Now back at school, preparing for my senior year, I realize that I no longer will have a summer between school. I’ll be done. I returned to Indiana University last Sunday after having another active summer in Indianapolis.
A lot of outsiders like to say there is nothing to do in Indy, but I beg to differ. Indianapolis truly is the Amateur Sports Capital of the World and there’s always a sporting event going on.
Just this summer I covered: the Indianapolis 500, NBA Draft, Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Indians, Colts summer workouts, Indiana All-Star team, Indy Pro-AM, Adidas high school AAU tournament, high school football, etc.
After graduating from college next spring, Indy would be a great market to live in and cover–not only because it’s home.
For the last three months, I completed my third summer internship. In 2009 I was at ESPN 1070 The Fan radio, last year WISH-TV (CBS), and wrapping up a few weeks ago I was at WTHR (NBC). All in Indianapolis, all doing distinctly different things.
As others have told me, it really is about the relationships that come out of the job. Not only did I learn a lot about how the stations approach their shows, but I was given valuable suggestions on how to handle broadcasts and situations.
My passion and focus is in play-by-play. There’s nothing like being the voice of the team and calling live game action. Anchoring and reporting is fun but it’s not the same thrill. I love being part of a team and not just reading off a prompter while sitting behind a desk.
A new year is set to begin and I plan on taking full advantage of it.
I’m still working for the Indiana Fever–as team host for the visiting team and officials while also helping out the Fever. This will have to be my last season with the team, at least in my current capacity. The Fever are currently on top of the Eastern Conference and are three games behind the the league’s best record. It would be very special for the franchise that has given me so much, to capture their first title in my final year. I would love to come back and broadcast their games, even just as a fill-in for my friend Chris Denari.
I am fortunate to have known what I’ve wanted to do since high school, thanks to my school’s station WJEL 89.3. I found a passion and I’m looking to the make the most of it. I understand the money isn’t the greatest, at least until I work my way up. But it all goes back to the old saying, “if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.” My plan, exactly.
While at IU, I will continue to build my brand and improve my writing skills right here on VigilantSports.com. I also will have a weekly radio show (like I did for two years in high school) on the student station (WIUX). With the growth and expansion of technology, there are also more games for me to call for the Big Ten Network and webstream at IUHoosiers.com. I know I have plenty of room for improvement and tend to use my resources accordingly. And just yesterday, I called the IU women’s soccer game along. It’s all tremendously valuable and I can always find different things to take away. Last year, I made my debut on the IU Radio Network, and it is a dream of mine to continue long-term.
Indiana has provided me with great opportunities to learn all aspects in sports. I worked in the media relations office the last two years, learning and helping out with just about everything. These are the people that are responsible for the game notes and providing information to broadcasters, so I enjoyed learning the other side. And the Big Ten Network has been beneficial to students in addition to fans, with Student U broadcasts–ultimately putting more games on television.
This year I’ll be very busy because of so many great sporting events in Indiana. IU football begins a new era with Kevin Wilson, IU basketball will have their first +.500 season in the Tom Crean era, and I will have even more broadcasting gigs. Plus, the Big Ten Football title game is in Indianapolis along with Super Bowl XLVI, and of course the Big Ten basketball tournaments.
I understand the job hunt process will be tough and ongoing. But I believe what I’ve done in the past is a testament of my possibilities moving forward. Covering thrilling sports with great friends, I set out to make this my best year yet.
CAN’T WAIT!
Sounds like another strong summer. You are evidently well on your way to success. I’ll be following.
I’m impressed with what you have developed here, in addition to everything else. Will be glad to have another strong Hoosier in the workforce.
I’m proud of ya kid. You have come a long way and are willing to make sacrifices to get where you want. I know you’ll stay on top of things but don’t forget to enjoy your senior year.
-JC