On November 21st, the Warsaw group had the opportunity to travel to Portland and check out adidas North America. My post is now full-month late, and falls inappropriately after the term wrap-up, but I figured better late than never.

The visit was properly kicked off by second-year Jeff Sharma. As the group assembled in the reception area, Sharms decided to venture off and check his attire. Unfortunately, in doing so, Sharms crossed out of the “safe zone,” was caught on camera by security and reprimanded by the receptionist. I think all the excitement over Quantum of Solace had Sharms thinking he was James Bond, but that’s just my guess.

Once inside, the group received an inside perspective on the adidas brand from NA president Patrik Nilsson. Major takeaways from our time with him: 1) Nearly everyone pronounces the brand name incorrectly. 2) The company has an incredible brand strategy, specifically in regard to logo recognition and image. Products range from high-end fashion (Y-3) to lifestyle (originals) to athletic performance (adidas). 3) Major steps are being taken to increase the brand’s presence in the US, including new adidas retail stores. 4) The Originals brand is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. We were given a sneak preview to the “House Party” ad released the following day, and it was awesome. Great concept, and I’d suggest checking it out on youtube if you haven’t seen it yet.

The group then had the opportunity to chat with a panel of nine alumni about adidas and the industry in general. Topics included networking, the most important skill for each career and how to establish a presence in the mind of employers.

Following our meetings, the group made the obligatory trek to the adidas store. Armed with the employee discount, people bought new shoes, clothes and, in my case, sweet golf shirts. Everyone capped the night off by heading to the On Deck Sports Bar and Grill. It was great to chat with alumni and classmates, as well as take a break from schoolwork for the night.

Overall, it was an awesome day. Thanks to adidas and all the alums for hosting us. Happy Holidays!

The first year’s survived what is likely the hardest term of their MBA degree.  Five classes right off the bat is a lot to take on.  Undoubtedly they will enjoy the flexibility offered by the new curriculum and will choose an elective or two in the winter quarter.  Their search for internships will also pick up as they seek to learn more about the sports industry.

To the second years, the reality of graduating in six months has begun to hit home and the job search, already begun for most, will continue in earnest going forward.  Let’s just hope that the economy turns around and companies remove their hiring freezes!

So before we usher in 2009, let’s look back at the Warsaw Center highlights of the last quarter in 2008:

Welcome Back Bowling: A great night of hanging out and getting to know everyone.  And we wouldn’t be a Sports Business Program without including at least a little bit of friendly competition: Second Years 1, First Years 0.  If ever there was a time when a team could be awarded more than a point for a victory, this would be it.  It really wasn’t close.

Nice Form!

Softball: Second Years won in a dramatic last inning rally.  Second Years 2, First Years 0.  I’m noticing a trend here…

2nd Year dugout preparing for battle

Internship Presentations: Throughout the quarter the Second Years presented what they did over the summer and passed on internship suggestions to the First Years.  Much wisdom was exchanged, let me tell ya.  

Alumni Weekend: After an insightful alumni panel for current studetns, almost 150 Warsaw students, alums and friends attended the tailgate prior to the Oregon-UCLA football game.  A great time was had by all and, to top it off, the Ducks beat the Bruins relatively handily (to the chagrin of UCLA alum, Amir Sanjar).

Warsaw Center Founder, James H. Warsaw flanked my Managing Director, Paul Swangard and a host of alums and current students.

Vancouver Trip: Eleven second years attended the whirlwind trip across the border that covered meetings with Dave Doroghy, Sponsorship Director of the Vancouver Olympic Committee; Chris Zimmerman, President of the Vancouver Canucks; Tyler Vaught and Dave Rosen, Warsaw alums who work on NBA Live at EA Sports.  We also got to see the Canucks shut out the Phoenix Coyotes at General Motors Place after stuffing ourselves at Shabusen, an awesome all-you-can-eat Sushi restaurant.

A hockey game in the greatest city on Earth, Vancouver, BC.

adidas Trip: Recent alums David Hobbie and Travis Nanchy hosted the entire first and second year class at adidas’ North American headquarters in Portland.  NA President Patrik Nilsson addressed the group and unveiled the television ad campaign for the 60th Anniversary of adidas Originals the day before it was launched to the public.  We also had the privilege of chatting with nine alumni about the industry and the company.

The Yellow Building on the adidas campus

After the meetings (and the obligatory trip to the adidas company store), the group migrated to the friendly confines of On Deck Sports Bar and Grill in the Pearl District of Portland.  Plenty of food, beverages and fun were had by current students and alumni.

Preparing for the panel

Food, beverages, sports and networking.

