COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Ohio State Department of Athletics announced Thursday the Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing performance and supporting championship-level success across its 36 varsity sports.
This new internal resource will unite a cross-functional team of athletics department administrators to drive strategic planning, optimize data-driven decision-making, and foster collaboration across teams.
“The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will equip our coaches with more information, context and clarity to make even better decisions,” said Shaun Richard, Deputy Athletics Director. “We already have the best sports science team that equips our coaches with data on training, recovery, and performance. This unit will work in tandem with our sports scientists, as well as our business and NIL strategy teams, to give coaches additional data and actionable insights.”
OSU is expected to speak to the media at 1 p.m. this afternoon. You can watch live in the player below.
The center will focus on areas such as recruiting, scheduling, resource allocation, and roster construction. Projects may include analyzing traits and trends from high school that indicate college success and determining the ideal team roster composition with the addition of new Big Ten members.
“The intelligence and strategy we’re providing will enhance our coaches’ ability to make critical decisions by giving them the most relevant and timely information available – so they can maintain a competitive edge in every aspect of their programs,” Richard added.
Ohio State coaches have expressed support for the initiative.
“As coaches at Ohio State, we know the difference between winning and losing often comes down to the smallest details,” said Tom Ryan, national champion wrestling coach. “The Center for Sports Intelligence & Strategy will uncover subtle patterns and insights that will give our teams a competitive edge.”
Athletics Director Ross Bjork emphasized the center’s role in reinforcing Ohio State’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
“As the competitive landscape continues to evolve, the intelligence and strategy provided will serve as an additional resource to ensure sustained success across all 36 sports,” he said.
The center will be led by Shaun Richard, with Matt Bartlebaugh and Makena Alexakos playing key roles in its operations.
Retirement Announcements
OSU also announced the retirements of two athletics departments mainstays.
Associate Athletics Director/Communication Jerry Emig will retire in March 2026 and Senior Deputy Director and Senior Women’s Administrator Janine Oman will retire in June 2026.
Emig is beginning his 23rd year at Ohio State and 33rd year in the sports information/communications field. His media relations and communications efforts for the football program will span 15 years, and he is in his seventh year with department-wide oversight. The ABC 6 Sports Department is wildly grateful for Emig’s efforts in making OSU players and coaches accessible.
Oman has dedicated nearly 30 years to Ohio State Athletics, beginning her journey as an assistant athletic trainer. Over the years, she rose to co-head athletic trainer and eventually took on the role of Senior Deputy Athletic Director. Along the way, she has overseen sport performance, compliance and SASSO, served as Senior Woman Administrator, worked as the sport administrator for men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, women’s ice hockey and rowing, and taken on countless responsibilities – all with unwavering dedication.