Resources for Alumni Volunteers

Speakers: Sports

To request a speaker, please complete the Speaker Request Form.

*Please note, making a request does not guarantee your speaker will be available. Please wait for confirmation from the Alumni Association before advertising your event.

View full speaker list for additional speech topics.


Greg Beals, Baseball Head Coach

Bio and Topic

Greg Beals, a Springfield, Ohio, native with 27 years of coaching experience is heading into his 11th season as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.He holds a 546-440-1 career record and is 303-238-1 overall record at Ohio State. Beals has guided the Buckeyes to three NCAA Regional appearances in the last fiveyears and has led the Scarlet and Gray to two Big Ten Tournament titles (2016 and 2019). Beals’ program culture at Ohio State stresses elite preparation, competitive toughness and brotherhood, prepares young men for life after baseball and develops talents for the next level. In a shortened 2020 season, Beals, who earned his 300th victory at the helm of the Buckeyes.He also saw his Buckeye pitching staff lead the nation with 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Junior catcher Dillon Dingler, named a Collegiate BaseballThird Team All-American, was selected with the opening pick of the second round of the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft by the Detroit Tigers, becoming the 24th Buckeye selected in the MLB Draft under Beals.

Topic: Baseball

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Vaugh Broadnax, FormerFootball Player, District Sales Manager, US Postal Service for state of Indiana

Bio and Topics

Vaughn Broadnax is a District Sales Manager with the United States Postal Service for the state of Indiana. Vaughn has led the sales and marketing efforts for several Fortune 100 companies including Procter & Gamble, Pepsico, Nielsen, and Kraft Foods. Vaughn is a 1984 graduate of The Ohio State University, a four-year letter-winner and was a three-year starting fullback for the Buckeyes. Vaughn is active in the community having volunteered and served on the boards of several non-profit organizations including the Starfish Initiative, Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.  Vaughn resides in Carmel, IN with his wife Josephine and his daughter Carmen.

Topics: Power of Marketing, Ohio State Football

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

BuchananCharles Buchanan, Lt Col, Senior Lecturer

Bio and Topics

Charles Buchanan is a Senior Lecturer with Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business (FCOB). He is also the principal owner and Chief Executive Officer of MB Leadership, LLC and has co-founded two other technology and leadership development companies. He earned his Master of Business Administrative (MBA) degree through the FCOB Executive MBA program.

Prior to working at FCOB he served 15 years in the military. While in the military he deployed three times, once each to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. He completed the U.S. Army’s Ranger School, Command and General Staff College, and various other professional development courses. He has served in several key leadership positions including Battalion Commander of the 1-145 Armor Regiment. He continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel with the Ohio Army National Guard.

His primary expertise is leadership and the scalability of leadership development through technology. He teaches various leadership and teamwork courses at the executive, graduate and undergraduate level. He has taught Personal Leadership Effectiveness, Developing Leaders through Practical Exercises, Leadership and Character, Managing Individuals in Organizations, Organizational Behavior, and Personal Leadership and Team Effectiveness.

Topics: Leadership and Character; Leadership in Crisis; Personal Leadership Effectiveness; Leadership in Athletics

*Available for virtual presentations

James CottonJames Cotton, Former Football Player, Founder Buck-Icon Foundation 

Bio and Topics

Currently, Mr. James Cotton is an advocate for BUCK-ICON LLC. Their mission is to provide resources for former members of the Ohio State football program and assist Everyday Individuals with transitioning throughout life’s journey. Also, they will provide programs that will provide financial awareness and the importance of leaving a legacy. Ohio State University awarded him a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. As a Junior, James was an instrumental part of the Buckeyes Big Ten Championship and Sugar Bowl Victories over Michigan & Texas A&M in 1998 (arguably one of the best team’s in Ohio State history). During his senior season in 1999, he was voted by his coaches as the team’s Most Outstanding Lineman by leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss.

