ESPN Founder

Last Thursday found me at Bay Path College in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Bay Path is a member of the brand new NECC (New England Collegiate Conference). Other members: Becker College, Daniel Webster College, Elms College, Lesley University, Mitchell College, Newbury College, Southern Vermont College and Wheelock College.

After a warm welcome by President Carol Leary, I had the opportunity to speak to some of the amazing students in the undergraduate and MBA entrepreneurial programs. The enthusiasm in the room was electrifying…great questions and lively discussion. Steve Smith, Athletic Director; Sandra Coyne, Director MBA Program, and other faculty members added to the success of the afternoon.

Later that day, Mike Cotnoir, Chairman and Tim Jensen, Co-Chairman of the Enfield, CT Athletic Hall of Fame (I was inducted with the Class of 1999) served as hosts for “Bill Rasmussen Day.” Dinner with Mayor Scott Kaupin was followed by a private reception and then a public presentation dating back to my days as an Enfield resident. Given the audience, my comments on the evolution of ESPN (and the ties to Enfield) right up to the here and now with College Fanz were enthusiastically received. More great questions and lively discussion followed with many “remember when…” conversations. All this culminated with a long line for book signing (Sports Junkies Rejoice: The Birth of ESPN) and more reminiscing.

I’m certain I had more fun on this Road Trip than Oklahoma, LSU and (again) Michigan had on Saturday. And did you notice where USC is ranked? It won’t be long before all the talk turns to the BCS. I’ll get into that swirl of tangled opinions and options in the weeks ahead.