From Webb-ster to STLCC

In the world of sports, only a select few are privileged enough to play sports at the highest level.Those who hang up the cleats somewhere down their path, but do not want to give up sports, have other avenues to follow. Becoming a statistician, broadcaster, trainer or sports journalist keeps ex-players around.

As a three-sport high school athlete in basketball, baseball and wrestling, Maplewood-Richmond Heights 2007 graduate, Jonathan Webb, saw sports media as an opportunity to further his career in sports.

“Sports are what drove me all the way through high school and college,” Webb said. “When it became clear I wasn’t going to be playing a sport at the next level, it became, ‘How can I incorporate this into my career?’”

Starting off at Webster University as the sports editor for their paper, The Journal, the new graduate took advantage of the opportunity to become the sports information director for STLCC athletics.

Along with keeping up the STLCC athletic website, attending home athletic events and covering games for the Meramec, Forest Park and Florissant Valley campuses, Webb is in charge of putting STLCC athletics on the map and in the media.

“[I’ve covered games] just about whenever I can,” Webb said. “I have probably missed three home sporting events to this point. Certainly it takes some time to get acquainted with the athletes now that you have multiple consolidated athletics. I’ve got a lot of coaches and athletes to meet.”

Webb credits his knowledge of public relations to an internship with the St. Louis Rams, recieving on the job training through the professional organization.

While working for the Rams organization, Webb was able to make connections
and network his way through the sports media world.

Meeting Rams players and members of the media within the franchise, Webb was given a chance to do some public relations work at Super Bowl XLV in February 2011.

“[Working for the St. Louis Rams] was huge in doing public relations at the highest level,” Webb said. “There is nothing above the National Football League.”

Combining his experience with the St. Louis Rams organization and his time spent with The Ampersand, Webb has brought his experience together in the sports media world.

However, it is not originally where he saw himself heading down the avenue of former players.

“I really thought sports journalism [and] the beat writer direction was the way I was going to go,” Webb said. “Even up to about two years ago.”

Although Webb does not lace up his cleats anymore, his new game is bringing the athletes and coaches to life through the printed word—lacing the bond between fan and athlete, fan and coach, and fan and sport together.

All the while, Webb is able to meet new people and share the camaraderie amongst them, giving all fans of Archer athletics a reason to celebrate every sporting event.

“I get to meet the athletes and the
coaches and build relationships with them,” Webb said.