Watch Video >>

Topics: Tackle Tobacco, Ohio State football, Buck-Icon

Steve DavisSteve Davis, Author

Bio and Topic

Ohio State graduate Steve Davis teamed with renowned Ohio State Assistant Football Coach, the late Bill Myles, to pen Myles Traveled, Stories of My American Journey. See www.mylestraveled.com. This first-person life journey of Coach Myles, the grandson of a slave born in segregated times, travels from Negro League Baseball in Kansas City, to the Horseshoe with Woody Hayes, and then to assistant athletic director for Ohio State. No one told stories like Coach Myles, and this blend of “History, Humor and Happenings” brings to life years of black history, sports history and Ohio State football memories. The book’s message of “Faith, Family, and Football” provides arole model for today’s youth, and appeals to those of all walks, not just football fans. Bill’s life experiences, from being impacted by the Tulsa Riots, to being stopped for “driving while black”, to being refused service at his college football team’s hotel resonate today as society grapples with issues of justice and opportunity.

Steve holds a degree in Agriculture with Distinction in Agronomy, and is completing a 47 year career with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. A sought-after conservation speaker, Steve was named Outstanding Individual in Public Service by the Ohio Forestry Association. Toledo Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur presented Steve with a flag flown over the U.S. Capital in recognition of his work to protect Lake Erie.

Topic: Myles Traveled: Stories of My American Journey

*Available for golf outings

DonovanKevan Donovan, Associate Director of Compliance

Bio and Topic

Kevan Donovan is currently an Associate Director ofCompliance. Donovan returned to Ohio State in January 2019 after serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (2016-2019). Prior to UMass Lowell, he worked as the Director for Compliance and Sport Management at the Patriot League (2015-2016), Assistant Director for Compliance Monitoring (2014-2015) and Compliance Coordinator (2013-2014) at Ohio State. Donovan also was the Compliance Assistant for the College of the Holy Cross (2011-2013), Compliance Intern at Villanova University (2010-11) and Volunteer Compliance Intern at Northwestern University (2009-2010).A native of Nashua, New Hampshire, Donovan received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences from Colby-Sawyer College in 2007. At Colby-Sawyer College, he was a four-year letter winner, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative and co-captain for the baseball team. Donovan later received his master’s degree in sports administration from Northwestern University in 2010.

Topic: NCAA Compliance Education/Rules Overview

*Available for virtual presentations

Bill Dorenkott, Director of Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving

Bio and Topic

A proven winner who inspires that excellence in his swimmers, Dorenkott has coached 28 different student-athletes to 34 Big Ten individual championships.  Dorenkott recruits student-athletes who have vision and goals beyond just being a swimmer.  He has been a member of the US Swimming National Team coaching staff since 2001.

Topic: Excellence in Academics, Athletics and Life

DoupRussell Doup, Wealth Advisor, Fisher College of Business Board Member, Former football player

Bio and Topics

Russell Doup is a member of the 2014 CFP National Championship Buckeyes and had the honor to play under Coach Jim Tressel, Coach Fickell and Coach Urban Meyer. He is from Mount Vernon, Ohio and Graduated from the Fisher College of Business where he sits on the Fisher Alumni Board. Russell is a Wealth Advisor for Maxwell Financial Management where he helps his clients make the world a better place through Charitable Giving.

Follow on LinkedIn >>

Topics: Academic Success; Support for under-represented groups (African American males and females, first generation, non-traditional students, transfers, etc.); Academic Support for Student-Athletes; Building complex systems to create academic success for under-represented groups (hiring practices, diversity of workforce, inclusion, networking, communication)

*Available for virtual presentations

FullSizeRenderDonnie Evege, Author and Former Ohio State Football Player

Bio and Topics

Donnie is a dynamic motivational speaker who deeply cares about his audience. No matter what job title audience attendees have, they all will benefit from new ideas and tips to inspire better results. He’s able to encourage and empower his audience by delivering a tailored message that meets the needs of the organization. He played football for The Ohio State University where he was part of a team that won multiple championships.  His ties with the university have extended nationwide as he’s represented Ohio State at numerous leadership conferences.  But along the way, there have been extreme lows including Athletic Depression and season-ending injuries.  His unique story and key take-a-ways will encourage your conference attendees to perform better and take advantage of opportunities.

