Slippery Rock University athletic communication graduate assistant Ryan Mosher was selected as the 2025 Bill Esposito Memorial Award winner by the Eastern Athletic Communications Association (EAST-COMM).

The Bill Esposito Award is presented to a graduating college senior who wishes to pursue a career in athletic communications. The Award is named to honor the memory of one of the true patriarchs of the sports information profession. Bill Esposito served as the Sports Information Director at St. John's University in New York for 25 years.

Esposito served as a past-President of ECAC-SIDA in 1972-73 and was the organization's Irving Marsh Award recipient in 1973. He was inducted into the CoSIDA Hall of Fame in 1984. He passed away in 1995.

"I'm thrilled for Ryan to be recognized for his efforts in our office over the last few years," said Jon Holtz, director of athletic communication and 2007 winner of the Esposito Award. "Winning this award launched my own career, so having another one of our students be recognized with this honor brings me a great deal of pride. We cannot be successful in our office without the efforts of our students and Ryan has done a tremendous job with us."

Mosher earned his undergraduate degree in sport management from Slippery Rock in May 2025. He spent three years as a student-worker in the Slippery Rock athletic communication office. His responsibilities grew each year until he spent the 2025 spring semester doing a full-time internship to satisfy his final graduation requirement.

Mosher was involved in all facets of the office, from writing content for the website to working on statistics and video broadcast crews at home events.

A native of Central Square, New York, Mosher was hired as the athletic communication graduate assistant and Slippery Rock in August 2025. He serves as the primary contact for men's and women's soccer, women's basketball, and softball while pursuing a master's degree in Business Administration.

Mosher will be honored at the 2026 EAST-COMM Awards Banquet on Thursday, June 18 during the organization's annual workshop in Williamsport, Pennsylvania at the Genetti Hotel.

Let's get to know 2025 Bill Esposito Memorial Award recipient, Ryan Mosher.

EAST-COMM: How and why did you get involved in athletic communications?

RYAN MOSHER: I got into athletic communications through our Sports Management program at Slippery Rock. I received an email saying that practicum spots were open in the athletic communications office, so I reached out to Jon to grab a spot. The reason I'm in athletic communications is because I enjoy being around sports. I knew I wanted to work in sports, but I wasn't sure in what specific part when I was younger. At this point, I am sure it will be in athletic communications.

EC: What are some things you really enjoy about athletic communications?

RM: I enjoy the people I work with the most about athletic communications. I also enjoy being able to put on the best broadcast in our ability to the people who can't come to the games.

EC: Who are your mentors in the athletic communications and why?

RM: Jon Holtz and Tyler McIntosh are my mentors in athletic communications. They have been by my side for the four total years that I've been working in athletic communications so far. Anytime I need any help, both are always there for me. 

EC: How did you balance school and work?

RM: I balance school and work by taking advantage of the some free time I have during the week that to try and get ahead on my school work so I don't get back logged during the busier times of the work week.

EC: What advice would you give to others wanting to work in athletic communications?

RM: A piece of advice that I would give to people wanting to work in athletic communications is to be prepared for long hours, but in the end if you love what you're doing it won't matter.

EC: What are some things athletic communications has taught you?

RM: Athletic communications have taught me a different side of sports that I wasn't aware of before I started working. I knew the basics, but had little idea about the depth that goes into the job that I can now appreciate.

EC: What are some things you wish you would have known earlier?

RM: Athletic communications have taught me much better time management skills, as I struggled a little bit before I started. With everything that needs to get done, in a way it forced me to improve.