Sports have been central in Ashton Church’s life ever since he started playing t-ball at age 3. As he grew, he progressed to playing other sports and became a fan of ESPN’s Sportscenter.
At ONU, Ashton majored in sport management in the Dicke College of Business Administration. Upon graduation, he landed a position as the clubhouse/team manager for the collegiate summer baseball team, the Bristol State Liners, based in Bristol, Tenn.
Ashton’s interest in the business side of sports started with a part-time job with the Johnson City Cardinals (Tennessee), the rookie-affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals. Johnson City’s general manager encouraged him to consider a sport management degree.
After checking out ONU’s program, Ashton felt drawn to the family-like atmosphere.
“I come from a small town, and ONU felt like home,” he said. “And ONU’s sport management program is a rapidly growing space that offered so many opportunities to get your foot in the door.”
Ashton also played football at ONU. Some of his favorite college memories—and toughest challenges—he found on the gridiron. “College football at any level is not easy,” he said. “I leaned on my faith in God and talked to my family often because they pushed me to my fullest potential.”
As a Polar Bear, Ashton had the opportunity to work in the football team's equipment room, which solidified his interest in equipment management. Additionally, he engaged in internships at the Johnson City Doughboys and the Toledo Walleye/Mud Hens sports organizations.
Ashton was also one of a few select students to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Business. He was a Bear Ambassador and Good News Bear, helping with orientation, Welcome Weekend and tours for prospective students.
“ONU allows students to grow beyond bounds," he said. "I never felt limited as to what I could do; I was encouraged by my peers, professors, and the overall environment at ONU and Ada to become the best version of myself."