Topics: Transform Your Game; Overcoming Adversity 

Matt Finkes, Director of Development at Wexner Medical Center, Former Football Player

Bio and Topic

Matt was a four-year letterman and three-year starter for Ohio State from 1993-1996, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors from 1994-96 and first-team All-American honors in 1996.He was drafted in the fifthround by the Carolina Panthers and played four seasons in the NFL. Following his playing career, he founded and sold multiple businesses. After serving on local and national philanthropic boards, he started a new career as the Director of Development for the Wexner Medical Center. For the past 6 years he has worked with the department of Ophthalmology in furthering the programs goals of education, clinical care, research and community and global outreach to prevent and cure blindness.He also works in media as a freelance contributor for college and NFL football as well as owning a chocolate, coffee and wine store called Winan’s in Grandview Yard in Columbus.

Topic: The Culture and Excellence at The Ohio State University

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Cornelius GreenCornelius Green, Coach, Security Director at St. Alban’s School, Former Football Player

Bio and Topic

Cornelius received his BA in education from Ohio State in 1976. But you know him as Corny, quarterback of the Buckeye football team in the mid-1970’s. Until recently, Corny held the record for most passing yards by a Buckeye quarterback. His other honors include Captain of the Ohio State football team (1975), All Big Ten Quarterback (1974, 1975), All American Quarterback (1975), Rose Bowl MVP (1974), and Hula Bowl MVP (1976). He also played professional football for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Corny’s life journey has taken him down many interesting paths, mostly involved with helping kids attain their life goals.

Topic: My Life at The Ohio State University

*Available for golf outings

HallMaurice Hall, Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Former Football Player

Bio and Topics

Maurice Hall is former Ohio State football player known for scoring the game winning touchdown against The University of Illinois and against “That Team Up North” during the 2002 National Championship season. After becoming a two-time graduate from Ohio State, Maurice moved to Hollywood to pursue his next passions as a writer, director and actor. As an actor, he has been seen on hit shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds and NCIS: New Orleans.

He has also written, directed and produced two hit projects; the critically acclaimed web-series, Shadow Love in 2014. Maurice wrote and directed 10 episodes of the dramatic series. Maurice also wrote and directedthe romantic comedy, Baker’s Man that was released in2017and is being distributed by Gravitas Ventures and can currently be viewed on Amazon Prime.

Maurice’s production company, Mo-tivation Unlimited, centers on five principles, Faith, Persistence, Work Ethic, Healthy Living and Education. Maurice believes that the promotion of these five aspects of life will help individuals from all walks of life achieve success.

Read More >>

Topics: Scoring the Game Winner, Passion to Purpose, Act Like You Have Been There

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Eric Hanna, Teacher, Author, Former Basketball Player

Bio and Topic

Eric is a three time graduate of The Ohio State University (’98, ‘00 and ’03) earning an undergraduate degree in Business and a masters in Sports Management as well as in Middle Childhood Education. Eric was a walk-on member of the Men’s basketball team who earned a scholarship his senior season (1994-95, 1996-98) and started the last game in St. John Arena history. He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors twice and was voted Most Inspirational Player in 1998. Eric coached collegiate basketball at Capital University (1998-2001, 2002-2009) and Vassar College (2001-2002). He has taught 8th Grade American History at Shanahan Middle School in the Olentangy Local School District for the past sixteen years where he earned the Batelle for Kids Celebrate Teaching Distinguished Educator Award in 2013. He is a recently published author of the book Fight to the End.

Topics: Men’s Basketball, Fight to the End, Writing / Publishing, and Inspiring Players and Students

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Steve HelwagenSteve Helwagen, Editor, Bucknuts.com

Bio and Topic

Helwagen is a native of Circleville, Ohio, and 1990 graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. An avid sports enthusiast growing up and primarily played basketball and golf. He covered sports for the Lantern during his time at OSU. After graduation, he spent two years as the sports editor of the Circleville Herald and two more as the managing editor of the Urbana Daily Citizen. Between 1994-2003, he was the editor of Buckeye Sports Bulletin. Since 2003, he has been the editor and later a senior writer for Bucknuts.com. He has actively covered Ohio State football since 1989.

