Many of you know the phrase "here for a good time, not a long time." Well, I've kind of been at Otterbein for both. But, after an incredible 16 years that has featured so much… it's time for me to move on.

I encountered this profession midway through my college years at Mount Union. Little did I know that it would translate into a one-year internship (after graduation) here in Westerville and, beyond that, a lengthy career all for the same institution.

That initial drive to Central Ohio in August of 2008 still rests clearly in my brain. One single guy with nothing but a few piles of clothes and personal items packed (neatly) into a small car, heading to live in his aunt and uncle's guest room. Although nothing was promised to me after the upcoming 10-month contract I had just signed, Otterbein quickly presented itself as a place that could become a real home...

… and that it did. I ended up spending more than two and a half years in the intern role, making little money while finding a second job on the grounds crew at a golf course to supplement the bank account and (more importantly) help me stick around Otterbein.

Most anyone that gets anywhere in life needs a person to take an initial chance on them. For me, that was Ed Syguda… a veteran Sports Information Director (SID) with nearly 25 years under his belt at the time of my arrival. "Easy Ed" and I were polar opposites, yet blended perfectly. He was calm, reserved, stoic, gathered. I was a chatty, energetic, assertive, direct and (probably) over-confident kid thinking he knew more than he actually did.

But as time progressed, we became the yin to each other's yang. He rarely applied strict reins, instead allowing me to learn on the fly and create my own path. I could not be more grateful for him opening the door.

After earning a master's degree from Otterbein and spending multiple years as Ed's full-time assistant, it was time for us to divide yet still conquer. He accepted a new role in Marketing and Communications while I moved across campus and took over as head Sports Information Director (with my title since changing to Director of Athletic Communications). These last nine years running the office have been filled with countless memories, experiences, achievements, struggles, twists, turns, laughs, opportunities and… most importantly, relationships.

This profession can be a thankless grind spanning long days, nights, weekends and holiday stretches… but I've never been at it alone. I remain continually grateful for each of my Assistant SID's or "number two" running mates – Andrew Woodley, Jeremy Morgan, Ryan Tyransky, Jake Stewart, Zoie Fisher and Hailey Owens – all of which believed in my style and dedicated themselves to whatever was asked. I hope you each feel like you worked WITH me, instead of FOR me. We did it together. Beyond them, thank you to anyone that has ever been part of my work study student staff – both in the office and during gamedays. You kept me young at heart, and taught me just as much as I maybe taught you.

The ones who best understand this journey are those walking in my shoes (usually size 10 Nike Air Max's, but the footwear varies on the 'fit… obviously.) I've been fortunate to meet so many peers/counterparts from other schools, collaborating as a network and support system in what can be an overwhelming environment. Some of the very best people in this industry are small-college SID's, wearing numerous hats while supporting multiple varsity programs that overlap seasons and resources…

I have developed incredible, lifelong friendships with some of these colleagues at conference and regional levels – group chats, running jokes, projects, co-hosting special events, personal trips, convention meetups, etc. They know who they are. I can't explain how much respect I have for all of you grinding away to make a difference at your institutions. We might not be the "man in the arena" like the famous quote suggests, but we are likely the last in the arena… faces still marred by dust and sweat after striving valiantly. Keep representing – one game program, box score, recap, interview, graphic, award nomination or website update at a time.

I took the natural steps that one might climb in sectors of college athletics – intern/GA, to full-time assistant, to a head job. But, while many others are forced to bounce around in finding that next promotion, I was able to do it all in the same spot. Otterbein is a special place, in a special location, with special people, and a special athletic department…

The long list of coaches, and thousands of student-athletes, I've worked alongside remains at the core of my experience. You have always been the primary focus and purpose of my efforts… and I hope you know/feel that I gave it everything I could. One of the coolest parts of this industry is seeing a raw, immature kid enter college and "figure it out" over four years. Being a small part of your journey in which you evolve into well-rounded, confident, young adults (ready to impact society for the better) has truly been a blessing. The wide range of interactions has spanned from surface-level conversations to close friendships into present day… but, regardless, thank you for letting me tell your stories.

Our coaches and athletic support staff have been what's truly kept me around for 16 years. We are like a second family, oftentimes seeing each other more than our own families. I've long said that "I might be a good SID, although that doesn't mean I'm a good SID everywhere." It's about the right fit, and we have seemingly fit so well…

We don't always agree or have perfect days, but we adapt and work together as a unique puzzle. It's a group of people that has allowed me to genuinely act as myself… Thank you for embracing who I am and rolling with the methods to my madness. Your competitive results have been impactful and inspiring, but the collaboration and day-to-day partnerships behind the scenes are just as meaningful. Whoever replaces me will be getting a fantastic group of coaches. I can't wait to keep supporting you all, just in a different kind of way.

Speaking of family – that single guy who drove here in 2008 (with only a few personal items) now travels with a whole lot more by his side. Otterbein helped introduce my wife, Dee, who has graciously and selflessly lived this career with me. She has remained a constant supporter of who I am, what I do, how I do it, and what I want moving forward. She, is the ultimate teammate. Together, we have two young children, a dog, a house and a strong foundation here in Central Ohio. But make no mistake, my home is wherever they are.

Without a doubt, the best memories at Otterbein have been watching my three-year old son (Daylen) become involved and interact with so many of you recently. He loves rooting for the Cardinals, thinks what I do for work is cool, has his own favorite players, and can't wait to see pictures or video highlights in the morning after he wakes up and asks how a certain team did…

But if dad is a committed SID… how is he viewed in the eyes of the child? Looking up TO dad. Looking up AT dad. Too often, these days, also looking as dad goes away to work. Too often, looking at dad on FaceTime from the press box or a road trip. I'm excited to continue attending Otterbein athletic events – only now, sitting in the stands with my son/family together.

It's natural for everyone to ask what might be next. Why are you leaving? Why now? What are you going to do? But right here, in this moment, let's just celebrate the present and all that's gone into creating such a memorable journey. My next move and bag of tricks can wait for another day.

For now, the plan is to work into mid-July and help situate as much as possible for my successor. I hope to stay involved with Otterbein Athletics in some capacity… time will tell. There are too many good people and good causes here not to.

Change can be scary and I certainly have my range of emotions, because this is the only place I've known since college. But while change is inevitable, growth is optional. I will strive to continue growing and undoubtedly carry the many skills/tools I've learned here into the next stage. Some might say I'm starting a new chapter… but I'd argue Otterbein has presented me with enough to warrant being its own book. Who knows, I might even write one someday.

It was a good time… and it was a long time. Here's to hoping that, during said time, I did enough to make you follow along and remember.

Go Cards!

Adam Prescott