Nicholls State director of media relations Brandon Rizzuto is leaving the University to take a position with the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League.Rizzuto was hired by the University in 2006 and is in his fifth year with the University.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with the VooDoo,” Rizzuto said. “My time with Nicholls has undoubtedly been a rewarding experience. I’m very grateful for the University and realize that I would not be where I am today without them.”
Rizzuto will begin working with the VooDoo on Monday, Nov. 15; however, he will be back in Thibodaux to work the final football game of the 2010 season on Thursday, Nov. 18 when the Colonels host Southeastern La.
“We are very excited about Brandon joining our staff. He brings a high level of energy and comes highly recommended by many of his peers,” New Orleans VooDoo owner Dan Newman said. “Before he accepted the position with our organization, Brandon asked if he could finish football season at Nicholls. Being around college athletics and understanding the workload, time and effort that goes into sports information, we easily obliged to his request.”
Rizzuto accumulated seven citations of excellence in writing between CoSIDA and the LSWA, including ‘Best Release’ in the 2009 LSWA writing contest over his time period with Nicholls. He also earned a total of four awards for media guides from the LSWA, placing first twice.
In August 2006, Rizzuto was the youngest director of media relations for Athletics in the nation at 21 years old.
“Brandon has done an exceptional job, and he will be missed by our coaches and student-athletes. Brandon has always maintained a ‘can do’ attitude in duties, and it is reflected in his job performance,” Nicholls athletic director Rob Bernardi said. “Certainly, the VooDoo’s gain is our loss. I certainly wish him the best of luck.”
Rizzuto holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of New Orleans and is a graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School.
“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a lot of great people, and have had the chance to witness a lot of historical moments in Colonel history,” Rizzuto said. “Nicholls will forever have a very special place in my heart.
