Last week, Rob Huizenga, who is the assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information here at Saint Xavier University, was awarded for his outstanding work and commitment to his job for the 2013/2014 school year. The “NAIA National Sports Info Director of the Year” award is, in fact, the first of its kind.
Huizenga reflects that it was one of the most memorable moments of his career. “It was an honor to, essentially, be the first to represent my profession and Saint Xavier University.”
Sports has always had some role to play in Huizenga’s life. When he was young he did stats but he states that it was not until he was a college student that he fell in love with stats and sports.
Additionally, it didn’t hurt to be the arm between the athletic department and the students when he was attending Knox College.
For over a decade, Huizenga has been instrumental in aiding college athletics, particularly of the smaller variety, be exposed to and featured in the larger scope of news.
“It’s a big deal. Publication website design, social media, I coordinate all that. It’s been a fun job and there are some neat aspects,”stated Huizenga.
Even so, the Director understands all too well the challenges of his career. Specifically, it is during the months of August to December where he finds it most difficult to balance both his home and his work life.
“I have been fortunate to have Chris Obur,” he said praising his assistant. “He has been a tremendous force for me, in helping balance the heavy workload and long hours that come with the job.”
While the spike in the use of social media–Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc– as a means to do his job has made it increasingly difficult, he can count on Obur as a resource to relieve that burden.
Regardless of the struggles of trying to balance his life, Huizenga has some words of encouragement for those that are potentially considering a career as a sports information director.
He is enjoying the ride despite the ups and downs and would press any one to pursue their dreams. However, he warns that the long weekends and time management are not for everyone.
Huizenga has helped many students athletes win awards as well as getting them featured in the likes of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-times, Sports Illustrated and ESPN. Above all, he is grateful for those student athletes and Saint Xavier staff, school faculty and board.
“Saint Xavier has been a great place to work at for the past 12 years,” said Huizenga. “I consider it to be a dream job.”
By Zhana Johnson and John Romando
Photos Courtesy: Rob Huizenga
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