Steve Astephen, Tom DiBenedetto, Chris Lencheski, And Gregg Tryhus Join BACK9NETWORK Advisory Board

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Oct 27, 2014, 04:10 ET

HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- BACK9NETWORK, the golf lifestyle network, has expanded its recently formed Advisory Board with the addition of Steve Astephen, Tom DiBenedetto, Chris Lencheski, and Gregg Tryhus.

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BACK9NETWORK's Advisory Board, initially launched earlier this month, also includes Tony Ponturo, Fran Shea, and Seth Waugh, but will now consist of a seven-member group comprised of highly successful thought leaders from a diversity of industries and expertise.

Charles Cox, BACK9NETWORK's CEO commented, "Our Advisory Board is a great example of how our network thinks differently. We have assembled a great management team and employee base that continues to impress me each day. But we are humble enough to recognize that an independent network that competes on its own merits for carriage fees, advertising, and audience will need some strategic counsel along the way."

Gregg Tryhus, President and Owner of Grayhawk Development, added, "Most of us play golf for the challenge and fun of the game. Along the way we find ourselves participating for the camaraderie and lifestyle benefits. BACK9NETWORK is a unique opportunity to showcase those pursuits. I look forward to working with management as they establish this network."

ABOUT BACK9NETWORK'S ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS:

Steve Astephen – Steve Astephen is currently Managing Director, Action Sports and Olympics, Wasserman Media Group. As such, Astephen holds highly esteemed capabilities in athlete representation, consulting, producing, sponsorship sales, creative execution, and social media and event activation. Under his leadership, the Action Sports and Olympics Division of Wasserman Media Group has seen tremendous growth. Astephen joined Wasserman Media Group as part of Wasserman's acquisition of Astephen's prominent Action Sports Company, The Familie in 2003.

Tom DiBenedetto - Tom DiBenedetto is the founder and principal shareholder of two investment firms, Boston International Group and its affiliate, Junction Investors, Ltd. He serves as Chairman of Jefferson Waterman International, a Washington, DC-based business intelligence and government relations firm. He also is Chairman of Burst LLC, a mobile video technology company. In addition, Tom is a director of Likeable Local, a social media company serving small businesses; a director of Alexander's Inc., a New York-based REIT; a limited partner of the Boston Red Sox; and a Trustee of Trinity College in Hartford, CT.

Chris Lencheski – Chris Lencheski is Chairman and Founder/CEO of Phoenicia, which has offices in New York City, Dallas, Los Angeles and London. With over 20 years of professional experience, his work has included collaborations with the Americas' Cup, the Olympics, Formula One, World Cup and golf-media projects as well as a host of properties from every major league to governing bodies. Prior to returning to Phoenicia, he was President of Comcast-Spectacor subsidiary Front Row Marketing and Analytics; the 35 office multi-continent stadia, sports media commercial rights and entertainment agency inside the greater Comcast ecosystem. Chris was a multiple team owner in the NASCAR Sprint and Nationwide Series, as well as owner of International Hockey League franchise; the Quad City Mallards – The IHL Affiliate of the NHL Philadelphia Flyers. Chris is a graduate of Syracuse University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He is a three-term member of the Board of Advisors to the Syracuse University David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, as well as Founding Member of the Ivy Sports Symposium Board.

Gregg Tryhus – Gregg Tryhus is the President and owner of Grayhawk Development. The company is involved in master plan community development and golf operations. Projects include the Grayhawk community and golf courses, Whisper Rock, Vistal, and Saguaro Bloom, all in Arizona, as well as the Glenwild community in Park City, Utah. Additionally, Tryhus is actively involved with the community and has served on numerous boards, both past and present. Currently, he is a Trustee for Arizona State University and President of the ASU Athletic Foundation; a member of the Brophy College Preparatory Academy Board of Regents; a member of WPO and CEO; a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership; a board member of the Arizona Junior Golf Association; and a board member and President of the Arizona Golf Community Foundation.

ABOUT BACK9NETWORK:

BACK9NETWORK is a golf lifestyle television network and media company based in Hartford, CT. BACK9NETWORK was developed as a complementary alternative to traditional media's focus on professional golf tournament coverage. Focused on compelling storytelling and personalities, features and fashions, interviews and instruction, travel, gear and much more, fans of all kinds will want to hang with the BACK9NETWORK. BACK9NETWORK.com, the online clubhouse for BACK9NETWORK, delivers a fresh perspective on the golf lifestyle and its worldwide influence. BACK9NETWORK'S leadership includes respected and outspoken executives from the golf and media industries. For further information, visit www.BACK9NETWORK.com, @BACK9NETWORK on Twitter or BACK9NETWORKTV's YouTube Channel.

Contact:

Steve Sellery

Tel: (864) 678-0308

[email protected]

Samantha Massei

Tel: (214) 801-6052

[email protected]

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SOURCE BACK9NETWORK