Lastoria Named New Lee Sports Information Director

Friday, July 14, 2017

Carman Lastoria

Athletic Director Larry Carpenter has named Carman Lastoria the new Sports Information Director for Lee University.

Lastoria previously served as the Assistant Sports Information Director over the last five years under the direction of George Starr. In that role he worked to develop and grow the athletic department's social media brand while creating weekly video content highlighting the Flames and Lady Flames.

In addition to those duties he wrote press releases, game recaps, and handled statistics and Public Address announcing for several sports.

Lastoria also oversaw the implementation of the Lee Flames Hot Spot App, which rewards fans for attending home athletic events and hosted a weekly radio program highlighting Lee Athletics.

"I'm incredibly honored and humbled to take this next step in my professional career," Lastoria said. "I could never adequately express in words my deep appreciation and admiration for George Starr. It has been one of the greatest blessings in my life to work under him over these past five seasons. His guidance and direction have helped shape me both professionally and personally in profound ways.

I would like to thank Dr. Conn and Coach Carpenter for affording me this incredible opportunity. I look forward to continuing the great tradition of the Lee Sports Information Department and sharing the incredible stories and accomplishments that our student athletes, coaches, and programs achieve each and every season."

Lastoria graduated from Lee in 2008 and served as a youth and associate pastor in Chattanooga for four years prior to joining the Lee Athletic Staff. He and his wife Shalee, a 2005 and 2009 graduate of Lee, reside in Cleveland with their beautiful sixth-month old baby girl, Bexley.

"Carman has been an integral part of our Sports Information Department for several years. He is a tireless worker who loves Lee University and especially Lee Athletics," said Carpenter. "He understands the role this office plays in the success of our Athletic Department and will do an outstanding job as our new director."

Michael Colander will take over as the Assistant Sports Information Director. Colander spent the previous two years as a graduate assistant in sports information focusing on athletic media.

He graduated with his Masters of Business Administration from Lee this past May. As an undergraduate student he worked closely with Dr. Jeff Salyer in the school's communications department and graduated in May 2015 with his Bachelor's degree in Digital Media.

"I am excited to have Michael join us in a full time capacity," added Carpenter. "He has a lot of creative ideas and has enhanced our video and social media presence tremendously in a short period of time."

Colander will continue to focus his efforts on video production, graphics, and social media content. In addition to those duties he will oversee the live streaming of every home athletic event.

"I'm excited to begin my professional career at a place that has meant so much to me over the last six years," said Colander. "I've developed some great relationships with the faculty and staff here and I look forward to continuing to grow the Lee University Athletics brand, particularly through our video and social media platforms."