Sheridan student’s playing pick up basketball at the Trafalgar Campus
STORY BY NATALIA CAMARENA
Despite its best efforts, athletic marketing at Sheridan isn’t reaching the students.
Although Sheridan has a number of different methods for promotion, many students are still unaware of what goes on beyond their classrooms.
Ryan Kelly, is the marketing and information coordinator for promotion of athletics and fitness at Sheridan.
Kelly believes that the lack of involvement in athletics is due to many factors.
“There aren’t any excuses, but in part I think it’s because we’re spread out over four campuses and that results in a sort of disconnect,” Kelly said. “The general population of the school, and their area of interest is always in flux.”
According to Jim Flack, athletic director and head coach of the men’s basketball team, the absence of student support is very typical of Canadian collegiate sport.
“Up here, we have our priorities a little more aligned. It’s a matter of pulling attention,” Kelly said. “That being said, I’m a Sheridan alum, and been here 10 years. Overall, I’m proud to have these athletes represent us.”
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Some of the college’s most successful sporting events have been those that were supported by other departments, and backed by Sheridan’s Student Union.
Even students who haven’t got a clue about athletics at Sheridan knew about the national men’s soccer championship that was held in the fall.
“I saw something when there was a soccer game but that’s about it,” said Victoria Rolfe, a first-year student in Visual Merchandising. “I don’t even know what teams we have at Sheridan. I know there’s a gym at the back of the school somewhere. I’ve never been.”
Rolfe isn’t alone. It seems that the lack of knowledge of athletics is widespread at Sheridan College.
“I think a decent amount of people come out to games, but most just aren’t knowledgeable,” said Jack Trainor, a first-year General Arts and Science student who works at the gym at Trafalgar Campus. “Students that come to the gym are mostly regulars.”
The fan base at games is usually limited to family and friends.
Both Rolfe and Trainor believe that a stronger presence from the athletic department would help boost the program.
“Be around, put constant attention on sports, and put up posters everywhere,” Trainor said.
Posters have been used in the past, but they haven’t proven to be the most practical.
“It’s been the most successful when the students are talking,” Kelly said. “I believe the most effective way to get students to come out is by word of mouth.”
For more information about Sheridan athletics visit: http://sheridanbruins.com/