FERRUM, Virginia – Director of Athletics John Sutyak has announced the hiring of Benton Heck as Assistant Sports Information Director at Ferrum College.

A 2022 graduate of Ferrum, Heck will work with Sports Information Director Gary Holden to help promote Ferrum's student-athletes, coaches and teams. He served as a volunteer with the Sports Information Office student staff from January through October 2021. Heck then joined the Ferrum Athletics Staff as a seasonal employee in November 2021, serving as a Sports Information Student Assistant.

In his three semesters with the Ferrum staff, Heck has helped with live streaming broadcasts, including setup and breakdown of equipment, graphic overlays and on-air commentary. He has also helped with in-game live statistics, serving as a primary statistician for the majority of Ferrum's athletic teams. Heck has run many home athletic contests throughout the past seven months as a seasonal employee, and assisted on several video projects.

"Benton has done a great job in his role with our office the past three semesters, providing valuable assistance," said Holden. "His knowledge of our office will be beneficial. Benton has been involved with the current redesign and relaunch of our athletics website and will be a key contributor as we get ready to host the 2023 NCAA Division III Wrestling Tournament next March."

Providing content for the College's athletics website, ferrumpanthers.com, Heck has written and posted many post-game releases and student-athlete award announcements. The website is undergoing a redesign this summer and Heck has been actively involved with design and layout features of the new site.

Ferrum holds membership with the Virginia Sports Information Directors and both Heck and Holden are active with nominating student-athletes for awards and voting on All-State teams.
"I am grateful for this opportunity that John Sutyak and Gary Holden have presented before me," said Heck. "Ferrum is a special place and I am excited to continue working with our student-athletes, coaches and teams."

Heck earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Leadership from Ferrum with a minor in Business in April 2022. He will begin his new position on July 1.