Topic: Ohio State Athletics; Covered Ohio State sports for last 25 years

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

PJ Hill, Wealth Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisers
Former Basketball Player

Bio and Topic

For P.J. Hill, life imitates sports. His keys to success are the same for both – work hard every day, take advantage of the opportunities you are given, learn from challenges and surround yourself with trusted mentors. Hill received a basketball scholarship to Midland Junior College in Midland, Texas. He led his team to the 2007 NJCAA National Championship during his freshman year. Hill did not go unnoticed. Division 1 college basketball coach, Thad Matta – then Ohio State men’s basketball head coach, offered Hill to play at Ohio State.

In 2010, Hill received his BS degree in Business/Managerial Economics from Ohio State. Following graduation, he pursued a career in professional basketball playing in Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, China and the Baltics.

As a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors, many of his clients are former professional athletes who have experienced the ups and downs that come from newly found wealth. He strives to help his clients succeed in their financial life; but he also takes a personal interest in helping to educate them thus creating the opportunity to change life’s narrative for their own families.

Topic: Perseverance

Devin JordanDevin Jordan Former football player, current college football coach. President and founder of Beyond the Game

Bio and Topic

“Devin Jordan was about to have his breakout year as an Ohio State football injury sidelined his career. What next? You have to be prepared for life after football. Devin coaches on the college football field but also coaching youngsters to think beyond the game. His Beyond the Game organization helps teach teamwork, accountability, sportsmanship and education to kids. It provides funding for children to attend college camps and help market themselves for the college level and attain a college education. Devin can share with you all aspects of what life skills a Beyond the Game participant will gain.”

Visit Website >>>

Topic: The impact of giving back

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

KaedingChris Kaeding, M.D., Executive Director Sports Medicine, Ohio State Jameson Crane Sports Medicine Institute 

Bio and Topic

Dr. Kaeding did his undergraduate, medical school and orthopedic training at Northwestern University and a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic.  He currently serves as the Judson Wilson Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Executive Director of the Sports Medicine Center.  He has authored over 120 peer publications, 24 book chapters and over 200 national and international presentations.

Topic: Ohio State Sports Medicine: What is it and What It Means to You!

*Available for virtual presentations

Paul Keels, Radio Broadcaster, Play-By-Play Announcer for Football and Men’s Basketball

Bio and Topic

Keels, a native of Cincinnati, has been the “Voice of the Buckeyes” on The Ohio State Buckeyes Radio Sports Network for nearly 20 years. He does play-by-play for football and basketball. His broadcast booth experience includes play-by-play for the Detroit Pistons, Cincinnati Bengals, and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats.

Read More >>

Topic: Ohio State sports

*Available for golf outings

Dr. Nicole Kraft, Associate Professor of Clinical Communication

Bio and Topic

Dr. Nicole Kraft spent 25 years as an award-winning reporter, editor and magazine journalist, while working also in public relations for professional sports and government communications.  She joined the Ohio State School of Communication in 2010, and her areas of expertise include news, sports and feature writing, social media, sports communication, media law and ethics, and academic use of mobile technology. Her focus in teaching and research has been in utilizing technology in journalism and global education, as well as the intersection of sports and society. Her dissertation developed a grounded theory regarding academic use of mobile technology among student-athletes.

Additional roles: Director: Sports and Society Initiative; Chair: Council on Distance Education, Library and Information Technology; Apple Distinguished Educator

Watch Video >>

Topics: Fake News, 1st Amendment and Free Speech, Sports and Society, iPad Learning

*Available for virtual presentations – can do virtual presentation with Jeff Trimble

Paia LaPalombara, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance

Bio and Topic

Paia LaPalombara serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance at The Ohio State University. In her current role, Paia oversees the Department of Athletics investigatory function and Elite Athlete Program, including agent, disability insurance, and elite athlete educational programming. Paiai’s a member of the Athletic Compliance Senior Leadership Team and provides compliance oversight for wrestling and support for football.

