Behind the scenes: Sports information departments make data available to media, public

They write thousands of press releases, track game and season statistics, design countless game programs each year, and tirelessly keep media and fans informed on the happenings of athletics at BYU and Utah Valley State.

And they do it all in nearly complete anonymity.

Rarely are there glorious bylines touting the handiwork of the sports information departments at BYU and Utah Valley State, yet their work behind the scenes is a vital part of the collegiate athletic scene.

"Our main role is to disseminate information to the public, to the media and to the fans," said BYU associate athletic director Duff Tittle. "It used to be that our major role was to communicate just to the media. Now it's changed. I think really what we offer is to disseminate info, and to tell the BYU athletic story."

Each time a sportscaster or writer relays a random fact regarding the number of games the Cougars have won while playing on a Thursday wearing their white uniforms, that fact was likely included in the game notes compiled by the SID, or sports information director. Every press release and athlete biography you read on wolverinegreen.com, the Web site for UVSC athletics, came courtesy of the UVSC sports information office.

"We just have to make sure we have everything ready and available for the media," said Clint Burgi, UVSC sports information director. "We cover everything from the scoreboard to official game stats, to finding someone to take the call from ESPN when they call for the score for their 'Bottom Line."'

The myriad duties fielded by SIDs across the country vary according to school size and media exposure. At BYU, the sports information staff is a model of consistency, with its "newest" member having joined the department eight years ago. Tittle headlines the group, with Ralph Zobell, Jeff Reynolds, Brett Pyne and Norma Collette also on board. Dave Broberg is the athletic publications director.

"You're really only as good as your people," Tittle said. "That's where I feel real lucky. I have a lot of people that understand the business. They're passionate about telling the story and telling about the student-athletes."

The full-time staff is supplemented by a group of interns, with anywhere from 10-12 on staff at a time.

Generally, interns will stay on with BYU's department for a year, beginning in late summer. A large portion of the interns are drawn from BYU's communications program, although some come from outside sources.