COLUMBUS, Ohio – Capital University Athletics has built a strong relationship with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission over the years in several capacities such as hosting large scale events, participating in event management, volunteering and more. Most recently, it was announced that the two entities would team up once again to host the 2026 Men's and Women's Soccer Division III National Championships at Historic Crew Stadium. 

Now, that relationship will continue to flourish in a new way as Capital Athletics alumni become more heavily involved in the leadership of the Sports Commission. 

In 2024, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission (GCSC) implemented an Emerging Leaders Board that provides a collaborative opportunity for early to mid-career professionals with an introductory experience aimed to educate members on general board responsibilities and further develop leadership skills. Members can volunteer for Sports Commission events, participate in the organization's activities and attend business and social meetings hosted by the group.  The board assists the Sports Commission in its mission to win sporting events, provide a singular athlete and fan experience and positively impact the image, economy and lifestyle of Columbus. 

"The Emerging Leaders Board is comprised of passionate and diverse advocates of early to mid-career professionals, that share an interest in the City of Columbus and support the Greater Columbus Sports Commission's vision to create a top sports destination," stated Dawn Stewart, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Sports Commission. "The Emerging Leaders Board provides a collaborative networking opportunity to professionals while also providing an introductory experience aimed to educate members on general board responsibilities and further develop leadership skills." 

As the Sports Commission welcomed its inaugural class of Emerging Leaders Board members, two Capital alumni were featured in that group – Colin Wiggins and Matt Spitz. Wiggins is a 2010 Capital graduate who studied Marketing and played on the men's soccer team for four years. Spitz is a 2008 graduate with a degree in Public Relations and four years of playing football in the Purple and White under his belt. What's more, the GCSC staff member working closely with the Board is Dawn Stewart, former Athletic Director of Capital University from 2008-2012. Stewart was at the helm of the Capital athletic department as both Wiggins and Spitz completed their collegiate playing careers.

"Curiosity, first and foremost," said Wiggins when asked about his motivation to join the board. "I had always been interested in serving on a Board, and given my background in sports, this opportunity to join felt too good to pass up!"

Spitz's involvement and interest in the position dates back to his time at Capital as he volunteered for the Frozen Four hosted in Columbus during his senior year at Cap.

"I love sports, and not only was I serving behind the scenes at a major sporting event, I caught a vision for the economic impact that events of this caliber have on our city," stated Spitz when discussing his interest in the position. "Columbus is a top tier host city with a future growth trajectory that would rival any city in America. I wanted to join this board to be a part of the excellent network of young professionals, to give effort towards the GCSC as they continue to bid and host major sporting events, and to challenge myself to continue to grow as a professional."

After a year of serving alongside the inaugural class of Emerging Leaders, both Wiggins and Spitz sought out further leadership opportunities. At the beginning of 2025, it was announced by the Sports Commission that Wiggins would serve the Emerging Leaders Board as the Chair, supported by Spitz who would serve as Vice Chair. Each of these leadership positions are two-year terms and the Vice Chair will transition to the Chair position after two years. 

"Matt and Colin were members of the inaugural class of Emerging Leaders – serving in year two of a three-year term," continued Stewart when referring to the appointment of Wiggins and Spitz to leadership roles. "They were nominated by their Emerging Leadership peers to serve in these special roles. Both Colin and Matt have a passion for serving others, and I am excited by their willingness to support this incredible group of professionals by setting goals for establishing initiatives that will not only support the efforts of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission but ultimately our wonderful city."

Wiggins, who is the Director of Marketing for Perio, Inc. (Barbasol Brands), says he thrives on the talent around him and uses that drive to pursue leading the Board. 

"Personally, I was very excited to serve our board," said Wiggins. "I get really fired up when I see a lot of talent in one room, so it was a bit of a no-brainer for a chance to help connect and guide this group. I am very fortunate that the board and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission placed their faith in our team, and we are going to work tirelessly to repay that faith."

Spitz currently provides leadership for a non-profit organization in Columbus called SEARCH that works to provide a safe space for people of differing worldviews to have discussions about the big questions of life and faith. 

With a leadership background, Spitz is eager to continue serving the next generation in this work on the Emerging Leaders Board. "I would fall into the mid-career demographic for the Board, and my primary motivation to apply, interview, and ultimately accept this leadership position is to serve the next generation of influencers in our city," Spitz said. 

As the Emerging Leaders Board – who just welcomed nine more members in 2025 – continues to take shape and enter its second year of existence, it will be up to the leadership of Wiggins, Spitz, and others to help establish the path forward. 

"Number one, we are seeking to provide absolute clarity on our mission," stated Wiggins. "After that, its service. We want to serve our Board members and our community. We will accomplish that in a number of exciting ways, so make sure everyone is tuned into the Greater Columbus Sports Commission's social handles to see all the great things we'll be working on in 2025 and beyond!"

"As the vice chair, my primary responsibilities will be to support Colin as he sets the vision and direction for our emerging leaders, attend the parent board meetings, and be a positive mouthpiece and recruiter for both the Emerging Leaders Board and GCSC Advisory Board," continued Spitz.

Along with the work required to be a part of the Emerging Leaders Board, both Wiggins and Spitz talked highly of the opportunities and looked back on two incredible moments since joining the Board. 

"Volunteering at the Community Youth Camp last year was special" stated Wiggins. "I would encourage anyone who is able and willing to get involved with this initiative – it's what we're all about." 

"As the Board was taking shape, I had the privilege of attending the 2023 first and second round March Madness games that were hosted at Nationwide Arena," continued Spitz on talking about the memorable opportunities that come with his involvement in the Board. "I absolutely loved the opportunity for our city to host the event and the atmosphere was incredible. I was in the building when #16 Fairleigh Dickinson beat #1 Purdue!"

Both Wiggins and Spitz are in the midst of their second year on the Emerging Leaders Board and will continue to fulfill their three-year terms by serving in their respective roles as Chair and Vice Chair. Spitz will then continue as Chair at the conclusion of his tenure as Vice Chair. With sort of a blank canvas in front of them, both Wiggins and Spitz are looking forward to the growth of the Board and the growth of sports in Columbus. 

"Man, I'm excited to see where we can grow and take this thing," said Wiggins as he reflected on what excites him moving forward. "We're embracing all the positive attributes that young professionals inherently have: fearless innovation, hunger to succeed and a 'why not' attitude. It's going to be fun seeing how the Board continues to elevate and evolve throughout the years."

"Our leadership team has already begun working on setting the direction for our board and our member's experiences," exclaimed Spitz as he looked toward the future. "I am so thankful for the opportunity to develop new relationships in our community and to leverage my position to help our current and new members not only have a phenomenal experience but also to take their right next step personally and professionally."

As Wiggins and Spitz continue to ready themselves for their tasks at hand with the Board, the Capital community will continue to rally around and support them in this endeavor.  The experiences of Wiggins and Spitz will also serve as an example of what is possible as alumni of Capital University to the next generation of Capital students. 

"A big congratulations to both Colin and Matt for their selections to the Emerging Leaders Board," stated current Capital University Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Darrell Bailey. "It is inspiring for our student-athletes to see Capital Alumni showing off their commitment to excellence and support for the next set of leaders. I know they will represent the University and themselves well in their new roles, and I am excited to see what comes next."

Capital University and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission will remain partners striving to work together in an effort to keep Columbus as a top-tier sports city. The involvement of Capital Athletics' staff, students and alumni will simply continue to be an integral part in helping in this effort. 

To learn more about the Greater Columbus Sports Commission visit their 'About Us' section on their website.