Paia received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

Watch Video >>

Topics: Athletic Compliance

*Available for virtual presentations

LoganJeffrey D. Logan, Motivational Speaker, Former Football Player

Bio and Topics

Logan played on four Big Ten Conference Championship football teams. Logan backed up two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin for two seasons and then started in 1976 and 1977. He was co-captain of the 1977 team. He was awarded All-Big Ten first-team and Academic All-American honors. Jeff currently serves as color analyst on CW Columbus “Thursday Night Lights” high school football telecasts. He is a broadcast team member on the “Best Buckeye Coverage” 610WTVN for all Ohio State football broadcasts. Recognized in 2016 by the Ohio State Alumni Association with the Mershon Award for service to Ohio State. Honored with the Ohio Gold by the Columbus Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Topics: Motivational Presentations; Ohio State football

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Jamal Luke, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Leader

Bio and Topics

In the world of college athletics, where a team is driven mostly by a coach and the recruited players, there are very few players with the drive, ambition and talent to succeed as a walk-on. The odds of making the team are low, and the hierarchy of the team is stacked. Not only did Jamal make the team, he was a member of the 2002 NCAA Division 1-A National Championship team. After pursuing various professional football opportunities, Jamal discovered his passion for pushing others to succeed. Coaching soon became Jamal’s outlet to inspire and motivate others to become champions.  Jamal entered the business field with the fortitude and strength of a winner. Utilizing his knowledge of sports, coaching, and winning, Jamal became an entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring others to make positive life choices, healthier life styles, and be the best champion they can be.

Topics: Awakening the Champion Within You;  Turning Setbacks into Comebacks; Remember Who You Are; Ohio State football

Watch Video >>

*Available for virtual presentations

 John Lumpkin, VP President Wealth Management, Former Football and Men’s Basketball Player

Bio and Topics

John is a Vice President of Wealth Management with Morgan Stanley, formerly with JP Morgan Asset Management for 10 years. A 2014 Dayton business Journal 40 under 40 award recipient, John serves on the Citywide Development Board, the Greater Dayton RTA Board, the West Dayton Development Fund Board, the City of Dayton Financial Review Board, and the Board for The Dayton Foundation’s African American Community Fund. Lumpkin & Lumpkin Group is a real estate development firm that dedicates itself to being a community partner and creating a sense of place. Historic rehab, mixed-use, single family, senior living, or combination of them all, we are dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable projects. We are currently doing a multimillion dollar development of a building in West Dayton just outside of downtown. He holds a BS in Economics from Ohio State and is one of the few athletes to play two varsity sports.

Learn More >>

Topics: Wealth Management; Ohio State Athletics

*Available for golf outings

Dee MillerDee Miller, Insurance Agent/Owner, Former Football Player 

Bio and Topic

Dee Miller is from Springfield, Ohio and played football at The Ohio State University from 1995-1998.  Dee is now the Agency Owner of his State Farm Insurance Agency in Hilliard, Ohio.  Dee is married to Lisa Miller (Nurse Practitioner) and they have two beautiful children, Drew and Lisa.

Topic: Overcoming Adversity

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Ryan Miller, Community Leader, Former Football Player

Bio and Topics

Ryan Miller played football for The Ohio State University from 1993-1996, where he started at outside linebacker and helped the team capture a victory in the 1997 Rose Bowl. The two-time Iron-Man Award winner was also selected as the co-Defensive Player of the Year as a senior for the Buckeyes. Ryan earned his Masters degree from the Fisher College of Business (OSU) and founded m2 marketing, LLC with former OSU Women’s Basketball Player Megan McCabe. M2 creates websites with a content management system and provides graphic design services. For more information, visit: www.m2marketing.com. Ryan is involved in many charities in central Ohio. He is the co-founder of The 2nd & 7 Foundation–whose mission is to “Tackle Illiteracy.” Miller and former Buckeye teammates Mike Vrabel and Luke Fickell started the foundation in 1999, and have read and donated over 500,000 books in the past 21 years with help from The Ohio State University Department of Athletics and over 100 other schools throughout the country.

Watch Video >>

Topics: 2nd & 7 Foundation; Ohio State football

*Available for virtual presentations

Frank Moskowitz, Founder/Publisher Buckeye Sports Bulletin

Bio and Topic

Frank Moskowitz is the founder and publisher of Buckeye Sports Bulletin, a newspaper devoted to Ohio State University sports. With over 35 years in publication, BSB has a circulation of over 30,000 with subscribers in all 50 states and several foreign countries. The Washington, D.C., native is also the publisher of Reds Report, devoted to the Cincinnati Reds. Moskowitz received his MA in English from Ohio State in 1981. He is also a graduate of Michigan State University, receiving his BA in English. Before founding Buckeye Sports Bulletin, he was sports editor of the Madison Press in London, Ohio, worked for the Columbus Dispatch and was associate editor of the Buckeye Leaves.

