July 22, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
Mark Bodenschatz, Penn State Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations, recently was honored as college athletics' 2014 Professional of the Year by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4).
Bodenschatz and eight other professional sports, high school and event security professionals were recognized earlier this month for their leadership in addressing safety/security issues as part of the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition in Indianapolis. Six of the recipients were from professional sports leagues and organizations and Bodenschatz was the lone honoree for all NCAA colleges and universities. More than 400 security professionals attended the national conference.
The annual conference is sponsored by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.
The NCS4 also recently announced that Bodenschatz is among the first 11 individuals to attain the Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) certification - the nation's first professional security credential designed for those responsible for the planning and overall security operations of sport venues and events.
A member of the Intercollegiate Athletics' staff since 2007, Bodenschatz is an integral part of safety and security at Penn State and its athletic facilities. As the leader of ICA's Public Safety Team at Beaver Stadium, he supervises the unified command during football game day operations. In this role, he has expanded buffer zone protections, improved crowd management procedures, developed better signage within the stadium and recycling efforts in and around the stadium.
"Mark is an outstanding professional with extensive knowledge and expertise in this area and most deserving of this recognition," said Dave Joyner, Penn State Director of Athletics. "Mark's conscientious and dedicated efforts are a great benefit to Penn State and Intercollegiate Athletics and we are very proud and fortunate to have him on our team."
Bodenschatz serves as the facilities coordinator for Intercollegiate Athletics and is responsible for capital planning and major maintenance. Among the units he supervises are ICA's building coordinators, field maintenance staff, operations staff, event staff and IT staff, in addition to oversight of all athletic facilities.
"The reason for this award is to allow professional leagues, NCAA member institutions and marathon and endurance organizations to honor outstanding individuals in the field of sports safety and security for their contributions and leadership," said NCS4 Director Dr. Lou Marciani.
These contributions involve enhancing safety and security at their venue beyond what is normally required, and setting an example for others to follow.
Marciani noted that each league or organization selects the criteria and makes the determination as to which professional will be recognized. Stanley Security Solutions is serving as the official sponsor of the Professional of the Year award.
Bodenschatz earned bachelor and master's degrees at Penn State. He was an employee of the Penn State Office of the Physical Plant for 16 years before being named Associate AD.