Catawba’s Masters level Sales & Sponsorship course students participated in the championship, featuring over 160 students from 48 schools. The tournament adopted a unique bracket role-play format, where students engaged in pitch sessions with recruiters from various sports teams who acted as buyers. The participants presented their products to the buyers, and judges scored their performances based on a pre-distributed scenario and rubric. Similar to the excitement generated during NCAA March Madness, students advanced until a winner emerged.
“Competing at the NCSSC equips our students with critical sales experience and opens doors to potential career opportunities,” said Dr. Troy Carlton, Assistant Professor of Sport Management. “Their hard work and dedication reflect Catawba’s commitment to fostering talent and preparing graduates to make a difference in the sport industry.”
2024 Individual Results
• Gabby Cossette ’25: Finished 26th place nationally
• Stefan Lauchner ’25: Finished 39th place nationally
• Team Rankings:
o 24th place in ticket sales
o 13th place in corporate partnerships
In Fall 2021, Catawba Sport Management made its inaugural appearance in the NCSSC with four teams, setting the stage for an enduring tradition of success. This prestigious competition, which features over 70 colleges and universities, provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to engage in real-world sales scenarios and connect with top professionals in the sports industry.
The NCSSC challenges students with 20-minute sales role-plays judged by industry experts. These role-plays focus on selling effectiveness, resilience under pressure, and ethical decision-making. This experiential learning platform has been instrumental in preparing Catawba students for successful sports sales and management careers.
2023 Highlights
Catawba’s Sales & Sponsorship graduate students participated in three distinct events—ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and business analytics—showcasing their versatility and skill. Twelve graduate-level students competed, with two earning top 80 finishes and advancing to the NCSSC Finals:
• Logan Braucht (’23): #58 nationally in ticket sales
• Conner McCarthy (’23): #71 nationally in ticket sales
• Lyrik Thorne (’23): Ranked #46 nationally in corporate partnerships
• Team Rankings:
o 19th in ticket sales
o 14th in corporate partnerships
As Catawba College continues to invest in innovative programs and experiential learning opportunities, the achievements of its Sport Management students demonstrate the impact of nurturing talent and providing platforms for success.