Speakers: Throughout the quarter we had a number of great speakers present to students.  Among them were:

• Andy Dolich - President of the San Francisco 49′ers
• Adam Peake - Vice President of Sales for Under Armour
• David Dunn - Athletes First.  One of the premier agents for NFL quarterbacks.
• Todd Van Horne and Rosemary St. Clair - Nike design and Sports Marketing
• Jolene Ovington - Formerly of adidas and Now!
• Jeff Lyman - Nike ID

Venture Quest: Four of the Five members of “The Fan Experience”, the winners of the internal business plan competition at the U of O, were Warsaw Center students.  In keeping with our founder’s work hard-play hard philosophy, the team opened up a tab at Rennies (the pub directly across the street from the business school) to celebrate with fellow classmates.

The Fan Experience: 2008 Venture Quest Winners

New Additions: The Warsaw Center also welcomed two prospective students for the class of 2035: Nolan Huang and Vivian Boush, born in the families of Shi Mu Huang and Sam Boush respectively.  Though these guys get A’s for effort (getting through the first quarter without a newborn is a challenge!), their project management skills are a little to be desired considering that they could have at least waited until the first quarter was over!

Rumour has it that Nolan was named after a certain Hall of Fame Pitcher...

There is plenty more coming in January with the trip to New York and the National Sports Forum Case Cup.  Until then, have a fantastic holiday with friends and family!

The Warsaw Center

The first and second year MBAs continued a great tradition in mid-October: the MBA Camping Trip. First years, still unsure of where they fit in and what they had gotten themselves into, were encouraged and welcomed by the second years to attend what was touted as ‘the social event of the year’. Approximately 35 students graced the Honeyman State Park on October 18 and 19 for a night that many will never forget.

The Oregon coast provided plenty of entertainment for the group; football around the campground, disc golf in the dunes, an amazing sunset, and a cold night to share stories and laughs.

Ashley didn't want to play murder mystery, she just wanted to be the ring leader. She had a stick, so we let her do it.

As the darkness set in, our attention turned to fireside games, namely murder mystery - hours and hours of murder mystery.  “Mosser, you’re dead,” was announced more times than we could count.

As the night wore on, the murder mystery morphed into campfire tales and a food fight.  As one student said, “What’s a camping trip without a 1 a.m. marshmallow fight?” Some of the marshmallows actually made it into s’mores in varying interpretations.

Yes, that's a hot dog with 'mallows...and a chicken patty with American cheese. Yum.

The 2nd year students told stories of their trip to China and their respective internships.  The 1st year students told stories of the nearly insane workload of school.

Jesse about to explain the proper s'more technique.

Not only did we connect with each other, but we also reached out to our fellow campers from every corner of the campground and invited them into our campsite. After all, we had enough food for a small army.

For some, it was their first camping trip, for others, it was their first opportunity to interact with others in the group. For everyone, it was a great distraction from school and the perfect opportunity to build friendships. Many of the 1st years commented about how the interactions and friendships made from the camping trip made them feel more comfortable and relaxed in their new setting. It’s further proof that our group really is a family. Regardless of where the next camping trip is held, it’s sure to be the social event of the year and to provide everlasting memories.

This year’s Homecoming brought out many of the best of the Warsaw family. Over 40 alumni joined Jim Warsaw and current students in Eugene to reconnect with old friends and to watch the Ducks take on the UCLA Bruins.

As part of the activity-packed weekend, current students were treated to a morning-side panel of alums who shared their successes and career path experiences and gave MBA students the opportunity to ask questions. To start off the discussion, Founder of the Warsaw Center, James (Jim) Warsaw greeted students and alumni.

For many in attendance, it was their first time meeting Jim and after only a few words of wisdom, they quickly realized how amazing an individual he is. Jim welcomed the returning alumni and expressed his gratitude to them for their support and friendship. To the current students, he spoke  with excitement for the coming years ahead and gave inspiring thoughts to guide them as they pursue their degrees. 

Jim Warsaw, founder of the University of Oregon Warsaw Sports Marketing Center with several Warsaw Alumni, friends and current students.

For those who were able to shake his hand, they felt it was truly an honor to talk to him, “He seems like everyone’s best friend,” said Miriam Oh, Class of 2010. “He is respected and admired not only because of what he has accomplished, but because of the amazing person that he is.”

Eric, Johnny, Howard, Colin, Miriam, BJ at the game. You can't tell, but we are freezing!

Following the panel discussion, everyone made their way to the stadium for a tailgate organized by the Warsaw Center where alumni reconnected with old friends and students mingled with alumni.

At game time, the sky was clear and the air was warm, but as the night wore on, the temperatures took a dip and turned unusually cold. Many of the students and alumni stuck it out to the end despite the frigid temperatures and watched the Ducks beat the Bruins, 31-21. Go Ducks!

Homecoming weekend was full of activity and the Warsaw Center made it the perfect opportunity for students past and present to connect and reconnect. It was a great time had by all!

