Jeff Hamilton, Shawnee State University's new athletic director, loves a good challenge. With a troubled economy impacting the budget, Hamilton is just as concerned with positives and negatives on a ledger as he is with wins and losses by his athletic teams.
Basketball fans have been waiting since the playoffs ended last year for the Cleveland Cavaliers to redeem themselves after their defeat at the hands of Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Fans were even more optimistic when it was announced that Shaquille O'Neal, the greatest center of his generation and a man with four championship rings, would be joining the team.
The move to the Mid-South Conference will allow the athletic department to explore other media opportunities to help possibly off-set costs and gain more exposure for the school. "This transition will allow us to become a part of TV and internet streaming video opportunities to create media attention for our program and school in the athletic arena, and give alumni an opportunity to stay updated with their team's success," Hamilton said.
Ted Tom, head baseball coach and assistant athletic director of academics and compliance, has helped lead several projects with his team. "Our team has helped three years in a row by serving lunch at the River Days pageant, participating in the athletic community cleanup, and cleaned up Portsmouth High School after a football game to prepare the grounds for youth football the next day," Tom said.
