People behind the athletes

This is what happened today when I reported on the basketball game. I got up, ate, worked out, showered and then hit the road

At about 12:30 I was out of my house, on a one hour and 45 minute drive from Stamford to Storrs for a 7:30 pm game. I got to school with enough time to be able to do some things around campus that I needed to take care of. Then I got to the game at 5:30, 2 hours early to get ready for the game. I may talk to friends for part of that time, the other time I eat and read up on the other team. After the game I have the press conferences and some interviews too. I usually don't leave the game until about an hour after it is over. Then from there another hour and 45 minute drive back home.

When I work games it's a similar schedule, where I am really early for the games and stay after they are over.

What many people forget about or take for granted are all of the people who run behind the scenes things that make games possible and such a big deal. The media is a funny thing so I will address them first. No media coverage, and your dying for it, too much media coverage and it's the worst thing ever. The media is a very important part of sports. Included in the media are the TV and radio people too, not just the writers. On top of that you need the people to deal with them in communications. These people are responsible for creating all of the stat sheets, programs, game notes etc. They also set-up and monitor press conferences and to make sure that the players get a chance to leave...so that they aren't going to be answering every little question from everybody for hours after the game. You also have the marketing department who has to find all of the people for the contests, run the contests, music, advertising boards too. Facilities who are there to do a number of things at games. I've seen them still working 2 hours after games. Then there are people who capture and edit and film games. There is also the photographer who takes pictures for UConn athletics. security, concessions, the list goes on, but there are so many people besides athletes who make these games work, and people often forget that.

When I was driving home, it's all I could think about. Greg M and I were both traveling and driving about 2 hours to get home after a basketball game that we stayed an additional hour, hour and half for to do important behind the scenes things. Most people would be home 30-45 minutes after the game is over...We wouldn't be home until about 12:30-1am. Speaking of Greg, the team's themselves have trainers, doctors and team managers to assist them on a daily basis. Their efforts and work is significant but often forgotten about.