Intercollegiate Athletics Marketing Corporate Sponsorship :: KP Sports

Big Sky Set to Celebrate Anniversaries

Tim Shustoff — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:48:32 +0000

OGDEN, Utah – After 50 years of competition, the Big Sky Conference will soon begin a year-long journey celebrating the league’s success both on and off the playing field by honoring 50 years of men’s athletics and 25 years of women’s athletics.

The 50th anniversary will celebrate the all-time individuals, teams and moments in the Big Sky’s history, including the selection of the league Top 50 male student-athletes and the top 25 female student-athletes. Along with the lists, the league will unveil the most memorable moments for both men’s and women’s competition.

In the coming weeks, fans around the world will be invited to participate in an interactive experience, allowing all to share in the celebration.

“We’ve been gearing up for this celebration for several years,’’ said Commissioner Doug Fullerton. “Remembering and honoring out past student-athletes, teams, record-breaking performances and the coaches and administrators who guided them all along the way will be a lot of fun. We’ve put together a top-notch group of current and former administrators, coaches, and media to provide input to the ballots, and help us select the honorees. We also anticipate tremendous interaction from fans and alumni during the interactive phase. “

The Division I Big Sky Conference officially celebrates its 50th birthday on July 1, 2013. The league was established in 1963 by six charter members – the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Gonzaga University, The University of Montana, Montana State University and Weber State University.

The Big Sky expanded from the original six in 1970 by adding Boise State and Northern Arizona. Gonzaga left the league in 1979 and was replaced by Nevada, pushing the Big Sky to eight members. The conference grew to nine schools in 1987 with the addition of Eastern Washington.

In 1988-89, the Big Sky Conference first began sponsoring women’s sports. The former Mountain West Conference existed from 1982-88, sponsoring championships for women’s sports at the same institutions the Big Sky had men’s programs. The Big Sky merged with the Mountain West in 1988, forming one league for both men and women.

The 1990s brought some major changes, beginning with Nevada leaving in 1992 and put the Big Sky back at eight teams. In 1996 Boise State and Idaho departed and at the same time the conference added Portland State, Sacramento State and Cal State Northridge. The Big Sky maintained nine teams for five years before Cal State Northridge departed in the spring of 2001.

The Big Sky Conference welcomed the University of North Dakota and Southern Utah University into the fold as full members on July 1, 2012. Cal Poly and UC Davis join the league as affiliate members in football, where the league competes at the Championship Subdivision level (formerly I-AA).

The additions of North Dakota and Southern Utah give the stable Big Sky 11 full institutions and 13 football members. The current lineup includes four of the six charter members: Idaho State University, The University of Montana, Montana State University and Weber State. Northern Arizona enters its 44th season in the Big Sky, giving the conference five members with at least 40 years of continuous membership. Also, charter member Idaho will return most of its intercollegiate sports to the Big Sky on July 1, 2014.

The 2012-13 season marked the completion of 50 years of athletic competition, and 25 sponsoring women’s collegiate athletics. Before the season the league unveiled a new logo and brand that is sure to carry the conference onto another successful 50 years.

The 25th season of women’s athletics also marked a first for the league, as Portland State won the league’s inaugural softball championship.

The Big Sky sponsors championships in 15 sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, basketball and tennis. In addition, there are also championships in football, and women’s volleyball, golf, soccer, and softball.

Fullerton, the fifth commissioner of the Big Sky Conference, is completing his 18th year at the helm. Fullerton took over the Big Sky on July 1, 1995, replacing longtime commissioner Ron Stephenson, who passed away in 2011. Stephenson served the league for 14 years. Steve Belko was the commissioner from 1977-81, while John Roning held the post from 1971-77. The first league commissioner was Jack Friel, who served from 1963-71.

ISU Athletics and KP Sports Form Sales and Marketing Partnership

Tim Shustoff — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:29:45 +0000

Idaho State Athletics and KP Sports have reached a multi-year partnership agreement whereby KP Sports will serve as the exclusive sales and marketing representative of corporate sponsorship and ticket sales for Bengal Athletics.
KP Sports, one of the fastest growing collegiate sponsorship, ticket sales and event marketing companies, has created highly successful partnerships with NCAA intercollegiate athletic programs and other sports properties in delivering outstanding results. KP Sports unique model focuses on creating a true partnership as an extension of its sports properties. In addition to other collegiate properties outside of the Big Sky Conference, KP Sports supports and manages sponsorship and ticket sales for Weber State University, Eastern Washington University, Portland State University as well as the Big Sky Conference.

“We are excited to join Director of Athletics Jeff Tingey and his executive staff of professionals in enhancing and building upon the tremendous amount of success Idaho State Athletics has enjoyed over the past several years in creating a unique and valuable brand for its partners and stakeholders,” said Kerry Perry, President of KP Sports.

