Unique Skill is an Athletic Fit

COLUMBIA – What does it take to audit line after line of numbers, through page after page, stack upon stack?

It takes a knack for data and a devotion to MU Tiger athletics.

Philip Brooks has both, which makes a winning combination for a job with the University of Missouri Athletic Department. Philip works in the compliance section with a staff that makes sure coaches follow strict NCAA rules at all times.

One of his tasks is to scrutinize monthly telephone records to ensure that the only students receiving text messages from coaches are those who have already signed to attend the University of Missouri. Text messages to prospective students are forbidden.

Philip understands the importance of the task he performs in an office cubicle at the Mizzou Arena: “We try to keep everybody out of trouble.”

It can be a daunting task. Mitzi Clayton, assistant athletics director for compliance, notes that in one recent month alone, coaches sent 40,000 text messages. “It’s our job to make sure those text messages aren’t sent to recruits,” she says.

She knows she can count on Philip. “He does a phenomenal job. He’s just so keen on lists.”

Philip went to work for the MU Athletic Department in the summer of 2008, with the help of the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, which provides diagnostic, assessment and treatment services for children, youth and young adults.

Dr. Cristi Ford at that time was coordinator of Integrated Support Services for Young Adults at the Thompson Center, working with clients and university departments to find good employment matches. After discerning Philip’s interests and skills, she contacted the Athletic Department.

“I reached out to them and said, ‘Hey, I have this really phenomenal client. Let me tell you about autism and more about him.’ They were very open to it.”

Six months of successful volunteer work evolved into a paid, part-time position.

Philip explains that his challenge lies in understanding certain nuances of communication, especially the use of idioms. “You might say something, and I can give you a confused look,” he says. But, if he asks for further explanation, he can comprehend quickly.

Mitzi says the key is giving Philip very clear directions on the job. “We take the time and go through an example or two. We know his strengths lie in logical tasks. Philip is our go-to guy whenever it relates to data entry.”

In addition to auditing text messages, Philip works with data involving student academic records, complimentary admissions to football games and use of the athletic department’s dining hall.

A self-described “computer nut,” Philip says a computer class in sixth grade sparked his interest. He had two years of vocational training in high school and has earned credit toward an associate’s degree in applied science at a community college.

He explains that he likes working on computers because, “You can mess up and then fix it.”

Perhaps that’s also why Philip loves the game of bowling. If he fails to bowl a strike the first time, there’s always the opportunity for a spare. He bowls in a youth league and competes in several tournaments a year.

“I bowl every Saturday except Thanksgiving and Christmas,” he notes.

Growing up in Columbia, Philip has always followed MU sports. “I’m the biggest Mizzou fan you’ve ever seen,” he says, listing the various games and events he attended in the past year. The occasional contact with Mizzou basketball and football players is a perk of the job.

Black-and-gold team colors dominate his wardrobe, as well as his bedroom in the home he shares with his parents and sister.

Philip works at the office 16 hours a week, which leaves time for his other job tending lawns and gardens. That satisfies his love of the outdoors, as well as the old John Deere riding lawnmower his grandfather gave him before he died last year.

Philip appreciates the fact that his bosses are flexible. They allowed him to take time off to help his grandmother following a recent surgery. But mostly, he likes the office camaraderie, such as a little “trash talk” with a co-worker prior to a two-on-two basketball game after work.

“I enjoy working with these guys,” he says. “They’re a lot of fun.”

“We just love having Philip here,” Mitzi says. “I can’t express enough what a pleasant surprise it was when we embarked on a relationship with the Thompson Center. They brought some of their folks to our work arena, and it worked out so well. Philip is a special guy.”