March 24, 2026
Two Ferris State Professional Sales Club members showcase talents in 2026 National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship
A pair of Ferris State University Professional Sales Club members are reflecting on their participation in the 2026 National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship, which was an opportunity to use their classroom knowledge against nationwide peers.
Ike Fillion and Benji Zorn competed amongst dozens of students from more than 60 universities across the U.S. in role-play sales presentations that were judged by professional sports executives. The two-day championship was coordinated by Baylor University and hosted by the Atlanta Hawks on Feb. 24 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Based on fall preliminary results, Ferris State entered the championship seeded No. 5 in Corporate Partnerships and No. 6 in Ticket Sales. Several originally qualified participants had accepted full-time positions outside the sports sales industry before the event and were therefore ineligible to compete under competition rules.
“What makes opportunities like this so valuable for Ferris State students is that it takes learning beyond the classroom,” said Jina Jackson Rockwell, lecturer for Marketing and Sales at Ferris State. “Through our Professional Sales program and the Ferris State Sales Club, students are constantly practicing the skills they're learning, but events like this give them the chance to apply those skills in a real, competitive environment alongside students from universities across the country.”
Zorn advanced to the Sweet 16 in the Corporate Partnerships division and finished ninth overall, losing to the top-ranked regional student. He was also recognized with a Fan Engagement Package, which included greeting NBA players in the tunnel before the Atlanta Hawks versus Washington Wizards game on Feb. 24.
Fillion competed in the Ticket Sales division. While he did not advance in the field of 64, his participation in additional events, including Speed Selling, contributed to Ferris State finishing 21st overall in the team standings.
Though he never anticipated taking part in an event like the NCSSC, Fillion said he was grateful to Rockwell for tapping him as one of the two students to compete at the national level. He described the experience as being “absolutely amazing” and was honored to see how the high the bar was set by the event organizers.
He also realized how critical an opportunity like this is to promote growth in his field of study, and how the experience can be applied in his professional career.
“I believe there are a lot of key takeaways from my time in Atlanta… Overall, being how eye-opening it is the sea all of the other competitors and network while learning from each other on how to be a successful business student,” Fillion said. “Another key takeaway is the experience from it: how I can practice more, what my strengths and weaknesses are, and how I can shape myself to be well-rounded.”
Rockwell noted that participating in the NCSSC continues to provide Bulldogs with valuable experiential learning opportunities, allowing them to apply professional sales skills in a competitive environment while engaging with industry professionals and recruiters.
“(The NCSSC opportunity) pushes them to think on their feet, connect with industry professionals, and gain confidence in their abilities. Experiences like this really reflect what Ferris State is all about: hands-on learning that prepares students to succeed,” Rockwell said.
The trip also provided an additional opportunity to reconnect with Ferris State Sales Club alumni now living in the Atlanta area. This included Amarr Blake, a 2021 graduate who now works in premium sales for the Atlanta Hawks, and 2025 graduate Deandre Brown, who works in media sales for Davis Broadcasting.