Interview with the Sports Information Director

Hakim Hamer is the Sports Information Director (SID) at Centenary University, and he is just getting started in this role. He has big plans for our Cyclone athletes. 

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Dom Salot (Staff Writer): So, tell me about yourself!

Hakim Hamer: My name is Hakim Hamer, and I am the Sports Information Director (SID) here at Centenary University. I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in the class of 2021 with a degree in Sports Administration. During my time there, I was a four-year member of the baseball team, so I have firsthand knowledge of what it's like to be a student-athlete and the grit and grind involved in that experience. Prior to this role, I was at Raritan Valley Community College, where I coached baseball and assisted with some SID tasks, such as creating Game Day graphics. That’s a small part of what I do now. So, that's a bit about me.

Dom Salot (Staff Writer): When did you get the job, and how did you hear about it?

Hakim Hamer: I went on an interview in Jan. 2023, and I started on Feb. 21, 2023. It was quite a hectic day because there was a lacrosse game right after, and I quickly learned what to do–and what not to do–for game days.  

Dom Salot (Staff Writer): What does a SID do for the athletic department?

Hakim Hamer: A lot. A significant portion of the role focuses on game day, which includes staffing all of our home games, conducting stats during those games, ensuring our live streams are operational,  and coordinating photography at these events. The behind-the-scenes work involves managing everything sent to the NCAA, such as rosters and schedules, and making sure all of that information is up to date. Also, I make sure that the website functions properly and that Centenary Athletics is presented to meet a certain standard in our marketing efforts.

Dom Salot (Staff Writer): Do you have any big plans for the school this year or in the future?

Hakim: I'm focused on continuing to grow the Athletic Communications Department. I believe it has made significant progress in the year and a half that I've been here. My goal is to keep that momentum going by figuring out what works, what networks to utilize, and what to do and not to do.  I’ve been working to get student-athletes more involved and to help them experience what it’s like to be a college student-athlete. Often, when you're a D3 athlete, you go to places that don't really convey the feeling of being one, which can resemble high school at times. I am trying to change that as much as I can.

I want to do this by getting them involved in the podcast we’re starting soon. While I’m not sure when it will be fully up and running, we do intend to invite guests, including student-athletes and coaches, to share their experiences, outlook on the season, and what viewers can expect! 

Dom Salot (Staff Writer): What is your favorite part of the job?

Hakim: Engaging with the student-athletes and getting their sense of how things are going is my favorite part. I get to work somewhat closely with them and try to improve their experience as student-athletes.

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Are you a student-athlete with questions for Hakim? Reach out to him at hakim.hamer@centenaryuniversity.edu.

It seems that the Centenary Athletic Department is trending in the right direction under Hakim Hamer and his supportive staff.