Lobel anchors college of sports knowledge

Nearly 40 years after graduating from the University of Vermont with a master’s degree in education, longtime sportscaster Bob Lobel is back on a college campus as the “Sports Journalist-In-Residence” at Salem State University.Lobel has more than 30 years of experience in sports media on his resume, and is best known for his many years as the sports anchor at WBZ-TV.Now he finds himself discussing controversial issues in sports with college students, taking part in a class on sports and ethics class and another on sports and public relations course at Salem. In his second semester in his new role at the university, Lobel says he’s comfortable being back in the classroom.?I feel right at home,” he said. “Most of the people I worked with in television were younger. I’m just observing and watching things develop. I chime in when I need to.”Lobel, 71, says it’s been a challenge keeping up with the subjects discussed in class. That’s when Lobel finds himself doing his homework. One of his classes recently discussed violence in sports.?I have to go through the textbook to see what everyone’s going to talk about,” he said. “I’m not unfamiliar with violence in sports but it’s been a long time since I read about it other than in newspapers.”He adds that he makes an effort to be current by catching up with all the information he already knows. Lobel stays up to date with sports stories by downloading apps on his iPhone.As far as working with the students, Lobel enjoys the atmosphere of the classes he sits in on. He is impressed by the students he works with in his classes.?I wouldn’t say the classes are informal but it seems like the students are cool and collected and they’re having fun,” Lobel says. “They bring their ?A’ game and you can tell they’re quality kids. I just like hanging around with them.”He also enjoys the perks of hearing students refer to him with a moniker of respect reserved for the classroom.?I think it’s pretty cool that they call me ?professor’ around here,” Lobel says with a smile. “All of a sudden I’ve jumped from ?Bob’ to ?Professor’. I think it’s pretty funny.”Connor Marc-Aurele, a junior at Salem State, says Lobel brings a different mindset to the classroom that makes his Sports and Ethics class unique. It’s helpful having someone like Lobel bring a sports media background to class discussions, he said.?Professor Lobel has the experience of being a media member so he gives us a real spin on what we touch on in class,” Marc-Aurele says. “It creates a unique environment to be a part of.”Carrie Berger, who teaches the Sports and Ethics course, has been working with Lobel this semester. Her students have appreciated hearing Lobel’s perspectives and opinions in class, she said.?He shares very interesting stories that took place during his professional career,” Berger said. “It’s a pleasure working with Bob and a great learning experience for the students at Salem State University.”As for his future at Salem State, Lobel says he enjoys being able to work with professors and hopes to maintain that format.?I really like teaching with someone else,” Lobel says. “If I was doing radio, I’d always want to be on with somebody else. I think I’m better in a reacting situation as opposed to a leading situation.”Now that he’s at Salem State, Lobel’s career is coming full-circle.?I’m basically switching careers,” he adds, “I went to college to be a teacher or a college administrator. Now, all of a sudden, I’ve switched directions and 40 years later I’m back in college.”From that experience, Lobel offers a piece of advice to his students. He says that it’s all about preparing for a multitude of options.?Keep all your options open,” Lobel says. “I prepared for a career and something else happened. It’s all about keeping your options open and it’d be nice to stay humble.”Harold Rivera may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @h_rivera21.