Getting to Know Jason Eichelberger: The New Director of Athletic Communications

(Originally published November 1, 2022; Adapted and Edited for portfolio)

Mentoring and getting to know students at McDaniel College is something that Jason Eichelberger, the new Athletic Communications Director, loves to do.

Eichelberger, beginning his 23rd year in Athletic Communications, brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the table. His 23 years do not include his time as a student worker at Randolph-Macon College, a Division III school in Ashland, Virginia, where he was a Tight End on the school’s football team.

Before working at McDaniel, Eichelberger worked at Randolph-Macon College, Thomas More University, Shippensburg University, Stevenson University, and Catholic University.

Eichelberger has a long history with McDaniel. He mentioned that he was “recruited to play football [at McDaniel] when it was Western Maryland College and had a $16,000 yearly scholarship.” Jason was about to commit to Western Maryland; however, his guidance counselor recommended he check out Randolph-Macon College.

Eichelberger jokingly said his parents wouldn’t let him forget he gave up that scholarship.

Throughout his time in Athletic Communications, the production methods have changed significantly. When Eichelberger was a student worker, he kept stats by hand. But it didn’t take long for Eichelberger, well versed in technology, to implement digital methods for stat keeping at Randolph-Macon.

Eichelberger’s most significant accomplishment was “getting [Randolph-Macon] in the computer age of keeping stats.”

Before he implemented digital stat keeping, fans would have to call a line to check the scores.

His goal with his student workers is to see their horizons grow.

“It’s graphic design… if they have a love for graphic design or art,” “maybe they’ve never thought about how it applies to athletics… that’s athletics specific, but it still involves graphic design,” Eichelberger said.

Athletic Communications may seem like it’s just about sports, but it’s graphic design, photography, videography, and social media, in addition to the stat keeping and the more sport-focused aspects.

Eichelberger wants more students to be involved in the Athletic Comms team, as it’s a great way to be paid and build a portfolio and do something you enjoy.