Young CoSIDA

Young CoSIDA (YC) is a social and networking group whose mission is to help enhance the relationships among sports information professionals, and offers social opportunities that supplement the programming and social events at the CoSIDA Workshop. The bulk of the membership is involved in college athletics, though those that have moved on from the college ranks may remain involved, if they so choose.

History
The Early Years
The humble beginnings of YC came from the Ohio Valley Conference in the mid-1990s.
The "founding members" were originally known as the "young-guns" Cris Belvin (formerly at Austin Peay), Jim Horten (formerly at Middle Tennessee), Bryan McGowan (formerly at Southeast Missouri) and Brian Morgan (formerly at Murray State). Two OVC SIDs served as mentors to this group in Johnny "Ballpark" Franks (formerly at Tennessee State) and Rob "Sven" Schabert (formerly at Tennessee Tech).
Denver would prove to be a good start Susan Beth Lax joined the group, as did Chris Marino, then of Touchdown Publications. Marino, a founding father if there ever was one, became a fixture. Morgan set the tone for future YC members, for good or for bad, on opening day. After a long session of enjoying some "soda pop" at the SI kickoff party (first pitch at 1 p.m.), Morgan entered the Women's Basketball SID meeting held by the WBCA at 5 p.m., beverage in hand. Glassy eyed, he still mustered up a question for the moderator. Although the question was ignored, YC had its beginnings.

Picking Up Momentum
Boston was the next stop and many new members emerged. This CoSIDA brought aboard key members to the development of YC in Chris Gonzales (formerly of Sports Systems and PrestoSports) and Lou Monaco (formerly at SportsTicker). Gregg Cohen made his first appearance with the group at the ‘Pops in the Park’ 4th of July celebration. In his first sentence in one founder's presence, Cohen offers to stay with Horten and Morgan, respectively, during a trip he was planning through the Southeast planned for a later date.
The ever-growing group then headed to New Orleans, and details there are sketchy at best. Jason Fein is introduced and immediately accepted into the core group. Many others would join in the fun, but other factors preclude the memory of them being mentioned here. One of the best stories comes from Chris Gonzales. After a typical New Orleans-style night with Mike Hirschman, he props Hirsch against his hotel door, knocks and runs like hell before Heather answers. The best part of the story is that it is Sunday morning and Heather has to get Hirsch lucid enough for CoSIDA Chapel. The CoSIDA board also contributed to the group's cause, as a Pat O'Brien's party was set up for the membership. As one YC founder will tell you, four beverages in under two hours is not a good number to drink prior to a Kodak send-off party. Cohen receives the nickname "BOSCO" while standing at a Bourbon Street ATM. While Horten's mind was a little cloudy surrounding some of the events in New Orleans, McGowan does remember Horten and a large number of other SIDs making their way through some of the finer (and not so finer) establishments that the city is so famous for. The one that sticks out in McGowan's mind was the last stop for the evening. Details of this story is one of those "you had to be there" to really appreciate. The punch line is all McGowan came away with was a lousy hat (that he still has to our knowledge) knowing he had to host a table topic the next morning on very little sleep.
Next, the sparsely attended Spokane stop. This is the last CoSIDA before the official beginning of YC. This year could be considered the foundation for the YC we know today. Scottie Rodgers was first introduced to the group in Spokane, although his impact was first felt in Orlando.
One of the biggest highlights from Orlando came from the start. Cohen spent the first two days telling everyone in earshot his room number. A few YC founders who will remain nameless took the opportunity to commit the number to memory for use in the hotel bar. Although Cohen was reimbursed for the incident, it is the type of sterling smart-ass moment that made YC what it was then.
YC gained momentum in St. Louis (including the infamous dancing on the bar at Bar St. Louis), San Diego and Rochester.
Many people have became synonymous with the group, including Jamie Weir, Jason and Kate Southard and Mike Mahoney, and helped YC make strides in Cleveland and Calgary.

The Events Era
Then, with the funny little ideas like an Olympiad in Philadelphia followed by an Awesome ‘80s Prom in Nashville, and most recently, a Luau in San Diego, YC skyrocketed to truly become a major force in the SID universe.
However, the early years should never be forgotten. The Marino’s and Monaco’s of the world helped forge an or-gan-EYE-za-shun (Canadian spelling) that grows by leaps and bounds every year. And hey…without Dawn de Rosa, would we have our creed of "Give into the Passion"? I think not. All in all, friendships that have stood the test of time (pause of melodramatic effect) were cemented with YC.
2008: YC Tampa
We will be hosting two events in Tampa, the annual Meet and greet and our Signature Event. This year's signature event will be YC Gasparilla.
Meet n’ Greet
It's not your daddy's bowling alley. And that makes Splittsville the perfect spot for this year's YC Meet & Greet. Splittsville (http://www.splitsvillelanes.com) features good food and drinks as any good bowling alley should. Homemade pizza, hand-rolled sushi, gourmet slides and unique quesadillas highlight a great menu to meet your taste buds. And you will be able to wet your whistle with a number of beverage options including the 64-ounce Big Bowler.
YC Gasparilla
As you know, we strive to try to embrace the local flavor of the areas we visit, and also bring a little culture to the membership.
In that vein, we're proud to bring you the 2008 Signature Event -- YC GASPARILLA!
We'll visit in July … but we've found a venue that will help us embrace this local tradition and enjoy some merriment of our own. Join us at Gaspar's Grotto (http://www.gasparsgrotto.com) to partake in this Tampa tradition. Gaspars is located in Ybor city, a quick trolley ride from the Marriott. (Note that this venue, unlike years past, is NOT walking distance from the hotel, so plan accordingly!)

