Behind the scenes: How Jim Duzyk shapes the story of Duquesne Athletics

By Winnie Vincent

PITTSBURGH – On game days, while fans focus on the action on the court, much of what makes a college athletics program run consistently smooth happens behind the scenes.  

Jim Duzyk works behind the scenes at his desk, handling media and communication for Duquesne athletics. 

For Jim Duzyk, associate athletic director for strategic communications at Duquesne athletics, that work is constant. From writing game previews to coordinating media coverage, his role helps form how the university’s 19 athletic programs are presented to the public.  

“We basically are the public relations arm of the athletic department,” Duzyk said.  

Duzyk and his staff are responsible for promoting every team from men’s and women’s basketball to lacrosse, bowling, and soccer. Their work includes writing recaps and previews, updating and tracking statistics, and maintaining the department’s website, goduquesne.  

“One of the most important jobs, in my opinion, is the historical aspect of what we do,” Duzyk said. “Just keeping track of records and making sure that the history of a department isn’t lost.”  

That close attention to detail becomes vitally important on game days, especially for men’s basketball, one of the university’s most recognizable programs. Duzyk prepares game notes, works with radio and television crews, and makes sure all information used during broadcasts is accurate.  

Throughout the game, he helps manage updates, making sure key moments and scores are shared with fans in real time. After the final buzzer, his work doesn’t stop but continues with post-game press conferences, writing recaps for the university’s website, and statistics distribution.  

Aside from technical responsibilities, Duzyk said his role is centered around telling the stories of student athletes.  

“Our job is to try to bring what our kids are about a little bit closer to the fans,” he said. “If you can tell a story that shows what a kid is about, that makes people want to come back and see us again.”  

That storytelling usually comes from building relationships with athletes and understanding their journeys, whether it's a four-year player setting records, a freshman, or a transfer working back from injury.  

Duzyk said some of the easiest stories to tell come from the players with unique careers or ones that have a long-term impact on a program. This past season, he pointed to men’s basketball player David Dixon as an example.  

Dixon, who spent all four years at Duquesne, set the program’s record for games played and part of one of the most successful stretches in team history.  

“For me, that was an easy one,” Duzyk said, noting that long-term players have become rarer in college athletics due to the transfer portal.  

He also said that while star players often receive attention, telling the stories of role players or athletes overcoming obstacles can be just as important.  

Duzyk also looks beyond statistics when finding stories. Players returning from injuries or working their way into larger roles can add a meaningful narrative that resonates with fans and possibly brings more attention to the program.  

Duzyk’s impact is also seen in the people he works with.  

Trey Staunch, who worked with Duzyk at Robert Morris before joining him at Duquesne, said his leadership style is combined with demanding and relaxing.  

“He is very laid back,” Staunch said. “He lets you do your work at your own pace, but he also has an expectation that you have to meet.”  

That balance, Staunch said, forms a work environment built on accountability and trust. When Duzyk decided to join Duquesne, he brought Staunch with him. A decision, Staunch said, meant a great deal to him.  

“Having a boss who has that much faith in me – that I made enough of an impact for him to bring me here – that says everything,” Staunch said.  

Staunch added that Duzyk’s leadership goes beyond assigning tasks and instead focuses on building relationships. 

“You don’t really even see him as a boss,” Staunch said. “You know the expectations when you show up, but he builds that trust where you feel comfortable doing your work.”  

Behind the scenes, Staunch said tons of  Duzyk’s work tend to go unnoticed.  

 “He takes care of a lot of the nitty-gritty work that people don’t see,” Staunch said. “He’s the one making sure everything is up to date.” 

This attention to detail is one of the qualities that stands out the most.  

“If you need an answer for something, it’s going to be in his release or in his game notes,” Staunch said. “That’s what separates him.”  

Staunch said working with Duzyk has helped him improve his own approach, mostly when it comes to digging deeper into information and statistics.  

“The more attention to detail you have, the better product you’re to put out.” Staunch said.  

Duzyk’s leadership is also noticeable in how he works with his staff on a daily basis.  

Jacob Davey, who works alongside Duzyk in Duquesne athletics, said he brings a balance of positivity and professionalism to the department.  

“Jim is a great leader for our department,” Davey said. “He consistently offers guidance and support whenever questions arise.”  

Davey said Duzyk’s collaborative approach lets staff members have input while still continuing with clear expectations. 

“He’s very collaborative, seeking input from Trey and me,” he said. “He brings a lighthearted, positive energy that makes the work environment enjoyable.”  

Much of Duzyk’s work, Davey added, happens outside of public view.  

“His work often begins when the game ends,” Davey said. “He puts in a tremendous amount of effort outside of the spotlight to ensure everything runs smoothly.”  

The pairing of professionalism and consistency have made a powerful impression.  

“He’s someone many look up to in the profession,” Davey said. “He’s widely respected for his dedication and consistency.”  

Through working with Duzyk, Davey said he has attained a better understanding of the significance of promoting student-athletes.  

“I’ve learned a great deal from Jim, especially about his passion for promoting student-athletes and supporting their success both on and off the field,” he said.  

Duzyk’s path to Duquesne began at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he studied communications and worked for the student newspaper. He later gained experience in minor league baseball before arriving at the college athletics field.  

He spent more than two decades at Robert Morris before joining Duquesne in 2023, bringing years of experience in media relations and athletic communications.  

For students interested in the field, Duzyk emphasized the importance of gaining experience early in their careers.  

“You’ve got to get involved,” he said. “That’s what’s going to set you apart when it comes time to get your first job,” 

He also stressed the importance of strong writing and editing skills, which remain essential for his work.  

“Writing and editing are two things that are, to me, super important,” Duzyk said. 

For Duzyk, the job goes beyond media coverage and statistics.   

“It’s art, what it is,” he said. “What the guys and girls do on their respective playing field – that's art. And what we do is art, too.”  

Behind every game, heading, and highlight, Duzyk’s work helps tell the story that fans ultimately see.