CLEVELAND, Ohio — Continually afforded with opportunities for hands-on experiences, students in the University of Mount Union’s sport business degree program had the chance to volunteer at the NFL Draft, hosted in Cleveland in April. 

A total of 15 students participated in the weekend-long event, assisting with the Game Operations team at the Fan Fest and taking photos for attendees with the DraftExperience Photo Team. 

“It felt really great to be able to help out and create an environment where the fans could enjoy their NFL Draft experience,” said Jared Young ’23, a finance and sport business double major of Twinsburg, Ohio. “I’m so thankful for this opportunity, and it wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of one of my professors, Dr. Lori Braa [associate professor of sport business]. It was an unforgettable experience for which I’m grateful to have had.” 

With thousands of fans flocking to Cleveland from across the country, participating in the Draft helped students gain insight into the operations of how an event of such magnitude is executed.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I feel so honored to be able to go to and represent Mount Union,” said Mallory Sanders ’21, a sport business major of Owigsburg, Pennsylvania. “I gained a better outlook on everything it takes to put on an event of this caliber.”

“Given the status of everything within the COVID-19 world, working any event is a privilege, but to work such a large event as the NFL Draft is an absolute blessing,” said Jacob Buttar ’24, a sport business major of Niles, Ohio. “It's also great to be able to work a historic event in Northeast Ohio, as this is the first time the NFL Draft has been hosted by the city of Cleveland.” 

Not only did the students garner experience to help bolster their résumés, but they also had the ability to network with other peers and professionals making the entire weekend possible. 

“It was an amazing experience and a great way to get my foot in the door to work in the sport industry!” Said Bryan Johnson ’22, a sport business major of East Lansing, Michigan.

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