Alumni and friends in the Warsaw tailgate tent.

Ken Salmon and Mike Mosser: The welcoming committee.

Shi-Mu Huang meets Jim for the first time.

Neil Young cheering on the Ducks. "O!!!"

Having just come off the annual Warsaw Alumni Football Weekend we have been reminded just how fortunate the Warsaw Center has been to attract great students and see them go on to be successful in the industry. As part of the blog’s continuing effort to keep you up to date on the latest alumni news, here’s the latest news on one of our alums taing on his first stint as athletic director. Vince joins fellow Warsaw alum Matt English who was just recently named Athletic Director at Concordia in Portland.

Otoupal Named A.D. At Cal State Monterey Bay

Courtesy: San Jose State Athletics Release: 10/14/2008

Vince Otoupal, San Jose State’s Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, has been named the new Director of Athletics at Cal State Monterey Bay. “Vince Otoupal has done a remarkable job for this department and University during his tenure at San Jose State. He will be a terrific leader for the coaches and student-athletes at Monterey Bay and I commend them on their selection,” said Director of Athletics Tom Bowen. “We will miss Vince’s enthusiasm, commitment and dedication towards our student-athletes. We wish him and his family all the best.” Otoupal joined San Jose State in 2005 from the Stanford Athletic Department where he worked two stints for the Cardinal, 1998-2000 and 2002-2005. He served as the Director of the Buck-Cardinal Club and Annual Giving, a Major Gift Officer, and Project Manager for the acquisition of the Stanford Red Barn - Stanford’s equestrian center. Otoupal also serves as the sports supervisor for the Spartan baseball team. As Senior Associate Athletic Director, Otoupal oversaw all aspects of San Jose State Athletics’ revenue generation opportunities: corporate sales, fundraising, ticket sales, marketing and development efforts, including the Spartan Foundation. The Spartan Foundation, the Athletic Department’s volunteer fundraising group, set a fundraising record in 2007 with more than $1.5 million dollars raised for Spartan student-athletes’ scholarships. The San Jose State University office of University Advancement recognized the Spartan Foundation as the “best organized, most efficient group of volunteers” at San Jose State. An outside linebacker for the Stanford football team, he was a four-year letterwinner (1989-92) and named Captain of Special Teams. Otoupal played for former Spartan and Stanford coaches Jack Elway and Bill Walsh. Following graduation from Stanford where he majored in political science and organizational behavior, Otoupal joined the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Captain in his five years of service for the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer. Otoupal was awarded the Marine Corps’ Certificate of Commendation and was a Recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Following his years of service in the Corps, Otoupal earned his M.B.A. from the University of Oregon, attending the prestigious Warsaw Sports Marketing Center. During his time at Oregon, he served as a consultant analyzing PAC-10 financial trends for the University of Oregon Athletics Department in 2001 and 2002. He is a member of NAADD (National Association of Athletic Development Directors), NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics), and the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). He and his wife, Brady, are the parents of a son.

Week 1 is done and with five classes, homework and all of the activities, it was tough, but pleasantly overwhelming, if that’s possible.

For most of us first time Warsaw MBAs, this is our return to the classroom in many years. In general, a lot has changed: overhead projectors are of the past, pencil sharpeners are sparse, laptops are the new pen and paper, and teachers have totally gone digital. In general, it is a whole new experience for many of us, but one we have anxiously jumped in to.

So, after a heavy first week, complete with good taste of what our first quarter will be like, the MBAA and the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center gave us First Years something to look forward to.

As is customary on Thursday evenings here, we were welcomed by the OMBAA (the OMBA student activities organization) to a Good Times Thursday activity at the Good Times Bar for a good time opening social. It was our first social gathering to meet the other students in the program and to unwind. We watched the Oregon State Beavers fall to the University of Utah Utes, chatted over beverages and burgers and donated money to a local charity in a raffle for a sweet, blazing red Fat Tire beach cruiser. None of us won, but the money went to a good cause.

Second Years looking over their kingdom.

Following that, students in the Warsaw Sports Marketing program headed over to a local bowling alley for some friendly competition between the first and second years. Early on, it became obvious that the Second Years spent many a-”good times” at the bowling alley because they whipped us pretty good beating us by 300 points in the first game, and 40 points in the second. It was pretty sad, but we took it well.

Jesse and Jeff doing what they do best: telling people what to do.

Though we lost hideously, we all walked away from the alley “feeling” like winners. Thanks to the bounty of swag we received from Jesse and Jeff, this year’s Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs), we felt okay totally getting stomped.

The first week was busy and I don’t expect the intesity to change except only to increase as the quarter continues. But with everything outside of class planned each week, there is definite promise of enough activity to keep us balanced and to keep us from self-destructing.

Product placement anyone?

