Multiple Baker University organizations are using social media websites, including Facebook<a href="http://www.facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, , Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/">Twitter</a>, , YouTube<a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> and and Flickr<a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. . Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
Wrestling coach Jimmy May uses networking sites to promote the wrestling program, recruit future athletes and update his statuses with occasional scripture.
MORE FROM THE SERIES
“Facebook is a huge tool for me,” May said. “I can learn a lot about a recruit by his Facebook page. There are no diamonds in the rough anymore through social media. We know who the real good kids are.”
Before using the Internet to recruit wrestlers, May would send envelopes through the mail to communicate to future athletes. This process could take days for a response, whereas today with social media and texting, May is able to communicate with anyone on his cell phone.
“Social media has been big for me,” May said. “It’s a network between athletes, a network between parents and a network between coaches.”
Since May began coaching at Baker four years ago, the wrestling team has grown each year. Starting with 43 participants his first year, the team has grown to 65 members this year, 35 above the typical team size, all through recruiting with the help of social media. Over the years, May “bombarded the internet” with information promoting Baker Wrestling as a brand, and in turn, was contacted by many interested athletes.
“I like big numbers,” May said. “In four years we’ve made a lot of noise. We let people know we exist.”
Both May and Baker University have over a thousand friends on their Facebook sites that help them connect with people from places all over.