Watch Video >>

Topic: Ohio State sports

*Available for virtual presentations

Jack ParkJack Park, Professional Speaker and Author, Ohio State Football Radio Commentator Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan, Ohio State Football Columnist The Columbus Dispatch

Bio and Topics

Jack is a Professional Speaker, Author, Ohio State Football Radio Commentator for Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan, and Ohio State Football Columnist for The Columbus Dispatch. He has delivered more than 150 presentations to Ohio State Alumni Association Chapters in 21 different states. Jack has spoken to Corporations and Associations in 47 different states across the country. Hi three primary topics are 1) An Inside Look at the Ohio State Football, 2) Ohio State andMichigan: Football’s Supreme Rivalry, and 3) The Leadership Secrets of Football’s Master Coaches. Jack is a CPA. He received his MBA degree from The University of Pittsburgh and his BS degree from The Ohio State University. Jack is a graduate of New Lexington High School, where he played football and basketball. He has been honored with induction to both the high school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and Alumni Hall of Fame. Jack’s Certified Speaking Professional designation, the CSP, has been granted to fewer than 7% of the 3,500 worldwide members of the National Speakers Association.

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Topics: An inside look at Ohio State football; Ohio State and Michigan: Football’s Supreme Rivalry; The Leadership Secrets of Football’s Master Coaches; Football with Jack (leading stories from each of the three above topics/presentations)

*Available for virtual presentations

roman-jpeg-jpgBob Roman, Author

Bio and Topic

How did the football team at The Ohio State University steal the hearts of the entire state? Why did the humble team at this particular school ultimately develop into the dominant pageantry know today as Ohio State football? In the 19th century Ohio State was not the largest school in Ohio and the students there were not the first to form a local college team.  What those students did have was an underdog complex and a chip on their shoulders, and the drive to prove themselves.  Roman is a graduate of Ohio State with a double major – Psychology and American History.

Topic: Ohio State football

Tom Ryan, Head Coach, Men’s Wrestling

Bio and Topic

Has coached six different Buckeyes to 12 individual national titles, including four-time champion Logan Stieber and Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder (three-time NCAA champ). Led the Ohio State wrestling program to unprecedented heights, capturing the 2015 NCAA National Championship. NCAA team runner-ups in 2008, 2009, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Seven top-3 NCAA Championships team finishes and five consecutive (2015-19). A two-time NCAA Head Coach of the Year (2009, 2015) and three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (2015, 2017, 2018) after capturing three B1G titles in four-year stretch (2015, 2017, 2018).

Watch Video >>

Topic: Wrestling

SchreiberBen Schreiber, Head Coach, Cheerleading

Bio and Topic

Schreiber, who cheered for the Buckeyes from 2004-07, comes to Ohio State after spending the past five years as head cheerleading coach and fitness coordinator at the University of Delaware, where he led the Blue Hens to the 2014 UCA Division I Large Coed National Championship, along with second-place finishes in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. A native of Broadview Heights, Ohio, Schreiber earned his bachelors degree in sports humanities from Ohio State in 2007 and received his masters degree in higher education administration from the University of Delaware in 2011.Ben is leading the spirit program at Ohio State. Ben is quite passionate about fostering a stronger sense of community by supporting intercollegiate athletics.Strong finals performance at the 2020 Universal Cheer & Dance Association College National Championships earned the cheer squad to finish 4th in the nation out of 23 teams. Keep a (Buck) Eye out for this program. More hungry than ever!

Read More >>

Topic: Cheer Squad

*Available for virtual presentations

ShepferTyler Shepfer, Senior Lecturer; Director, Honors Cohort; Academic Director, Master of Human Resource Management Program

Bio and Topics

Ty Shepfer is a Senior Lecturer of Management and Human Resources at the Max M. Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. He is also the Director of the Honors Cohort Program and the Academic Director of the Master in Human Resource Management Program. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Labor and Human Resources at Ohio State. He also obtained a Certificate of Leadership from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business in 2019, a 14-month program.