First year, Shi-Mu Huang stretching before his next turn.

Nice form Mr. Second Year.

First bowling, now softball. In the Second Years’ continuing efforts to remind us First Years that we got no game, today we engaged in a friendly contest of bat and ball and lost…again.

In what was our first taste of the chilly months to come, we took to the field in the surprisingly frigid weather for some softball which, despite the weather, brought out several students from the MBA program.

We put up a respectable fight throughout the game, but in the end the Second Years beat us by a couple of runs. Standing on the sidelines we agreed that the Second Years were likely untouchable when it came to bowling, but on the softball field, we were a competitive force to be considered. This was our first time playing together and we actually made a good showing. Next game. Bring it.

Since the number of students in the program is relatively small, over the course of only a couple of weeks, first years and second years alike, we are already getting to know each other really well and developing friendships in and out of our respective classes. That kind of closeness has made gatherings such as today’s game super fun and only added to the friendly competition.

There is always something going on here and activities to look forward to. Next week: camping!

A few of the second year students.

Neil Young warming up.

Johnny, Eric and Jason

Krystal and Liz

Kevin

Jesse

Ok…let’s not get ahead of ourselves but we had to give it some thought as we welcomed a very special guest to the Warsaw Center this week. The “King of the Mile” himself, Hicham El Guerrouj, paid the Center a visit to explore the option of studying sports marketing in the United States. The world record holder in both the mile and 1500 meters seemed at home in Track Town, USA and after visiting with current students Tom Brooks (2007 World Championship Steeplechase Qualifier), Jesse Thomas (former Stanford distance runner) and alum Rob Vermillion (former Colorado State distance runner), we couldn’t help but wonder what the intramural distance medley record was at Oregon or globally for that matter. I think with this group…we’d have a shot.

From left to right: Warsaw MBA Jesse Thomas, Warsaw MBA Alum Rob Vermillion, King of the Mile Hicham El Guerrouj, Warsaw MBA Tom Brooks and Warsaw Managing Director Paul Swangard

I’m easily pegged as a gadget guy…which made a project with EA SPORTS a great excuse to turn my techno interests into a teaching tool. I approached the good folks at EA SPORTS last year about piloting an idea I had to turn their highly successful Madden NFL franchise into a business simulation for undergraduate sports business students. With great support from the Madden Team including Warsaw Alumnus Gary Treangen, Xbox including Warsaw Alumnus Kat Strafford, the Seattle Seahawks and a grant from the Northwest Academic Computing Consortium, we launched the pilot this week in our Sports, Business and Society course.

Students tackle the EA SPORTS Madden NFL franchise mode at the Warsaw Center

More than 50 students are in teams of four “owning” the Seattle Seahawks through ten seasons making a variety of on and off the field decisions ranging from sponsorships to personnel moves. The simulation will be complemented by a series of NFL-affiliated guest speakers in the class and lectures that help student better understand the business side of NFL ownership. If we pull it off…we’ll have a great new tool for students to learn the business of sports and let’s be honest…it’s a great excuse to have Xbox consoles and EA SPORTS games in the Warsaw Center all in the name of education. Brilliant!

Considering this was the program’s first go at an Introduction of this type, the Orientation, appropriately dubbed “Prologue,” was masterfully planned and executed. Prologue was a collarboratory effort by the Leadership and Communications Center and the OMBA Adminstration, to introduce entering OMBA students to the program, help us develop team-building and presenting skills, and essentially, to help us get to know each other better.

Thanks to Prologue, we are already a visibly cohesive and close group. Though Prologue was tiring and demanding, in the end, we all benefited from the intensity, the skills we learned and the rewards of our closer relationships with each other.

Personally, I feel better prepared as I start classes. I have a better of idea of what to expect and now that my classmates know me and we all know each other better, that’s just one less thing to have to worry about as the intesity of school begins.

The two weeks ended with us making our final case study presentations. It was a demanding process, but it was good experience. We then set aside a day of service at the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum then topped off Prologue with a run down the McKenzie River. For an “Orientation” this wasn’t so bad…

If you can't tell, we are all super relieved after having given our final presentation.

Most of us had stayed up pretty late putting the finishing touches on our presentations.

Our fearless leaders are sure exemplars of the Oregon way of life. Rain or shine, Dr. Verner and Anne Forrestel commute to work on their bikes.

Near the end of Prologue we all had the opportunity to do work on a community service project at the Mt. Pisgah Arboreturm.

We groomed and laid down bark for a popular trail.

This work environment beat sitting in front of a computer!

On this day, many hands made for light work.

A few of us did some rock-jumping.The sun was out but the air was cold and the water was much colder.

The rapids were exciting and the water fighting was unavoidable!

To top off the week, or maybe just to keep us around, we took a riverrafting trip down the McKenzie River