Nick Barajas
Hi, my name is Nick Barajas and I am a new intern here at the IPRA. Most of my work this summer will concern our project with the Western Open golf event at Cog Hill. I will primarily be focused on the volunteer coordination as well as scheduling and operations at the event.
I am 22 years old and recently graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a major in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism. I concentrated my studies in Sport Management and Business. Currently I reside in Batavia, Illinois. My parents, Tony and Barb, are both teachers in Aurora. I also have a younger brother, Nate, who just began his studies at the U of I as well.
In my spare time I enjoy playing golf, being active, watching my World Champion Chicago White Sox, and enjoying time with family and friends. Other hobbies of mine include doing almost any activity outdoors, traveling, and finance.
I look forward to a wonderful experience this summer and meeting as many people involved with the IPRA as possible!
Mark Baumann
Hi, my name is Mark Baumann. I am 22 years old and am currently finishing up my undergraduate at Illinois State University. My major is Park and Recreation Administration with a sequence in Commercial Recreation and I also have a minor in coaching. I have just started my internship with IPRA as the summer sports management intern. The main focus of my internship will be working with the Cialis Western Open and its volunteers along with various other events that IPRA works on throughout the summer.
I previously worked at the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department for two years prior to the internship as a youth sports coach in volleyball, basketball, and football. I also assisted with various special events throughout my employment there.
I was born and raised in Champaign, IL and I am a huge University of Illinois and St. Louis Cardinals fan. I have three brothers ages 25, 18, and 9. In high school I was a three sport varsity athlete in golf, basketball and baseball. In my spare time I am an avid golfer and enjoy playing basketball and watching major league baseball. I am living in the city on University of Illinois ChicagoÂs campus.
When I complete my internship with IPRA I plan on attending graduate school at Illinois State and getting my masters in sport management. I canÂt wait to work at the Western Open and all of the other various events. I will look forward to meeting everyone this summer and hope that I make a lasting impression on all of you.
Keep the IPRA Summer Interns busy and sign-up to volunteer for the Western Open! Nick and Mark are happy to help you out. Contact them at (630) 376-1911.