Bowling Green State University Athletics
Knavel Named Assistant A.D./Athletic Communications
October 21, 2008 | General
Oct. 21, 2008
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (BGSUFalcons.com) - Jason Knavel has been named Assistant Athletics Director for Athletic Communications at Bowling Green State University. The announcement was made by BGSU Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Greg Christopher. Knavel will begin his duties at BGSU on Monday, Nov. 10.
"We are pleased to add Jason Knavel to our department," said Christopher. "He brings a solid background in athletic communications, with over a decade of experience in the field. His talents, combined with his work ethic, make him a welcome addition to the Falcon family."
Knavel comes to BGSU from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa., where he currently serves as the Sports Information Director. Knavel oversees the athletic marketing and media relations of the largest NCAA Division II athletics program in the country. Mercyhurst has 22 NCAA Division II programs, and two sports - men's and women's ice hockey - that compete at the Division-I level.
"I am excited about becoming part of the Bowling Green family," said Knavel. "I was impressed with what I saw when I visited the campus and the plans that Mr. Christopher and the University have for the athletics department over the next five years.
"Bowling Green competes at the highest level collegiately, and I am enthused to bring my experiences and talents to the department."
At Mercyhurst, Knavel instituted an aggressive approach to web streaming to provide Laker athletic events online for fans. In two years, Mercyhurst provided live web streaming for men's and women's hockey, football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's volleyball, men's and women's lacrosse, and wrestling.
Knavel overhauled the Mercyhurst athletic department website during the summer of 2008, moving the site to a new web provider. He also took bids and worked out a contract with an outside printer to cut the costs of producing the department's media guides and other promotional material.
Prior to Mercyhurst, Knavel spent eight years as the SID at Grace College, his alma mater, in Winona Lake, Ind. He oversaw the marketing, promotions and media relations for a 14-sport program that competes at the NAIA level. Knavel also spent six of those years as the head women's tennis coach.
His work experience also includes one year as a sports writer for the Times-Union in Warsaw, Ind.
Knavel and his wife, Beth, have two children, Aubrey (3) and Braden (2).