Prior to returning to Ohio State in 2015, Ty worked at Royal Dutch Shell holding various strategic HR positions in Houston, Texas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and New Orleans, Louisiana. Ty teaches Business Environment and Skills which is part of the core business curriculum at the Fisher College reaching almost 2,500 students each academic year. He also teaches HR Strategic Management, Compensation & Benefits, and two Leadership & Teamwork Courses. The Honors Cohort Program, of which Ty leads, is Fisher’s preeminent leadership development program.

Ty is also a former manager for the Ohio State men’s basketball team under Coach Thad Matta.

Topics: The changing environment in business education; Crisis management; Business ethics; HR; The future of work; Basketball and Should Athletes be Paid?

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Antonio Smith, Board PresidentDriven Foundation, Author, Motivational Speaker

Bio and Topics

Antonio Smith is an author, motivational speaker and community activist who has reached unimaginable heights, simply because he’s not afraid to fail. Antonio went from an original walk-on to The Ohio State Football Team in 2002, to earning a scholarship and considered one of the best defensive backs in the nation during the 2006 season. Antonio graduated in 2007 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Antonio went on to compete for three seasons in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals.

From Fortune 500 corporations to small youth groups, Antonio travels the nation teaching and inspiring from his prominent ELITE program and his 2012 published book, “Waiting to Fail.” Antonio also serves as Board President of DRIVEN Foundation, which has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals and families in Ohio through its programs and services.

Watch Video >>

Topics: ELITE (Energy, Leadership, Intentionality, Talent, Effort), The Driven Foundation, Waiting to Fail, Ohio State football

*Available for virtual presentations

SmithBrandon Smith, Esports Director, Office of Student Life

Bio and Topics

Brandon Smith ’94, ’95 MA serves as Ohio State’s Esports Director in the Office of Student Life. He leads Ohio State’s competitive esports program and directs the first esportsfacility for students with over 80 gaming PCs, a live-streaming broadcast studio and virtual reality experiences accessible to all students. Brandon is a Columbus, Ohio native and holds degrees in Technology Education from Ohio State. He attended Columbus City Schools and lives in Westerville, Ohio with his wife Holly and their three boys.

Watch Video >>

Topics: Esports, gaming, and community: New student engagement at Ohio State; Innovating with technology in Student Life

*Available for virtual presentations

Katie SmithKatie Smith, WNBA Head Coach, Former Women’s Basketball Player

Bio and Topics

Katie Smith is a first-ballot Naismith Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. A three-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated American professional basketball players of all-time in her 17-yearprofessional playing career. Winning two WNBA championships with the Detroit Shock and 2 ABL championships with the Columbus Quest. She was named to the WNBA All-Decade team, top 15 players of all time and most recently top 20 at 20. At her alma mater TheOhio State University she was the first female athlete to get her jersey retired and is a member of the athletic hall of fame. Katie earned a B.A. in Life and Human Sciences (2008) and an M.S. in Medical Dietetics (2014) Currently Katie is an assistant coach for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Columbus, Ohio is home where she is working to find a way to impact people by using her degree in dietetics and love for active living.

Topics: Career Transition; Team Building; What it takes to be a Champion

*Available for golf outings

SmithRick Smith, Former men’s basketball player; Executive Vice PresidentLee & Associates

Bio and Topic

Rick is Executive VicePresident of Lee & Associates, the largest commercial brokerage companyin North America. With more than 27 years of industry experience, Rick has leased, sold or acquired millions ofsquare feet of office, retail, industrial and warehouse space. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Rick served as Captain of the Ohio State men’s basketball team in 1979. He was awarded the John Havlicek Most Inspirational Player Award in that same year. Continuing his affiliation with Ohio State, he served as Graduate Assistant Coach for the 1980 season and remains involved with the program as Past President of the Ohio State Athletic Alumni Association (Varsity “O”) and a past board member. In addition, he served on the selection committee that chose former Ohio State men’s basketball coach, Thad Matta. Additionally, Rick can be found serving as a basketball color analyst on Ohio News Networks Buckeye Blitz sports program, 10 TV’s Wall-to-Wall Sports and QFM 96.3 Wags & Elliott Morning Show.

