Two Slippery Rock University students are recognized as prominent leaders in their field after earning fully funded internships to attend the 2026 Stadium Managers Association Seminar in New Orleans, Feb. 7-12.
Senior sport management majors Aaron Chaplin, from Altoona (Altoona HS), and Joseph Young, from Winchester, Virginia (Millbrook HS), were chosen for the networking-focused internship with the Stadium Managers Association. The SMA is a professional organization that works to foster and strengthen networking connections among venue managers, league officials, leading industry suppliers, and other key resources across the sport management field.
As interns, Chaplin and Young assisted with the coordination and operations of the seminar, which welcomed more than 400 attendees.
“This hands-on experience gave me valuable insight into how stadiums and large-scale events are planned and executed behind the scenes,” Young said. “This experience challenged me to stay calm under intense pressure while working in a fast-paced stadium management environment. I also gained a deeper understanding of how hard work, detailed planning and strong leadership all play a critical role in becoming an effective stadium manager.”
Young is applying his experience to his next internship, as he is currently working as an intern with Duke University working with Athletics Facilities, Game Operations, and Championships.
SMA interns were selected by the SMA after following a rigorous evaluation process that included an essay and letters of recommendation. Chaplin pointed to his hands-on experience in professional and collegiate athletics as a key factor in his selection, working with the Altoona Curve and the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball clubs, in addition to holding roles within SRU’s Athletic Department and Campus Recreation. He is also a recipient of the Ron Labinski SMA Foundation Sports Scholarship, an honor awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to careers in stadium and facility management.
Both Young and Chaplin praised the seminar’s staff and faculty, highlighting their dedication to mentoring and supporting students throughout the event.
While neither student was firmly committed to a career in stadium management, both said the SMA seminar delivered significant value through its professional exposure and networking opportunities.
“Being able to assist with the operations for a conference with over 400 attendees gave me hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of what it takes to manage large-scale sports/entertainment venues,” Chaplin said. “This experience pushed me to thoroughly think about different scenarios in the industry. It also showed me how much leadership, strategy, long-term planning and adaptability go into stadium management. Learning from experienced professionals and building connections gave me a clearer vision for my future.
The SMA seminar proved to be extremely beneficial for the SRU students in attendance, offering direct access to industry professionals and real-world experience.
“This was definitely the best networking opportunity that I’ve had by far, and I’ve attended four other conferences,” Chaplin said. “Everyone was willing to speak to you and wanted to learn about you. I was able to connect with other professionals and realize just how intertwined the industry is.”
More information about SRU’s sport management program can be found on the program’s webpage.
