The success of the first Ohio University Sports Sales Academy presented by Mandalay Sports Entertainment has encouraged a second academy to be held, tentatively scheduled for late winter or early spring at Ohio University. The partnership between OHIO and Mandalay benefits both parties and the sports business industry as a whole.

Mandalay Sports Entertainment's team division is headed by sports sales legend Jon Spoelstra. Before leading Mandalay to record-setting minor league baseball success, Spoelstra lead the Portland Trail Blazers to become a model for NBA business and then proved it wasn't a regional fluke by turning around the New Jersey Nets. Spoelstra has written five books on marketing and success development including "Marketing Outrageously" and "Ice to the Eskimos."

"The initial Mandalay Sports Entertainment/Ohio University Sales Seminar was a tremendous success," said Spoelstra. "We were able to hire nine quality candidates to work for our teams. Every year we'll have openings and the Ohio University seminar will be our key hiring source."

Sports-specific sales training continues to be in want for entry-level job seekers and their employers. Ohio University's Center for Sports Administration oversees the entrance process for the Sports Sales Academy. A long-time leader in sports business education, OHIO looks to continue its service to the industry by provide unique opportunities in multiple formats in areas of need.

"Ohio University did a terrific job recruiting candidates for the seminar. We expect an even stronger class for the next seminar," said Steve DeLay, Executive Vice President of Mandalay Baseball Properties.

Nine accepted job offers came from Mandalay Sports as a result of the first Sports Sales Academy. The teams and new hires are listed below. Frisco RoughRiders (Texas League): Mark Playko, Jordan King, Joey Schumacher and Sean Othen
Scranton Wilkes Barre Yankees (International League): Blake Burgess, Andrew Reichart and Janice Matacic
Staten Island Yankees (New York-Penn League): Matt Schulman and Christopher Feller

Keep an eye on the dedicated page of the Sales Academy for admission information once it becomes finalized.