Frequently Asked Questions
What is YC?
YC is a social and networking group whose mission is to help enhance the relationships among sports info professionals, and offers social opportunities that supplement the programming and social events at the CoSIDA Workshop.

How “young” must one be to be a part of YC?
There is no age limit on either end - in fact, we welcome and encourage folks who have been in the business for a spell to find out what we are all about. As one of the YC mottos goes ...“Its about enthusiasm!”

What is the deal with the ducks?
Back in Orlando, a young, swashbuckling Chris Gonzales wanted to make a big marketing splash. As a promotional item, Gonzales and Sports Systems brought about 2000 rubber ducks, and they became an instant success. As YC was forming, we adopted these ducks as our symbol, as our mascot. Original SportsSystems ducks are now rare collectables.

How do I join?
Just ask to be included on the email list by emailing Heather Brown at ycducky@gmail.com. There is no limit to who is eligible, nor a membership fee to join - although there may be a cost associated with particular social outings that are organized for the group.

What are my benefits for joining?
First and foremost, a network of individuals in the profession with whom you can share ideas and viewpoints in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, you receive delivery of a somewhat quarterly newsletter highlighting the group’s activities and advance notice of upcoming YC events.

What has made YC so successful over the years?
The relationship building, friendship and professional contacts people have made through YC have helped many grow as a person. One of the remarkable pieces of this puzzle is the friendship between people who would have had no contact through traditional professional channels.

What is the format of the YC Board?
The voting members of the board consist of a President, three Vice-Presidents, (each which serve three-year terms), and two at-large representatives. Also involved in the administration of YC is an advisory board, a newsletter editor, and several assistants who help run the events at the CoSIDA Convention each year.

YC Awards
MISS YC aka “MISS DUCKY”
Established in 1999, the Miss YC award, known as the “Miss Ducky” award, recognizes women who grace our wonderful profession (and hopefully keep them from running off to go get a “civilian” job). Candidates for this award must display and are judged on the award’s sole criteria of...(all together now) ... ENTHUSIASM!
1999 - Kate Mullikin, Maryland (sort of )
2000 - Alex Panaretos and Susan Lax, Kentucky
2001 - Jeanne Carhart, Brown
2002 - Lauren Price, Ohio State
2003 - Margaret Belch, George Mason (now at Miami)
2004 - Jill Olsen, St. Lawrence (now at Johns Hopkins)
2005 - Lorin Huffman, SCIAC
2006 - Heather Brown, Ohio Valley Conference
2007 - Marlene Navor, Texas A&M

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Established in 2000, the YC Rookie of the Year award highlights best and brightest up-and-comer who shows the potential to carry on the YC banner for years to come.
2000 - Matt Daskivich, Gettysburg
2001 - Dan “The Intern” Froehlich , now at Auburn
2002 - Lauren Price, Ohio State
2003 - Aaron “Double A” DeWall, Nevada
2004 - Taylor Paxton, Laurentian, Canada
2005 - Lindsey Rogers, Conference USA
2006 - Joe Glasziszewski, SUNY Oswego
2007 - Autumn Wehr, Big Sky Conference

YC SPIRIT AWARD
Established in 2003, the YC Spirit Award presented to an individual who embodies the true YC spirit. This honor is given only when warranted and not on an annual basis.
2003 - Jason Burgess, New Hampshire
2005 - Meaghann Schulte, La Salle
2006 - PhillySIDA
2007 - Mark Fratto, St. John’s and Sara Weber, CSTV

HONORARY YC DUCKY AWARDS
Established in 2004, the honorary YC Ducky award is presented to an individual who make a lasting impression and show support for the YC mission and values. This honor is given only when warranted and not on an annual basis.
2004 - Tammy Boclair, Vanderbilt and Tessa Von Den Steinten and Monika LeRoy, Saltlik Steakhouse (Calgary)
2005 - Larry Dougherty, Temple

THE YC INTERNS
Established in 2005, the YC internships were established to bring two new SIDs into the fold to learn about the driving principles and mission of the organization. Selected upon the board’s arrival at the annual convention, the interns’ main function is to assist in the operational aspects of the YC activities and spread the word of YC to newcomers to the profession.
2005 - Mandy Polley, Kentucky and Kevin “Pablo” Morales, Northwestern

THE YC BOARD
President
Scottie Rodgers, the Ivy League

First Vice President and Director of Security
Jason Southard, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Second Vice President and Director of Operations
Jamie Weir, Michigan State University
Third Vice President
Mike Mahoney, University of Pennsylvania
At-Large Representitives
Lorin Huffman, Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Marlene Navor, Texas A&M University
Membership Chair
Heather Brown, Ohio Valley Conference
Graphic Identity Chair
Aaron DeWall, University of Nevada
Past Presidents
Brian Morgan, High Point University
Susan Lax, University of Kentucky
Jason Fein, College of Staten Island
Spouses Committee Chair
Kate Southard, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Advisory Committee Chair
Chris Gonzales, formerly of PrestoSports

Advisory Board
Sue Edson, Syracuse
Bob Beretta, Army
Tammy Boclair, Alday Communications
Brian Binnette, Sports Systems

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