The Northwest Indiana Oilmen of the Midwest Collegiate League have named Brandon Vickrey their Director of Communications. Vickrey’s new role will include play-by-play broadcasting and public relations.
Vickrey has been a part of the Oilmen organization since the team’s inaugural season, serving as a broadcasting and media relations intern the past two years.
“I am looking so forward to expanding my role with the Oilmen,” Vickrey said. “My preparation for the 2014 season is already underway. I cannot wait to be back in the broadcasting booth on opening day.”
Vickrey is a graduate of Portage High School and a Valparaiso University digital media major. He previously served as the coverage team coordinator for Ideas in Motion Media and is currently a radio producer for 89.1 FM The Lakeshore.
“My first two seasons with the Oilmen have been a great learning experience,” Vickrey said. “I learned a lot from the people that I have worked with over the last two years that I will apply in my new role. I am proud to be a part of a first-class organization like the Northwest Indiana Oilmen. I look forward to continuing to work with Oilmen owner Don Popravak, who is a class act.”
Vickrey’s duties will begin immediately with writing press releases, maintaining the team’s website and updating the team’s social media outlets throughout the offseason.
The Northwest Indiana Oilmen have found success in each of their first two seasons, reaching the Midwest Collegiate League Championship in both 2012 and 2013. Manager Justin Huisman led the team to the league title in its inaugural season. The Oilmen fell to the Southland Vikings in the 2013 MCL Championship Series.
In each of their first two seasons, the Oilmen roster has featured many local players that attended high school in Northwest Indiana before going on to play baseball in the collegiate ranks. The organization plans to continue that trend in 2014.
“Working for the Oilmen is a perfect fit for me because I grew up in Northwest Indiana and have always had a passion for following and covering athletes from the Region,” Vickrey said. “This gives me the unique opportunity to cover players that I previously followed throughout their high school careers.”