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Roth taking first steps in minor leagues
She transitions from roundball to the rink in the summer of '09
Loras College Sports Information Office
June 22, 2009

For our fourth installment of What I'm Doing With My Summer, we stay in the Sports Management major with women's basketball player Mackenzie Roth. Roth is a senior from Arrowsmith, Illinois who is scheduled to graduate in December. She has paired a Business Minor with her Sports Management Major, and has been working with the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League (A.H.L). The Rivermen qualified for the A.H.L. playoffs this season with a 43-31-2-4 record.

Dewey the Duhawk: What sports(s) do you play at Loras?
Mackenzie: Women's basketball

DtD: What is your major and what year are you at Loras?
MR: I am a Sports Management major and I am also working on a Business minor. I'm a senior and will graduate in December of this year.

DtD: Where is your summer position (company or business location, etc.)?
MR: I am working with the Peoria Rivermen, a minor league hockey team in Peoria, Illinois. They are affiliated with the St. Louis Blues of the N.H.L..

DtD: What are your living arragements?
MR: I am living at home. I commute the hour to Peoria on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

DtD: How did you learn about this position?
MR: I learned about the Rivermen through my advisor at Loras. His J-Term class visited here and has ties to the team.

DtD: Your official title is...?
MR: Sales/Game Day Operations Intern

DtD: You took this position because...?
MR: I took this internship because the minor league system is something that interests me and will help to continue my career in my field. The minor league system is a great start to some day work at the next level and can lead to many other places. The Rivermen are one of three minor league teams in Peoria and have a good reputation in the surrounding communities.

DtD: Who is your supervisor and what is their title?
MR: I report to the Chief Operating Officer, Josh Morin

DtD: Your primary job duties/responsibilities are?
MR: I work a lot with the ticket holders, or potential ticket holders. During the summer months, we're trying to take care of ticket sales. That being said, there's other duties that aren't always the same. Every day can be different. Some days I'm updating our email accounts, other times I'm working on billboard designs. One thing I'm doing a lot of lately involves running the pro shop/gift shop.

DtD: What's the best part about your job?
MR: The people I work with are always willing to help me out and challenge me with different tasks on a daily basis. The days are really enjoyable because everyone is friendly. I'm in a sports setting every time I show up, and that is exciting to me. I'm passionate about sports and I'm enjoying putting what I've learned to use.

DtD: The most challenging part about your job is...?
MR: The commute isn't the greatest. I really like Peoria and what it has to offer, but an hour each way is tough sometimes.

DtD: What is your favorite part so far?
MR: Obviously I love sports, but it is a joy to come into the office every day and know that your work is going to be interesting and enjoyable. I just love working in sports. They entertain millions of people, and since I won't be playing a sport my whole life, why not work in the field!

DtD: Name something your parents wanted to know about once you arrived and started working.
MR: Nothing specific. They just wanted to make sure that I am making the most of the opportunity and they are pushing me to do that. They are always asking about what I'm doing each day and love that I'm gaining some owrk related skills here.

DtD: What is something your team at Loras, teammates, or coaches have taught you that you are taking with you into the position?
MR: Teamwork, definitely. Every day there is a new task with the Rivermen and we wouldn't be able to accomplish these things without the teamwork. Working together helps so much, and something like selling the tickets just wouldn't be possible with that.

DtD: Name something you will take back with you to your team, teammates, or coaches when you return to Loras.
MR: Communication! It is important in sports and in life and if you can improve it, it will help everyone to be on the same page. That will lead to the team's success, whether it is the Rivermen or the Duhawks fighting for an Iowa Conference Championship.

DtD: Everyone is excited about boosting their resume, but tell us something that you feel will really prepare you for your "future".
MR: This internship has helped me get a foot in the door with a professional organization, even though it is at the minor league level. I think it is a great starting point that will lead to many more avenues whether it is here in Peoria or somewhere else across the country. I want to get into the "major" leagues eventually, so I'm really happy with this start to career path.

There is no offseason for Mackenzie, the Rivermen, or any minor league sports team. As the summer heats up and the hockey team rests, the staff at the Rivermen continue to push ticket sales and be more visible in the Peoria area following their playoff appearance in 2008-09. Mackenzie's efforts will help fill the arena and put some more Peoria residents in the team's colors for 2009-10!