The Athletic Department gained a new face over the summer.

Over the weekend, Matt Fenton—the Highlander’s new Sports Information Director—was kind enough to answer a few of The Scroll’s questions, allowing us to introduce you to the newest Highlander staff member. As the mind behind the Highlander’s revamped Instagram and Twitter, Fenton has some hopes, expectations, and ideas this year for Cairn’s athletic programs.

In addition to sharing his several ideas for the athletic program, Fenton also provided some of his own background information, and answered other various questions throughout the interview to help Cairn students and staff learn more about his role as the new SID. Take some time to learn more about the newest Highlander, and go follow @cairnathletics on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with Fenton’s hard work, the talent of our student-athletes, and our university’s athletic passion. #GoCairn.

What college did you attend?

I am a graduate of Messiah College (x2). I’m originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and went to Messiah for my undergrad. I graduated (2013) and went to work in Washington DC as a salesman for a year before going back to get my Master’s at Messiah (2016) and work as a graduate assistant in the athletic communications office.

What was your course of study?

I was a marketing major in college but I took two minors as well. I knew I always wanted to work in sports in some capacity, so I was a sports management minor. I also took an accounting minor because I really enjoyed the classes and the subject came relatively easily to me. I got my Master’s in Higher Education, so all of this stuff combined pretty much all relates really well to Sports Information!

What path led you to working here at Cairn?

Well, coming out of my experience as a graduate assistant I knew I wanted to be an SID, and my dream a year ago was to be the head SID at a Division III school. I looked at and applied to a number of different positions but didn’t hear anything. Since Coach Behnke is a Messiah grad as well, she knew my mentor at Messiah really well so when this role opened up, there was a connection already in place. After the connection was made, I came and interviewed, and the rest is history I guess.

What was one sport you wish you tried, but never had the chance?

This is a tough question because I love all sports. I played baseball and golf in high school, and played baseball in college. I think I would’ve been interested in playing tennis at a more competitive level. I play a little with friends, but I would’ve liked to have given it a little more of a shot.

What are some of your hobbies/interests you like to partake in when you’re not working?

Well I love playing golf and baseball. I play in a wood bat men’s baseball league over the summer, and I try to get out on the golf course as much as I can. I also am a huge Baltimore Orioles fan so I watch as many games as I can and try to get down to OPACY at least a half dozen times a season.

What sitcom would you say the athletic department is most like?

I guess I’d say The Office just because of the setting that we are in and the fact that everyone in the department brings their own personality to make us the well-rounded department that we are.

What part of your job do you like the most?

I love about 99% of my job. I’d say the thing that I like the most is being able to bring joy to others through some of the stuff that I get to make and do. Including our social media sites and the graphics that go along with that, our live streaming efforts, and making highlight videos to get the word of Cairn Athletics out to others.

Relatable fictional character—who are you most like?

I guess I’d say Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. I think I’m a pretty energetic guy that always wants to have fun.

Where would you say is your favorite place to eat in the area?

That’s a great question. You tell me… I just moved to the area in June when I started, so I guess I’d say Chick-fil-a with the Cairn discount!

What are some of your hopes for the 2016-2017 sports season as Cairn’s new Sports Information Director?

This is a question I could talk about for days! I have a number of goals and ambitions for my office both in the long-term (3-5 years) and the short-term (this year). The general answer is that I want student-athletes to be proud and excited to be a Highlander. I’m not saying that they weren’t proud to be Cairn athletes before I came, but I’m looking forward to producing things (pictures, videos, live streams, etc.) that get people excited about Cairn Athletics.

My biggest goals are to expand our live streaming as well as focus effort on video highlights and program videos. We are also just releasing a new website to view and buy pictures from Cairn Athletic events (CairnHighlanders.Zenfolio.com). I also love graphic design work so I want to continue to put out really cool and fun graphics that get people excited about Cairn athletics, with an emphasis on our Instagram.

We’re already into the season, but I can’t wait to get into the full-swing of events and really getting to our student-athletes and just being a part of Cairn.