A video that served as the foundation to promote Chico State men's and women's basketball earned gold for the Wildcats at the 2020 National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) virtual convention. In announcing the organization's 2019–20 "Best Of" award winners, the 'Cats claimed the top prize for Best Revenue-Producing Video.
Chico State collected the highest honor (gold) in the Group III Best Revenue-Producing Video category, followed by Grand Valley State (silver) and the University of North Carolina-Pembroke (bronze).
The 60-second promotional spot, produced by Wildcat Athletics Marketing Coordinator Jeff Kragel and the Chico State Creative Media and Technology department, featured a series of "quick cut" shots of various Wildcat men's and women's basketball players preparing and practicing in a serious, no-nonsense matter for the 2019–20 season. The fast-moving video, coupled with a military-style music background, added to the spot's intensity and made any vocal embellishments unnecessary.
"I am thrilled and honored for Chico State Athletics to have been awarded 'Gold' in the category of Revenue-Producing Video," Kragel said. "While I am the producer and did the grunt work, full credit for the award goes to Morgan Schmidt and his crew from Creative Media and Technology here on campus, including Greg Olson and Paul Hildebrandt.
"They provided the video magic that tells the story of Chico State men's and women's basketball for the 2019-2020 season."
NACMA's Group III designation represents all NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA, junior college and Canadian institutions.
NACMA presented awards in 16 different categories. The Revenue-Producing Video award was one of four categories which, following the NACMA Awards committee determination of the top finalists, was voted upon by the organization's entire membership.
"It's great for all eyes to be looking at Chico State," Kragel said.
"Recognition by professional peers is always rewarding," Chico State Athletic Director Anita Barker added. "This award is particularly significant because it represents the collaborative spirit we enjoy at Chico State. We so appreciate the support we receive from our friends in Creative Media and Technology. Congratulations to all".
Initiated in 2003, the NACMA "Best Of" Awards program honors outstanding achievement in marketing and promotions. The 16 award categories are divided into three groups based upon school size and conference affiliations to promote fairness. In 2019-20, nearly 900 entries were submitted through the NACMA community.
Chico State and the rest of the "Best Of" winners were recognized during the 2020 NACMA Virtual Awards Ceremony on May 27.
