The Sports Information Department is responsible for overseeing all media relations in the Athletics Department. All media contacts should be arranged through the Sports Information Department in the Athletics Department. Media Access requests should be submitted through the primary contact for each sport.
Any McKendree University students interested in doing work-study for sports information should contact both Alex Staab (abstaab@mckendree.edu) and Chase Messer (cwmesser@mckendree.edu). Possible roles include:
- Photography
- Videography
- Creative Content
- Stream Production
- Game Commentary
- Public Address
- In-Game Statistics
- Website Releases
- Graphic Design
- And More!
McKendree University Quick Facts
Location: Lebanon, Illinois
Founded: 1828
Enrollment: ~2,500
National Memberships: NCAA Division II, United States Bowling Congress (USBC), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), USA Powerlifting, College Rugby Association of America (CCRA), National Collegiate Rugby (NCR)
Conference Memberships: Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA), Western Water Polo Association (WWPA), Women's Midwest College Hockey (WMCH), Midwest College Hockey (MCH), Midwest Rugby Conference (MWC),
Athletic Programs: 37 (26 NCAA, 11 non-NCAA)
Mascot: Bearcats
Colors: Purple (PMS 2617c | HEX #532c7f), Gold (PMS 457c | HEX #c2a204), and White
President: Daniel C. Dobbins
Director of Athletics: Anthony C. Francis
Assistant Athletic Director for Development: Trevor Brumleve
Assistant Athletic Director for Impact and Strategic Engagement: Nickie Sanlin
Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator: Kristin Von Hatten
Director for Compliance: Tracy Cromer-Welsh
Athletic Business Manager: Connie Henss-Nunn
Faculty Athletic Representative: Terese Kasson
Athletic Operations Manager: Trevor Nott
Manager of Event and Game Operations: TBA
Athletic Facilities Manager: Patrick Knapinski
Head Athletic Trainer: Kristin Von Hatten
Director of Athletic Performance: Tyler Aulbur
| Alex Staab, Director of Sports Information (2nd year) |
ALMA MATER(S):
Illinois Central College '19, Bradley University '22 |
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PRIMARY SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACT FOR:
Football, Men's Golf, Women's Golf, M1 Men's Hockey, M3 Men's Hockey, Women's Basketball, Softball, Men's Powerlifting, Women's Powerlifting |
OFFICE:
Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC) – Coaches Offices |
EMAIL ADDRESS:
abstaab@mckendree.edu |
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER:
(618) 537-6879 |
CELL PHONE NUMBER:
(309) 645-5194 |
| Chase Messer, Assistant Director of Sports Information (3rd year) |
ALMA MATER(S):
New England College '22 & '24 |
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PRIMARY SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACT FOR:
Men's Basketball, Men's Water Polo, Women's Water Polo, Women's Lacrosse, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis, Men's Rugby, Women's Rugby, Cheerleading, Dance |
OFFICE:
Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC) – Coaches Offices |
EMAIL ADDRESS:
cwmesser@mckendree.edu |
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER:
(618) 537-6946 |
CELL PHONE NUMBER:
(207) 939-8487 |
| Pat Knapinski, Sports Information Assistant (6th year) |
ALMA MATER(S):
Xavier University '20 |
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PRIMARY SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACT FOR:
Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Men's Wrestling, Women's Wrestling |
OFFICE:
Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC) – Intramural Gym (IM Gym) |
EMAIL ADDRESS:
pmknapinski@mckendree.edu |
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER:
(618) 537-6565 |
CELL PHONE NUMBER:
(920) 378-5064 |
| McElvy "Mac" Spiller, Sports Information Assistant (2nd year) |
ALMA MATER(S):
Spring Hill College '25 |
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PRIMARY SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACT FOR:
Women's Volleyball, Women's Hockey, Baseball, Men's Bowling, Women's Bowling, Men's Swimming & Diving, Women's Swimming & Diving, Bass Fishing |
OFFICE:
Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC) – Coaches Offices |
EMAIL ADDRESS:
mjspiller@mckendree.edu |
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER:
(618) 537-6579 |
CELL PHONE NUMBER:
(205) 657-1050 |
| Mackenzie Yoakum, Sports Information Assistant (1st year) |
ALMA MATER(S):
University of West Georgia '26 |
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PRIMARY SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACT FOR:
Men's Volleyball, Women's Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country |
OFFICE:
Melvin Price Convocation Center (MPCC) – Coaches Offices |
EMAIL ADDRESS:
mackenzie.yoakum26@mckendree.edu |
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER:
(618) 537-6579 |
CELL PHONE NUMBER:
(205) 329-4541 |
Media Relations Policy
Media Request Contact:
Contact designated individual for each sport. Primary sports are listed under each individual above.
All media requests for athletes and/or coaches should be arranged through the Sports Information Department in the Athletic Department.
Credentials for working press and photographers can be obtained through the McKendree Athletic Communication office and are presented to those with a legitimate working function. Credentials are not presented to family or friends unless those individuals are performing a professional function. All requests must be made in writing (via email) at least two days in advance of the contest and include the name of all individuals in attendance and their organization.
Photography Policy
Media Request Contact:
Contact the designated individual for each sport. Primary sports are attached to each individual above.
Anyone taking photographs must adhere to the following policies:
- All photographers associated with the media are asked to remain a reasonable distance from the playing area.
- Parents/friends must gain permission from the Office of Sports Information to take photographs along the sidelines.
- An individual cannot profit off the sale of photographs of any McKendree University student-athlete. This will negatively affect the eligibility of the student-athlete.
- An individual cannot profit off the sale of photographs that displays the official McKendree University logo.
Updated on 08/03/2026
