Published on March 04, 2019
Four sport and leisure management students from Eastern Connecticut State University students won the 2019 New England Sport Management Case Study Competition on Feb. 28 at Nichols College.
Eastern competed against eight other teams and won first place for the second year in a row. Students Alexa Spalla ’19, Brighton Leonard ’20, Ryan Coppinger ’20 and Mckenzie Maneggia ’20 represented Eastern alongside Professor Gregory Kane of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE).
In advance of the competition, students were given two weeks to analyze a case study and prepare a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation. The study concerned a NFL team that needed to choose a new naming-rights sponsor for its stadium.
The students analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of four different sponsors and prepared a defense by comparing financials and community input, and adding additional recommendations to increase revenue. The presentations were then cross-examined by a panel of distinguished judges, including Paul Cacciatore of the Boston Celtics and Greg Kaye, NCAA Division III commissioner.
The Eastern students who competed were selected for the competition based on their academic achievements, independent research, work ethic and community involvement.
Although Eastern has never before competed in the College Sport Research Institution (CSRI) National Competition, the KPE Department is now considering it. The National Case Study Competition will be held at the CSRI National Conference in Columbia, SC, and includes competitors from across the country.
Written by Raven Dillon
