August 30, 2012
NAIT alum creates unique Ooks app
NAIT has launched Alberta’s first-ever app dedicated to college and university sports – just in time for the start of the new athletics season and the institute’s 50th anniversary year. The free app delivers Ooks results, team schedules, game day reminders, fan rewards and more.
“We’re very excited to offer this app to students, staff and all Ooks fans free of charge,” said Jordan Richie, marketing and communications officer with NAIT Athletics and Recreation. “NAIT is fielding some very competitive teams this season, and we want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to follow their progress and get to the games.”
The idea to create an Ooks app came from NAIT alumnus and computer industry veteran Lyle Mozak (Electronics Engineering Technology, 1968), who owns Edmonton-based APPS Developer DOT ca Inc. He played centre for the ’67 and ’68 Ooks hockey teams and still regularly joins Ooks alum for skates at the NAIT arena on Saturdays during the winter. After skating, he often stays to watch the evening Ooks hockey game. He was struck by the high-calibre play, and wanted to help get more people into the stands. With a roster of clients including businesses, publications, festivals and more, Mozak sees apps as an ideal way to grab the attention of an audience on the go.
“An athletic department mobile app was a clear cut way to engage and connect with the students and sports fans,” Mozak said.
The app was launched in April, with an updated version released in June. This season will be the first where the app is fully functional with updated content. It’s available on the Apple and Android formats, in the iTunes store and at Google Play.
“This is a mobile extension of our website,” explained Richie. “As the season gets underway, we will be pushing out relevant, real-time information through the app, including game day reminders and results.”
As well, starting in October, app users will receive QR codes that can be redeemed like vouchers for Ooks merchandise and concession specials at games. Also, a rewards program will outfit loyal fans with Ooks-related gear thanks to a feature that tracks attendance.
NAIT has 12 sports teams, playing more than 200 games this year. Regular season play gets underway Sept. 8, when the men’s and women’s teams take on their MacEwan University counterparts at home.
Visit NAIT’s Flicker page for photos and screenshots.
About NAIT
NAIT is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science, technology and the environment, business, health care and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. NAIT enrolled its first students - 29 communication electrician apprentices - in 1962 and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
For more information, please contact:
Jordan Richey
NAIT Athletics and Recreation
Marketing and Communications
P 780.471.7579 E jrichey@nait.ca
Lyle Mozak
CEO, APPS Developer DOT ca Inc.
C 780.920.2763 E lyle@appsdeveloper.ca
Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca