Aaron Babcock began his career in media relations for the University of Nebraska-Kearney and UNL before taking a job as the media relations director for the Kansas City Royals. He had always enjoyed working on publications and had the opportunity to work with the New York Yankees and run a Husker magazine in the past few years. This experience led him to start Hail Varsity, a new magazine dedicated to the coverage of Husker athletics. Hail Varsity takes a unique approach to Husker coverage with a high quality, glossy magazine that publishes 16 times per year, including weekly during the football season. Hail Varsity also has a news website that provides daily Husker content and a radio show that airs six days a week.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Jen, and I have been married for four years and family is very important for us. I grew up in Seattle, so most of my family still lives in the Pacific Northwest. Because of that, the limited time we get with family is very precious.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I absolutely love to travel. My wife and I have been to Italy, Hungary, Germany, Austria, France, England, the Czech Republic and Australia. I am a photographer at heart, so grabbing my gear and walking through a new city is the best way to spend a day. When I have a day off in town, I love watching movies or playing golf.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I hit a hole-in-one at Wilderness Ridge a few years ago. It was with a 6-iron from 182 yards, I believe. My buddy actually called it while the ball was in the air.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Don’t ever give up.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I would like to be great golfer. Actually, I would settle for being a good golfer.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – If I could change one thing, I would never miss a work out. I always feel so much better after a day begins at the gym.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Since launching Hail Varsity, I’ve been reading a lot of business books. The 4-Hour Work Week was terrific as well as The Thank You Economy. When I’m trying to relax, I enjoy books by David Baldacci or Harlan Coben.
What is your favorite movie? – I will watch just about any movie, but I especially like movies with international intrigue. The Bourne series, James Bond, The Italian Job – I can watch those a million times.
What is your favorite TV show? – I watch most of my shows on Netflix. I always look forward to Modern Family and New Girl. But I’ve really enjoyed watching Breaking Bad and Downton Abbey on Netflix.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – That’s a tough decision. My favorites are probably The Venue, Blue Orchid, Carmella’s and The Oven. I don’t think I could pick a favorite. They’re all fantastic and different.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – The best way to reach me is on twitter @aaron_babcock or through my website, hailvarsity.com.