Sports Media Production Gives Cort Koss ’21 Chance for Second Degree
The Texas native has immersed himself in Manhattan College’s sports media production program.
When he and his wife moved from Texas to New York in 2018, Cort Koss ’21 had already been considering a career change.
Koss, 30, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Texas and eventually worked in the restaurant industry in Texas and in New York City for six years.
“I knew I wanted to do something in communications,” Koss said. He researched programs in the New York metro area and ultimately became intrigued by the sports media production program Manhattan College began in 2019.
Koss is one of more than a dozen Manhattan College students that produce live broadcasts for the Jaspers’ NCAA Division I athletics events, and announce and produce pre-packaged segments to air during those contests. Koss has primarily served as a camera operator during games, under the watchful eye of producer/director Joe Ruggiero.
“I really enjoy the live aspect of it,” Koss explained. “All the people in the crew are fantastic, and Joe is a great teacher. It’s empowering. Everyone on the gameday crew has learned something in particular and grown with it.”
Koss is also a regular DJ at WRCM, Manhattan College’s online radio station. He hopes to cover more Manhattan College teams through his radio show, and potentially a podcast in the near future.
“Cort already has proven his capability by working in several production positions for men's and women's basketball games, and he is planning on working professionally in the New York City market,” said Michael Grabowski, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Manhattan College communication, sound and media arts department. “It’s a testament to the quality of the program that we are attracting students who already graduated to come back to school and obtain skills in this unique program.”
In addition to his work in the sports media production program, Koss has also enjoyed his classes in history with Nefertiti Takla, Ph.D., and philosophy with David Bollert, Ph.D.
“The faculty here are tremendous and really interesting people,” Koss said. “This has been the best experience of my life except for meeting my wife and marrying her. I didn’t really know what to do with my life before and now I get to dedicate my life to this. I’ve never been happier.”