of Girls Flag Football

In this episode of AD 360, hosts Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberger share their craziest moments from their time as athletic directors. They discuss the challenges faced in their first years, unexpected chaos during game days, budgeting woes, legal troubles, and even encounters with celebrities at sporting events. Through their stories, they highlight the unpredictability of the role and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Crazy Athletic Director Stories

08:11 Unexpected Game Day Chaos

14:24 Budgeting Woes and Financial Lessons

22:51 Legal Trouble: The Weight of Leadership

26:29 Scottie Pippen Story

32:05 Closing Thoughts and Reflections