As per usual, the first ten weeks of the school year have blown by. One minute you are settling into classes, the next you have mid-terms and papers, then come final projects, then exams, then the end of term celebration before everyone heads their separate ways for the holidays. It happens that quickly in the quarter system.
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