By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE, OH – “I’ve called a few women’s basketball away games at Baldwin Wallace and a few men’s volleyball games alongside broadcasting games at local schools such as Alliance, Marlington, and Minerva,” said Nathan Smee ’28, sport business and marketing double major.

            Smee '28 at a game

Passionate about sports and journalism, Smee explains the excitement that working sporting events brings him. Already the owner of his own journalism and broadcasting company, SmeeSports LLC, Smee states that his concussion early on in high school influenced him starting a sports broadcasting career because he did not want to walk away from sports completely.

“After my concussion as a sophomore, I was asked to call a game for the band, which became a recurring event, so I began broadcasting at large, and at Mount Union, that has continued as I participate in Raider Student Media,” said Smee. "I love sports; watching games and everything involving them, but I want to bring people together, and that is what sports do! Broadcasting games allows me to help people come together."

Smee explains that early on after graduating high school, he connected with Lynn Riggle, WRMU coordinator and box off manager, through on-air host Chris Bigglesworth at Q92, thanks to a job application. Lynn then connected Smee with Mount Union media alumnus Logan McGhee ’20, who offered him broadcasting for Channel 1022 and connected him with Dr. Adelina Cooper, associate professor of communications. 

“Lynn and Dr. Cooper both help and support me from a professional standpoint; Dr. Cooper always pushes me to make an assignment into a larger project because she knows it’ll help me gain more experience,” said Smee.

Smee '28 (left) interviewing Mount Union quarterback, Mikey Maloney '28 (right), courtesy of Kellen DeJulia '27

While Smee would like to stay in the Alliance area after graduating to build connections, he’d like to return to his hometown, Strongsville, OH to work as an athletic director. However, Smee adds that his time at Mount Union has been greatly impacted by the faculty and staff who are invested in students’ careers.

“To any student looking at Mount Union, the professors in your field want you to reach your full potential—helping and advising you through every goal you set,” said Smee. “To students interested in a career in sport business, start somewhere. Whether writing, recording, or taking photographs, gain experience by starting somewhere!”

Learn more about how you can start your career in sport business at Mount Union through our School of Business.