Cedars, December 2019

December 2019 13 SPORTS; ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Geist says that having teaching experience helps him understand all aspects of the student-athlete life. He has seen it from the academic side, in terms of the affect it has when they have to miss class for away games, etc. Now, he sees the administrative and athletic sides of that same di- lemma and more. Zonars believes one of the best ways Geist connects with Cedarville is the way he interacts with the student-ath- letes. He is involved with the student-athlete advisory com- mittee and can often be found inviting them to meet with him or simply talking to them in the hallways. Zonars says that this is one of Geist’s favorite things that he gets to do in the AD role. Now, he is connected with people all over campus — so much so that he requires the help of three assistant athletic directors. “Our athletic program is growing, it’s been growing. And so historically people all over campus met with the AD, now I’m trying to continue doing that to an extent, but I have three assistant ADs,” said Geist. “I’m trying to have themmeet with people and we’re trying to grow structurally and organizationally within the athletic department.” This helps the athletic department immerse themselves in student life. When they are able to team up with other aspects of life at Cedarville such as alumni relations and campus experience, it gets students engaged. Geist attended Cedarville when he was in college, and at the time athletics were a bigger deal than they are now because there was less to do for students. Now, it is more of a challenge to gain the attention of the student body. How- ever, that does not change the mission of the department. It simply changes how they attempt to meet the needs of the students and student-athletes. “We try to display a vibrant community and be a part of our big vibrant community here at Cedarville,” said Geist. Abigail Hintz is a sophomore journalism major and Digi- tal Editor for Cedars. She loves reading, playing Spikeball with her friends and watching soccer 24/7.