Keeping Score
By: Morgana Kennedy
As the semester begins I am steadily approaching one of my biggest challenges to date, keeping track of statistics during a football game. That sounds like an easy thing to do with today's technology. For most sports statistics all one has to do is click a link and there they are. But, in the pursuit of knowledge, or something like that, I have to do it by hand. Yes, this means pulling out a piece of paper and a pencil.
In class, Tuesday August 25, a sports column editor came to speak with us. He told us about writing for a daily deadline and how to keep score at a high school football game. The information was really useful. I went from feeling like I had absolutely no clue how to create a stat sheet to feeling like I could possibly accomplish this task. It requires a lot of attention, and I am much more appreciative of people who keep score for a living and post it online.
So, I will do my best to plunge fearlessly into this score keeping endeavor. More than likely, many mistakes will be made, but hopefully I'll learn something.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
Exploring the World of Sports Reporting
By: Morgana Kennedy
August 24, 2015
I have to confess that when it comes to the world of sports journalism I have no experience. Over the next few months I will be exploring sports reporting and posting weekly updates on various topics in this genre.
The first step in my exploration was to read the first two chapters of my text book, "Field Guide to Covering Sports", by Joe Gisondi. Chapter one is about how to go from being a fan of sports to a sports reporter. Luckily for me this chapter highlights how even the most die hard sports fans might be assigned to cover a sport they know nothing about. The key is to research, interview and observe thoroughly.
There is no exact path to becoming a sports reporter. Many people get their start by writing stories about high school games or the minor leagues. The advice given in the chapter is to take chances. Writing a story that is similar to others that have been published is boring. Sports are exciting, so the story covering the event should be as well.
The next chapter covers game stories. This is completely uncharted territory for me. To construct a good game story a reporter needs to know who the players are, the elements that make this game unique, reading the statistics, and making sure the credentials are correct.
To make the story interesting it has to have an interesting lead. The lead should start with the most exciting part of the game. It could be weather that caused poor playing conditions, a specific play, post-game, significant statistics, or an observation. It is helpful to read several game stories from other authors to get a better understanding of where you'd like your piece to go.
With the tips outlined in these two chapters I have a better understanding of what sports reporting requires. I'll do my best to write accurate and interesting posts this new experience, for me, in journalism.
August 24, 2015
I have to confess that when it comes to the world of sports journalism I have no experience. Over the next few months I will be exploring sports reporting and posting weekly updates on various topics in this genre.
The first step in my exploration was to read the first two chapters of my text book, "Field Guide to Covering Sports", by Joe Gisondi. Chapter one is about how to go from being a fan of sports to a sports reporter. Luckily for me this chapter highlights how even the most die hard sports fans might be assigned to cover a sport they know nothing about. The key is to research, interview and observe thoroughly.
There is no exact path to becoming a sports reporter. Many people get their start by writing stories about high school games or the minor leagues. The advice given in the chapter is to take chances. Writing a story that is similar to others that have been published is boring. Sports are exciting, so the story covering the event should be as well.
The next chapter covers game stories. This is completely uncharted territory for me. To construct a good game story a reporter needs to know who the players are, the elements that make this game unique, reading the statistics, and making sure the credentials are correct.
To make the story interesting it has to have an interesting lead. The lead should start with the most exciting part of the game. It could be weather that caused poor playing conditions, a specific play, post-game, significant statistics, or an observation. It is helpful to read several game stories from other authors to get a better understanding of where you'd like your piece to go.
With the tips outlined in these two chapters I have a better understanding of what sports reporting requires. I'll do my best to write accurate and interesting posts this new experience, for me, in journalism.
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