On the eve of the ACC Championship, i start to reflect on my experiences as a virgin journalist at my first ACC Tournament: awkward, excited, and over too quickly!
I’ve attended many sporting events before as a fan, even dabbled in sports broadcasting at Radford covering the Hustling Highlanders, but nothing can truly prepare you for the best basketball tournament in the country (with my apologies to the Big East and Big 10).
When we first arrived, our bags were checked at security, the magic wand waived around me to ensure I wasn’t packing heat (UVa. passed through easily, and they certainly didn’t bring any ammunition either), and we entered into the coliseum. We checked in media relations and started our way to media row.
Words simply can’t describe walking through the tunnel and into the arena for the first time. We had some car trouble (mild understatement, as my vehicle is a total loss from being rear-ended 15 miles out of Greensboro), so we entered as the Hokies and N.C. State were already under way. The first thing that hits you is the energy of the stadium. Both fan bases cheering wildly as we start to walk the baseline and turn the corner to our allotted seating as members of the media.
We start to walk down the scores of tables of journalists already typing feverishly away looking down to the name plates to find our seats. Miami Herald, Yahoo Sports, Associated Press, SB Nation … and there we were: Augusta Free Press.
We’re second row behind the Raycom Sports Team and in front of various radio broadcast teams. We sit, unpack, and off to the blog site to give our perspectives of the days action. The first game ends, and Chris Graham hands me the camera and says, “Get some good stuff,” and off to the locker room I go. The second of many surreal moments covering the tournament.
The closest experience I’ve had to getting video coverage of players in the ACC Tournament is that of a getting caught in a mosh pit. Add in the joy of heavy camera equipment and microphones on metal rods, and you’ve got yourself a close and personal experience with folks pushing their way into position for the best angle.
(Luckily, I’m tall, agile, and don’t care about an elbow, as noon ball at the Y has prepared me well to bring video footage to the readers of the AFP).
From there – back to courtside and the next set of games. Cycle – repeat!
Ten games in three days (whew) and lots of memories. Some of my favorite experiences weren’t even sports-related. The ACC treats the fans to great basketball and its media to lots of food! Everywhere you turned – they are feeding you. It’s like being on a cruise ship – I don’t want to even weight myself.
I also found myself starstruck at the players and more surprisingly the members of the media that I have so much respect for. Seeing John Feinstein, Dick Vitale, the ESPN TV crew, the ‘B-team’ with Raycom (Brant, Brando, & Bonner) – everywhere you turn you have to fight the urge to snap a picture or ask for an autograph.
The athleticism of these athletes and the perspective in which the media gets to view them is another benefit of wearing the badge. Today during warmups, Scott Wood was 10 feet from us, raining jump shots. I started to count (out loud actually getting the attention of others around me). Eight in a row, nine in a row, 10 … eventually hitting 17 of 20 from the baseline before practicing his craft from the top of the key. Also – the speed of an ACC point guard simply can’t be gauged from a living room couch. Miami’s Shane Larkin in particular is special to watch. Fast, slicing cuts to the basket or droop back threes. Until today – I really didn’t have a clue how gifted he is.
Several snapshots I wish I could have taken but will be permanently etched in my brain ranged from bizarre to painful. After the N.C. State loss today to Miami, I headed into the locker room. There sat wounded warrior Richard Howell. Shoulders slumped, towel on his head, ice on his knees, shaking off a request to talk. Two hours earlier, we watched him limp his way through the game giving every ounce of effort he cold muster and now he sits defeated – deflated – devastated. The realization that his dream for this year has come to an end.
Not quite like Howell’s, my journey, too, is almost done. It’s been a whirlwind ride, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed bringing my take on the ACC to the readers of the AFP. One more game on tap. A different Carolina team than we’ve seen before is looking to extract revenge on a Miami team that has bigger goals in mind than just the ACC. They are looking for a number one seed in the dance and in talking with their players – literally looking them in the eyes as they talk about their goals for the season – I think they’ll get it.
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