“The partnership with KP Sports will benefit Idaho State Athletics greatly,” said Tingey. “KP Sports has enhanced the brand of other institutions in the Big Sky Conference and we are thrilled to begin this partnership.”

Idaho State University, a NCAA Division I member of the Big Sky Conference, is located in Pocatello, Idaho. Since the 2011-12 season the Bengals have won Big Sky championships in women’s basketball, soccer and softball while boasting record numbers of academic all-conference honorees.

FCS ADA Academic All-Stars Presented by KP Sports Announced!

Tim Shustoff — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:09:44 +0000

12th Annual KP Sports Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Scholar-Athletes of the Year Chosen

March 27, 2013

CLEVELAND – Nick DeKraker, a defensive tackle from Youngstown State University and Pat Kelly, a wide receiver from Liberty University, have been chosen as the recipients of the 12^th Annual KP Sports Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Scholar-Athletes of the Year.

Each will receive a $5,000 postgraduate scholarship. The duo was selected from a group of six finalists. They will receive their awards during the Association’s annual membership meeting being held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention, being held at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida, June 10-15.

“FCS ADA was once again proud to honor its deserving student-athletes with the Academic All-Star team in early January. The selection of the Postgraduate Scholarship recipients marks the culmination of our annual process and we want to congratulate both Nick and Pat on receiving this year’s scholarships,” said FCS ADA President Ron Strollo, chair of the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team Selection Committee and director of athletics at Youngstown State University. “Each year, the committee is tasked with selecting two individuals from a plethora of deserving scholar-athletes, and this year was no different. Nick and Pat are a shining example of the importance of academic success within Division I FCS institutions.”

DeKraker, a business major, who owns a 3.93 GPA, led the team in sacks with five, for a total of 22 yards in losses and had sacks in four consecutive games in 2012. He finished the season with 26 total tackles, including 10 solo stops, with a season-high seven tackles against South Dakota State. He was named to the FCS ADA All-Star team and was a 2012 first-team All-Academic Missouri Valley Football Conference selection. After graduation, DeKraker plans to pursue an MBA.

Kelly is working towards an undergraduate degree in exercise science, owning a 4.0 GPA, with plans to enter physical therapy or medical school. On the field, Kelly led the Big South Conference and ranked 11^th in the country in receptions per game (7.27). He also fell one reception shy of tying Liberty’s single-season record for receptions, and holds the second spot for most receptions in a season in Big South history. Kelly is a two-time Big South all-conference honoree and a three-time Big South Presidential Honor Roll recipient. He was also twice named to the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District and the FCS ADA Academic All-Star teams.

There were a total of 54 FCS players selected to the Academic All-Star Team in January. Nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. They must have reached their second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. They must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at their designated position.

A special Review Committee of Football Championship Subdivision athletics directors was responsible for selecting the all-star team and scholarship finalists. Completing this task were Ron Strollo, Youngstown State (chair); Ken Beazer, Southern Utah; Charlie Cobb, Appalachian State;Brian Hutchinson, Morehead State; Marilyn McNeil, Monmouth; and Jeff Tingey, Idaho State.

About the FCS ADA: Now in its 20^th year, the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association’s mission is to enhance Football Championship Subdivision football. For more information on the FCS ADA, please visit www.fcsada.com. The FCS ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 48^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 13 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visitwww.nacda.com.

About KP Sports: KP Sports is one of the fastest growing collegiate sports marketing companies that partners with university athletic programs to increase revenue opportunities in corporate sponsorship, ticket sales, events, and many other revenue sources.

Portland State Student-Athletes Celebrate Reading Across America Day

Tim Shustoff — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:26:09 +0000

Women’s Track and Field distance runner Keikoanne Hollins reads a book to a group of children at Mt. Hood Community College Head Start program.

by Christopher Hill

3/11/2013 2:52:00 PM

THE CHILDREN’S BOOK BANK

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland State student athletes took part in the national Reading Across America Day created to help highlight the importance of developing a love of reading at an early age, by teaming with The Children’s Book Bank and delivering over 2,400 books to children at the Mt. Hood Community College Head Start program. Following the delivery the athletes spent time with the students, reading and playing.

Over 150 bags of donated books, packed with 16 different stories were donated to each student. Members of the women’s soccer, track and field, football, and women’s basketball teams sat down with a group of students to read several stories. Once the books were finished the Portland State student athletes had an opportunity to interact with the children playing outside or in their classrooms.

