Jeff Garvin
Class of 2004
Director of Athletic Marketing and Information
Why Heidelberg?
There was a comfort level with Heidelberg. My mom, aunt, uncle, sister and brother-in-law all attended Heidelberg, and my best friend was coming here, too. I love the feeling of togetherness and camaraderie. I enjoy watching students in their moment of triumph.
Commencement Speaker
I wrote the commencement speech in 2004 on spring break my senior year on a hotel balcony after sunrise. I think that was the moment where the “Hey, dummy … you better figure out your life pretty quick,” feeling hit hard. I guess I remember more about writing the speech than I do about commencement itself.
Climbing the Ladder
I took a circuitous route to find myself in the world of athletic communication. Starting as an admission counselor, the broadcast side of my brain never left. I tried to provide audio play-by-play for as much as a I could. Broadcasting the baseball team’s trip to the World Series in 2010 really helped open my eyes to sports information as a career possibility. Two years later, things kind of fell into place.
Rewarding Memories
The end of the spring season in 2015 was the most memorable time so far. Hosting the OAC softball tournament, the OAC baseball tournament and the NCAA Softball Super-Regional in consecutive weekends was a whirlwind … and then, in a snap, it was over. After the post-stress hangover wore off, I was able to really appreciate what a ride it all was.
Time to Relax
I’m trying to teach myself how to play the piano. I know the opening licks for about 10 songs … but that’s about it. I really enjoy being a dad, making sure that my downtime, away from the office, is spent with the kids. Also, I enjoy going to Columbus Blue Jackets hockey games.
Fun Facts
Hometown: Born and raised in Bedford, Ohio; Currently reside in Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Family: Nicole (wife) and kids Cooper (7) and Caroline (4)
Pet(s): Plinko, a cat.
Favorite Campus Event: The Relay for Life team’s Baked Potato Bar fundraiser
TV show recommendation: I found early-’90s American Gladiators episodes on Hulu. Jeff (age 35) and Jeff (age 10) agree that it is probably the greatest show ever.
Favorite Media Personality: Cleveland sports fans are spoiled to have had such great radio voices on the air. The Indians’ Tom Hamilton, the Browns’ Jim Donovan and the retired Cavs legend Joe Tait are among the best. Fun fact: Joe Tait, broadcasting for Mount Union football, once lauded my game notes and pronunciation guide.
Favorite Restaurant: Bakers Sports Shack in Bucyrus
One Wish from a Genie: If I had time to think about it, I would probably wish for something meaningful and profound like world peace or an end to world hunger. But, I would probably waste the wish impulsively on something dumb like cheese fries.
Read more in the Humans of Heidelberg series.