The Mirror: How did you get to be the sports information director at FU?
Jack Jones: I started in this field right out of college. I officially got going as a graduate assistant at Rowan University. I then served two years as assistant director at Princeton, eventually I became sports information director at New Haven University, where I spent eight years. I have now been sports information director for 13 years here at Fairfield University.
The Mirror: What goes on behind the scenes at FU sports games that most people don’t realize?
Jack Jones: We prepare for events with game programs, announcements, video taping and material for the Web site. The live stats are tough to keep up with and we need to make sure our computers are ready for live scores. People just go on-line and click on the links, but it takes time and effort to set up for every game.
The Mirror: What strategies do you think should be used for an increased attendance at FU athletic events?
Jack Jones: It is tough to say because this is more of a marketing aspect, but we have a lot of competition to deal with, whether locally around Fairfield and Bridgeport or the national sports on television every night. There are a lot of different options but the key is to separate yourself from the competition. We have a very good athletic department, and just getting people out there once is important because they will be more likely to come back again. We do as much as we can, especially by providing transportation to games in Bridgeport or other off-campus areas. The Mirror sports section helps us a lot by giving readers the information needed to get out there and support the student athletes.
The Mirror: Describe your relationship with The Mirror sports staff. How do you guys help each other?
Jack Jones: I like to think that I have a good relationship with The Mirror sports staff. I try to accommodate their needs as best I can. Their role is very important and very much appreciated by the sports information staff. Tom, Keith, and Chris have done an excellent job in balancing coverage on all sports. The sports information staff does its best to provide timely information so that they can do their jobs.
The Mirror: Can you talk a little about the passing of Athletic Chaplain Father Laurence O’Neil and describe his impact on FU’s student athletes?
Jack Jones: From a personal standpoint, he was a very special person. Father was always around and students got a chance to know him because he had a personal interest in you as an individual. He had an amazing understanding of the Fairfield student body, and he worked with all types of student athletes. Father O’Neil made everyone feel important, he was a great man and will be dearly missed.
The Mirror: What would you say is the most frustrating part of your job?
Jack Jones: Sometimes in a change of seasons its tough to get everything done, we have to make decisions just like a student. Knowing time management and how to fit everything in piece by piece can be a challenge. This time of year can be especially overwhelming with soccer still going and basketball coming soon. Scheduling time the best you can be stressful but is extremely important.
Editor’s note: Eric Bernsen is a work study for the SID office.
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