Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Writing high school game stories

By Morgana Kennedy


In chapter 4 of my textbook the daunting task of keeping up with the score for high school sports is explained. A reporter covering a high school has to manually keep track of every play themselves. This can be very difficult if visibility is poor or if you are unfamiliar with all the plays of the sport.

Keeping accurate stats is important. It shows an editor that you're competent, and it is a great way to break into sports writing. It's all about the numbers. It is the only way to accurately cover a game.

But stats aren't the only thing a reporter has to keep track of during a high school game. They must be vigilant in getting a quote from the coach of the winning team or the team they're assigned to cover and quotes from players. They need to do research before the game and know who the players are and what position they play.

It's also important to ask the coach before a game which players are starting the game, and if anyone is missing from the roster. The reporter needs to keep accurate notes during the game. When they go to write the story they need to be precise on how names are spelled in the story. Readers of the piece will likely be parents, players, and coaches. It will discredit the reporter if names are misspelled.

Reporters also need to be prepared for direct feedback. These stories are often published locally, and parents may be angry if their child is not featured. Local readers are more likely to try to contact the reporter if they're unhappy with the story.

It can be a very stressful task, but the end result is rewarding. Knowing that people are reading a story you put so much work into is a great feeling.

Narrated Photo Essay

Watch my narrated photo essay on the Raptors below.


Sunday, September 20, 2015

Kennesaw State Remains Undefeated

By Morgana Kennedy



KENNESAW, Ga. -- The loud roar of over 8,000 Owl fans rang out as Justin Thompson kicked a 28-yard field goal to help defeat Shorter University 18-10, Saturday.

A major fumble by the Hawks allowed KSU to claim victory. Freshman Dez Billingslea picked up the ball after the failed snap and returned it for a touch down.

Thompson kicked four field goals during the game. He made 42 yards in the first quarter putting KSU on the board (3-0).

Quarterback Trey White threw for 186 yards and had 77 on the ground.  Micha Reed had 100 rushing yards on 26 carries and Justin Sumpter completed five passes for 121 yards. 

Shorter had a total of 135 yards passing and 27 rushing out of 31 attempts.

This game put KSU three for three in its first season ever. But, it was a much closer than the previous game against Edward Waters where the Owls won 58-7.

As the season continues the new comers may have some difficulty keeping their undefeated title. For now, KSU fans can boast a great start.




Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Raptors

By Morgana Kennedy

I have an assignment deadline coming up in sports writing. It is to narrate a photo essay. This weekend I went out and shot pictures of the Raptors, a little league team in East-Cobb.

As I watched the six-and-under team take the field a lot of memories of playing sports as a child came flooding back. The boys wore gloves that seemed too big for their small hands, but they were much more coordinated than I was at that age.

They stood in a line and warmed up by throwing to their fathers and coaches. John Bretti is the team's coach and father of one the boys.

"Ultimately what we're looking to do for the practices and the games is to develop the kids to enjoy being a part of a team," Bretti said.

His goal is to shape the boys into team players and to teach them to respect working with each other and listening to their coaches. He hopes this will help them as they progress.

Bretti had them meet him at the mound for a pre-practice pep talk, and then he sent them to home plate to practice running the bases. The boys held their hands up in the air as though they were holding a bat and swung. Parents cheered as the boys did their best to hustle to first base.

I really enjoyed getting to watch the practice, and I took some really great action shots. I'm excited to share my project when it is finished.

Monday, September 7, 2015

Chip Kelly lets Tim Tebow down easy

By: Morgana Kennedy

Tim Tebow feels the harsh sting of rejection once again after the Philadelphia Eagles released him from the team Saturday.

The 28-year-old quarterback may have hit his peak in college. He has been dropped from 4 teams since he was first drafted into the NFL by the Denver Broncos in 2010.

According to an article written by, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on USA TODAY sports the Eagles' coach, Chip Kelly, said he didn't think Tebow was good enough to be the No. 3 quarterback, but he applauded Tebow for the improvements he made during the preseason. Kelly kept Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez.

It is unclear if any other team will pick up Tebow, but the stigma that has been glued to his name may dissuade other teams. After being cut from the New England Patriots in 2013, he became a college football analyst for ESPN. If he is not picked up by another team he might want to call to have his old job back.

His accomplishments pre-NFL have been overshadowed by his failure in the pros. Football fans love to hate the Heisman Trophy winner and don't seem to be too upset about him not making the cut. 

Despite the outcome Tebow made this statement on his twitter, "Thanks and Coach Kelly for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love! Romans 8:28 ."

At least he doesn't seem to be holding a grudge.