Sports
Sports Editor: Jeff Hart – J.R.Hart2@iup.edu
Former Editor-in-Chief is paving his own path JAKE TAYLOR
Staff Writer J.M.Taylor8@iup.edu @JakeTaylor8726
In-Between Media and ahead of the game, former Editor-in-Chief of The Penn and IUP alumnus, Seth Woolcock, is paving his own path. June 10, marked the launch of Woolcock’s website and business, In-Between Media. It is a fantasy football, life advice and understanding different points of view for personal reflection. To understand the meaning behind the idea, I got the chance to talk to Woolcock. His insight is something I value personally. He has given me opportunities at IUP that have prepared me for my career in ways many others do not have. His drive to take charge and do things he feels is best gives him an edge. His ability to recognize individuals’ passion and create an avenue for them to express that passion is admirable. “I believe that most of our lives are spent from getting to A and B,” Woolcock said when asked about the inspiration for the content. “I think that we should enjoy the in-between, even if it doesn’t go the way we exactly planned. “I overcame a lot of adversity in my youth. I felt I gained a lot of life knowledge and self-perspec-
tive that I could share with others. I also, through reading Matthew Berry’s love/hate columns growing up, found a style of writing that I could combine it with my columns. I wanted to write meaningful content, the type that could change someone’s life and maybe inspire someone else to pick up a pen one day.” Woolcock has always had this desire. In the words of the great American author Napolean Hill, “The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat.” This mindset is rare, and only the shepherds of modern-day society understand. Desire will overcome adversity, and Woolcock personifies this idea. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many obstacles for the population. The men and women who have understood this setback and made an opportunity from it will thrive for a long time. This is exactly how In-Between Media was conceived. The idea had been in Woolcock’s head months before the pandemic, but he did not have enough time to develop the idea. Getting furloughed was a blessing in disguise for him. Due to this newfound time, he began to put
all his effort into making his brainchild a reality. “I knew then that I would never have this amount of time again in my life,” he said. “So, I spent midApril to June 10 building In-Between Media.” A saying that I repeat to myself on a daily basis is, “Let him who merits the palm bare it.” Meaning, he who works for it earns it. Woolcock understands this philosophy as he was hired by The Center of Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology at Penn State. Looking back on the rollercoaster that has been 2020, Woolcock reflected by saying, “Overall, 2020 has been so destructive to the world as we knew it. However, for me, I see it as just one more curveball life as thrown at us, and I’ve just done my best to make the most of it.” He would not be where he is at today without his experience and time at IUP. When asked how his time here has helped him, Woolcock did not hold back the importance of this time in his life. “My time at The Penn provided me with needed confidence in both myself as a leader and my creative vision,” he said. Woolcock participated in many extra-curricular activities and made professional relationships with staff and faculty.
“I also worked closely with Dr. Erick Lauber throughout my time at IUP,” he said. “It gave me so much experience at building a business and platform from the ground up. It was an invaluable educational opportunity.” IUP offers many great opportunities for the go-getters, and Woolcock is just that. “I came to IUP knowing I wanted to be a writer,” he said, “but the journalism and public relations department taught me how to write professionally and apply it to all communication formats from writing a column to posting a story in a tweet. The communications media department also was huge in helping me with photography and design skills that are applied to In-Between Media.” Looking at In-Between Media and Woolcock’s mindset, the possibilities seem endless. “Right now, we have columns coming out Tuesday-Saturday, and a Podcast episode coming out every Wednesday and a Sunday Brunch video series every Sunday morning before kickoff,” he said. “Next year, I hope to have more of the same, feel-good life advice, intertwined with fantasy sports,” he said in regard to the future of his business. “However, in the short term, I’d love to get someone writing specifically for super
flex, or IDP leagues. Long term, the goal is eventually to turn a profit from it. But as long as we’re making a difference purely with the kind of content we’re creating, I’ll be happy.” Lastly, I asked him to name everyone who has helped him and currently still is on his journey. “There could be a whole book of everyone who has helped me along this journey,” Woolcock said humbly. “I definitely have to thank all of my friends, some of my oldest ones, and the ones I met at IUP, who have helped me in so many aspects of my life. “My girlfriend is also a communications professional, so having similar passions and having her to bounce ideas around with and talk through stuff has always been a huge blessing. All my faculty from IUP, Erick Lauber, Randy Jesick, Laurie Miller, Michelle Papakie, Rachel Fox, and Laith Zurakait just to name a few. And all of my former colleagues too. I had amazing staff to work with at The Penn, a lot of who I still am great friends and colleagues with today, and an amazing advisor in Mo Zukic there. “Now, I have the amazing staff of Nate Polvogt, Jen Polvogt, and former Penn Editors, Chris Hayes, Elliot Hicks, and Ally Mansfield and her husband, Tom Cuda.”
(In-Between Media)
18
October 21, 2020
Sports
