Ryan Smith "Reach Out for Advice"

Ryan Smith • IUP Assistant Athletic Director • IUP '94

As an IUP student during the early 1990's, I tried out twice for the IUP baseball team.  I didn't make the team either time. I was discouraged. I could have shut it down, but I decided to stick around both the Field House and the baseball team and help out in any way possible.

As a result, I landed a job with the Intramural / Athletic Department and also volunteered with the IUP baseball team under then head coach Kevin McMullen.  I would have given anything to be a part of that team as a player, but I settled on throwing batting practice, video taping pitchers, washing uniforms in Florida, keeping stats etc.  I met and formed friendships with many of those players during my time volunteering with the team.  I was proud to wear the IUP baseball hat and t-shirt even though I wasn't a player.

My advice to IUP athletes, and more specifically IUP baseball players:  Be proud that you are able to wear IUP on your chest, be proud that you have the ability, and be proud that you are a member of an intercollegiate athletic team.   Go to class, study hard, play hard and don't lose sight of how fortunate you are.