Welcome, Ross Crist: Program Manager of Sports Management

Ross Crist joined Hocking College in September 2021, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience about the business of sports to the college.

Crist grew up in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from Hampton High School. Crist has always enjoyed everything about sports, from playing Tennis throughout high school to being a spectator. This enjoyment and interest led him to pursue a recreation management degree at Ohio University, where he graduated with a bachelor's and a master’s in Sports Management and Recreation. 

Crist has also always loved traveling and has had the opportunity to work in seven countries in different sports management roles. He's worked as a sports broadcaster covering all US Sports, he's assisted in planning many sporting events which included, working on the India Olympic Committee which brought India's first international football game, and he worked on the team that brought the first Color Run to Saudi Arabia. 

Crist began teaching Sports Management at the Higher Colleges of Technology, the largest Higher Education Institution in the United Arab Emirates, for 7.5 years. He is a natural public speaker who enjoys teaching others, and he finds teaching college students very rewarding. 

Crist is excited about the Sports Management Program at Hocking College. Students who love sports, either because they are athletes or enjoy being spectators, are perfect for the program. The only prerequisite is enjoying watching all types of sports. Being hard-working, energetic, and collaborating with others will help students be successful in this field.

Since arriving at Hocking, Crist has brought world-class speakers to his classes, allowing his students to listen to professionals in the field talk about their day-to-day job duties and activities. Emma Dodds, a freelance sports broadcaster and event host with over 20 years of experience, and Josh Powell, a 2-time NBA Champion, and coach, were recent speakers. Students enjoyed listening to these two professionals speak and asking them questions about their work. 

Students who enroll in the program will have the opportunity to see how this field operates. Crist has agreements with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Columbus Blue Jackets. These agreements allow students to visit these sites and shadow employees to get a feel for what it's like to work in this field.  

The Sports Management Program is a degree program where students receive an Associate of Applied Science in Sports Management. Upon graduation, students are qualified for entry-level jobs in sports organizations, leagues, professional and minor teams, local and county teams, YMCA, sports agencies, and large or small sports management companies. Students can also transfer to another institution to further their education. 

For more information, contact the admissions office at admisions@hocking.edu or call 740-753-7050.