For Angelo Pontello, Sports Information has stemmed from a passion in Broadcasting. Through opportunities as a work-study student for Saint Leo University's Athletic Communications department, Pontello saw firsthand some of the typical responsibilities of sports information personnel, including statting games and story recaps of contests.
Pontello's first taste of SID work came in Spring 2016 as a Sports Information Intern for Thomas University, where in addition to broadcasting duties for the Night Hawks, he was responsible for writing pregame and postgame stories along with posting gameday graphics on social media. With his boss' departure a month into his internship, Pontello stepped up to manage TU's Sports Information department, with the help of administrative staff.
During his time at West Texas A&M, Pontello shadowed the Athletic Communications department in day-to-day while creating video content and broadcasts. Through coordination with the Director of Athletic Communications and Director of Digital Media, Pontello learned more about the office side of SID responsibilities, including content for game notes and media guides.
While searching for his first full-time job in the field, Pontello returned home to apply sports information skills while continuing to do play-by-play for the Over 50 Hockey League he first began covering, creating a league-specific website to write pregame and postgame articles, make podcasts, and keep season stats.
A little over a year later, Pontello's efforts paid off, returning to Thomas as the Sports Information Director. At TU, Pontello rebuilt the SID department, establishing a staff of three in just two years and revolutionizing coverage of Night Hawks' Athletics. Under Pontello, video highlights returned and road broadcasts were introduced.
Following his time at Thomas, Pontello returned to his alma mater as the Director of Athletic Communications. At Saint Leo, Pontello faced challenges early on, handling coverage of all 21 sports as a one-man shop in his first three months including simultaneous in-season coverage of nine sports. In the Spring, Pontello's coverage of the Lions' softball team produced the first pair of NFCA All-Americans in six years, including the team's first First Team All-American in program history.
Today, Pontello continues to build on his SID repertoire, freelancing with the NAIA's SUN Conference and The Scorer's Table.