The Children’s Book Bank, founded by a former Teach for America math teacher, strives to improve the literacy skills of low-income children by giving them books of their own before they reach kindergarten. To do this, The Children’s Book Bank collects, repairs, and packages used books. The books are then made available to families in need – free of charge. This new organization is administrated by Dani Swope and is located in Portland, Oregon. The book bank accepts book donations during open hours at its warehouse located at 1728 NE Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97232.

This event is one of a series of community outreach projects facilitated by the athletics department GPS program, which helps Viking student athletes to “Navigate from young athletes to mature adults.” The school has also welcomed at risk school children to the Peter W. Stott Center to help them with their homework and play basketball in an effort to stress the importance of school work and physical fitness.

Six Finalists Announced for FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team presented by KP Sports

Tim Shustoff — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:55:24 +0000

Six finalists were announced in the most recent “President’s Message” released by Ron Strollo. Ron Strollo serves as Director of Athletics at Youngstown State University, as well as President of the FCS Athletic Director’s Association. The finalist are UNI’s Kyle Bernard, Youngstown State’s Nick DeKraker, Eastern Kentucky’s Patrick Ford, Liberty’s Pat Kelly, Colgate’s Chris Looney, and Monmouth’s Andrew Sutton.

Of the six finalists, two of these student-athlete nominees will receive postgraduate scholarship during the Association’s annual membership meeting held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention, being held at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla., June 13-15.

These student athletes, are nominated for their outstanding performance on the gridiron, as well as their academic commitment to education.

FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team presented by KP Sports

Tim Shustoff — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:08:30 +0000

Jan. 3, 2013

For a complete listing of the 54 members of the Football Championship Subdivision Academic All-Star Team presented by KP Sports, click here.

CLEVELAND – The 54 winners of the 15^th annual Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic All-Star Team presented by KP Sports were announced by the FCS ADA, today. There were 98 total nominees. Three conferences had seven student-athletes named to the All-Star Team – the Big Sky Conference, Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Southern Conference.

“The FCS ADA is pleased to honor the accomplishments of our football student-athletes each year with our Academic All-Star Team,” said FCS ADA President Ron Strollo, director of athletics at Youngstown State University. “The accolades of these young men both in the classroom and on the field epitomize the definition of student-athlete and our Association looks forward to recognizing their accomplishments annually.”

Football players from all Football Championship Subdivision institutions are eligible for these prestigious awards. Each of the nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designatedposition.

Additionally, from the Academic All-Star team, six finalists were selected for the 12^th Annual FCS ADA’s $5,000 Postgraduate Scholarships presented by KP Sports. Two student-athletes will receive postgraduate scholarships during the Association’s annual membership meeting held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention, being held at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla., June 13-15.

The finalists are Kyle Bernard, University of Northern Iowa, Punter, 3.82 GPA; Nick DeKraker, Youngstown State University, Defensive Lineman, 3.93 GPA; Patrick Ford, Eastern Kentucky University, Offensive Lineman, 3.90 GPA; Pat Kelly, Liberty University, Wide Receiver, 4.0 GPA; Chris Looney, Colgate University, Wide Receiver, 3.90 GPA;Andrew Sutton, Monmouth University, Defensive Back, 3.88 GPA.

For a complete listing of the 54 members of the Football Championship Subdivision Academic All-Star Team presented by KP Sports, click here.

KP Sports Named Official Sponsor of FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team

Tim Shustoff — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:19:38 +0000

Jan. 2, 2013

CLEVELAND – The Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) and KP Sports have announced that KP Sports will be the official sponsor of the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team, effective immediately.

“We are honored that KP Sports has agreed to be the presenting sponsor of our Academic All-Star Team,” stated FCS ADA President Ron Strollo, director of athletics at Youngstown State University. “Our Association is committed to annually honoring deserving student-athletes and we look forward to continuing that tradition with our new sponsor.”

KP Sports is one of the fastest growing collegiate sports marketing companies that partners with university athletics programs to increase revenue opportunities in corporate sponsorship, ticket sales, events, and many other revenue sources.

“KP Sports is honored to be the official sponsor of the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team,” said Kerry Perry, President of KP Sports. “It is with great pride that KP Sports supports this honorable academic program that also awards postgraduate scholarships to FCS intercollegiate student-athletes. We appreciate our relationship with NACDA and all involved with this important educational opportunity for our student-athletes.”

The 15^th annual FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team presented by KP Sports will be announced on January 3.

Football players from all FCS institutions are eligible for these prestigious awards. Each of the nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designated position.

Additionally, from the Academic All-Star Team, finalists will be selected for the 12^th Annual FCS ADA’s $5,000 Postgraduate Scholarships presented by KP Sports. Two student-athletes will receive postgraduate scholarships during the Association’s annual membership meeting held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention, being held at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla., June 13-15.

