Bluffton University

Working a bowl game

12/06/2024

Angel Velasco Urbina was one of three HCAC student athletes to attend professional development presentations and then gain event management experience during the game.

Embracing opportunities for growth

Angel Velasco Urbina ’25, an exercise science major from Lexington, Ky., was one of three student-athletes chosen by the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) to work an NCAA Division III football bowl game at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Through his involvement in Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Velasco Urbina was nominated by Bluffton faculty and staff, then selected by members of the HCAC to work the inaugural game of the Opendorse Forever Lawn Bowl between Hanover College and Wabash College. Velasco Urbina was able to gain experience with event management by helping with game day operations as well as with management of halftime entertainment. 

Along with working the game, Velasco Urbina was able to attend professional development presentations.  The presentations taught Velasco Urbina many ideas such as “building your own brand” and “it’s ok if your life plan doesn’t go how you want.” 

“This experience taught me to not to cut myself short. It’s easy to sit back and not do anything, but if you don’t take the extra step and put yourself out there, you can miss out on great experiences,” said Velasco Urbina. “I able to network with professionals and put my best foot forward to benefit my future career.” 

On campus, Velasco Urbina is heavily involved in many organizations. Velasco Urbina said in high school he was not involved in many organizations, however, Bluffton changed that for him. Along with being vice president of SAAC, Velasco Urbina is a resident advisor, president’s ambassador, Becoming a Scholar (BAS) mentor, delegate for multicultural student organization (MSO), social media coordinator for ReviveU, member of the men’s soccer team and a former J. Denny Beaver mascot performer. 

“With Bluffton being such a small campus, it allowed me to easily get involved in many different organizations,” said Velasco Urbina. “These organizations allowed me to find a sense of purpose for helping others. I now find myself volunteering my time to help others or attending events and representing our university, which I see as an opportunity for learning and growth.” 

After graduating from Bluffton, Velasco Urbina would like to further his education at University of Kentucky and earn his Master of Science in Athletic Training. Although this is his ideal plan, Velasco Urbina said he will always be open to new opportunities and possibilities that may arise.  

“One of the presentations at the Hall of Fame taught me that plans can change and open you up to new opportunities,” said Velasco Urbina. “My plan might not go the way I want it, but that’s ok.”