Read More >>

Topic: Ohio State basketball

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Ron Stokes, On-Air Radio Analyst Men’s Basketball

Bio and Topics

In 1985 Ron graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and was a member of the Men’s basketball team from 1981-85. He was voted as team captain his junior and senior years. Ron earned All-Big Ten honors and was voted as the team’s MVP.  He ranks in the top 35 in scoring and in the top 10 in assists and steals. This past season marked his 20th year as the on-air expert analyst for his Alma Mater’s Men’s Basketball radio network. He has covered three Final Fours, one NIT championship and 8 NCAA regionals.  Ron and his daughter, Amber, are the first father-daughter combo to play basketball at Ohio State.  He is the President and CEO of Three Leaf Productions, Inc.

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Topics: Men’s basketball; Media and Marketing

WickSarah Wick, RD CSSD LD, Director of Performance Nutrition for Athletics at Ohio State

Bio and Topics

Sarah Wick, RD CSSD LD has over 30 years of experience working as a clinical dietician in the sports nutrition and fitness industry. Currently Board Certified in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Dietetics from The Ohio State University and was later certified as an Exercise Specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine. Sarah is also a member of the American Dietetic Association and its Sports and Cardiovascular Nutrition Practice group with a certification from the American Dietetic Association as a Weight Management Trainer. She is a Veteran Professional member of the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietetic Association. Sarah’s passion and focusis performance nutrition, weight management and eating disorders. She has worked with athletes ranging from PGA, NHL, and NBA professional athletes to amateur athletes on the collegiate and high school level.

Sarah is Director of Performance Nutrition for Athletics at The Ohio state University where she provides individual and team counseling and education for Olympic and varsity sports while serving as a leader and mentor to students in the performance nutrition field. In addition, Sarah specializes in working with athletes with eating disorders.

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Topics: Performance Nutrition –fueling the athletes; Weight Management; Specialized Diets; Eating Disorders

*Available for virtual presentations

*Available for golf outings

Trevor Zahara, Author

Bio and Topics

Born in Bucyrus, Ohio (Bratwurst Capital of the World) in 1948, graduated with BS in Pre-Law from The Ohio State University in 1971 and served 12 years in ROTC, active duty and the Army reserves-obtaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant and served overseas in Pusan Korea during the Vietnam Conflict. Worked at the Xerox Corporation for 31 years as a sales rep, sales manager and sales executive until I retired in 2005.

Competed in Triathlons for 10 years and enjoy working out 6 days a week; I play golf, bike, swim, weight train, Do Pilates, and Yoga. Married my high school sweetheart Patti in 1971 and raised wonderful twin daughters, Lara and Megan. Now Patti and I care for our beautiful Granddaughters Ellie, Eve, Zoey and Grandson Mack! Regional Distributor of TeeTimeGolfPass. Usher at Ohio Stadium for last 24 years and Official tour guide at Ohio Stadium. Author-“Confessions of an OSU Usher”

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Topics: My 24 years as an Usher at Ohio Stadium; Official Tour Guide at Ohio Stadium; Ohio State Tailgates-based on my book-“Buckeye Tailgate”

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

Justin Zwick, Insurance Agent at Arthur Krenzel Lett Insurance Group, former Ohio State football player

Bio and Topics

Justin grew up in Orrville, Ohio where he helped lead his team to a Division IV Football State Championship as a freshman quarterback. Justin graduated from Massillon High School in 2002 after a stellar career. He went on to play football at The Ohio State University from 02-06.

He has held training sessions for young quarterbacks and has been very active in volunteering and working closely with The Buckeye Cruise for Cancer for over 12 years. He lives in Dublin with his wife Ellen and works as an Insurance Agent at Arthur Krenzel Lett Insurance Group. He brings a vast knowledge of football operations and enjoys relating many stories of his experiences from over the years in football and life.

Topics: Selflessness and perseverance; learning how to fit in with the team and show them you are there to help in any possible way

*Available for golf outings

*Available for virtual presentations

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