About the FCS ADA: Now in its 20^th year, the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association’s mission is to enhance Football Championship Subdivision football. For more information on the FCS ADA, please visit www.fcsada.com. The FCS ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 48^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 13 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com

KP Sports President Nominated for New Mexico’s Business Weekly Women of Influence Award

Tim Shustoff — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 22:12:07 +0000

Kerry Perry, founder and President of KP Sports, has been nominated as a candidate of New Mexico’s Business Weekly Women of Influence Awards. This nomination comes as no surprise, as Kerry has built a resume of continuous growth, leadership, and influence. While serving as the President of KP Sports Marketing, Kerry actively partakes in further leadership positions. She instructs at the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management in Marketing, serves on several boards, while volunteering throughout her community.

This nomination places Kerry in the likes of other nominees that include New Mexico’s present Governor, Susana Martinez. As well as Congresswomen, and other prominent female figures throughout New Mexico.

Eastern Washington University announces addition of new scoreboard

kpsports — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:06:02 +0000

June 22, 2012

Video Scoreboards to be Latest Upgrade at EWU’s Roos Field and Reese Court

New boards will enhance the game-day experience for students, fans and athletes

Following up on the momentum created with the installation of red synthetic turf at Roos Field and the 2011 National Championship, Eastern Washington University is now taking steps to replace the 23-year-old Roos Field scoreboard with a new video scoreboard that will enhance the game-day experience for students, fans and athletes. In addition, a new video board will be added to the existing scoreboard at Reese Court in the Pavilion.

The project will be financed by the EWU Foundation and will not include any taxpayer or non-designated donor dollars. The primary source of funding will come from advertising revenue generated from the scoreboards, which will also produce revenue for scholarships.

“The EWU Foundation is excited to invest in an opportunity that fulfills a university need while creating a mechanism to generate scholarship support,” said Michael Westfall, executive director of the EWU Foundation, the non-profit corporation which will take the leading role in managing this project.

The existing Roos Field scoreboard has been used for 112 football games since its installation in 1989, when Eastern returned the majority of its football games back to campus after using Spokane’s Joe Albi Stadium from 1984-1988. It has also been used for numerous high school football games and track meets.

“The ability to move our game-day environment into the video age is tremendously important,” said EWU Athletic Director Bill Chaves. “There is no doubt that fans in the 21st century expect quality video capabilities at games, but almost, if not more important, is the ability for the university to have a platform to tell ‘Eastern’s story’ in a compelling way at home games.”

The video scoreboard will come on the heels of the installation of red synthetic turf in 2010, which was made possible with a lead gift from Michael and Katherine Roos in addition to many other generous donors. The scoreboard project is the next logical step in facility enhancements.

“This type of enhancement will only help connect more people to EWU when visiting campus whether for athletics, community events or commencement,” noted EWU Foundation Chair Rob Neilson. “Part of the foundation’s mission is to generate more interest in the university and this project will go a long way toward that goal.”

The video scoreboard is expected to be in place by Sept. 1 for a high school kickoff event that will take place on Roos Field. The Reese Court video board will be installed shortly thereafter. Both boards will be constructed by Daktronics, one of the nation’s leading scoreboard manufactures.

Contact: Dave Meany, Media Relations

Phone: 509.359.6335

Portland State partners with KP Sports

admin — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:57:16 +0000

Portland State University and KP Sports have reached a multi-year partnership agreement whereby KP Sports will serve as the exclusive sales and marketing representative of corporate sponsorship and ticket sales for Viking Athletics.

KP Sports, one of the fastest growing collegiate sponsorship and ticket sales marketing companies, has created highly successful partnerships with mid-major college programs and other sports properties in delivering outstanding results. KP Sports unique model focuses on creating a true partnership as an extension of its sports properties.

“We are excited to join Director of Athletics Torre Chisholm and his executive staff of professionals in enhancing and building upon the tremendous amount of success Portland State Athletics has enjoyed over the past several years in creating a unique and valuable brand for its partners and stakeholders,” said Kerry Perry, President of KP Sports.

“The partnership with KP Sports will benefit PSU Athletics greatly,” said Chisholm. “The relationship will give PSU an active sales presence in the competitive Portland market, utilizing skilled sales professional with a singular focus. The net result will be enhanced revenue, helping to improve the program’s ability to compete in Division I Intercollegiate Athletics.

Portland State, a NCAA Division I member of the Big Sky Conference, is located in downtown Portland. The Viking Athletics program has captured 16 Conference Championships over the past five seasons while making 11 team appearances in NCAA post-season competition.

Nick Zumbrun has been named as the Senior Account Executive for Corporate Sponsorships and Beth Connellwill handle Senior Account Sales for Ticketing, representing Portland State for KP Sports. Both Zumbrun and Connell will work out of the Portland State Athletics offices.