My internship, which kick-started my journalism career, began in 2014 with the Kansas State University Athletics Sports Information Department. It was an immersive experience that introduced me to the fast-paced world of sports media and communications. I contributed to press releases, compiled statistics, and assisted with post-game notes — all critical behind-the-scenes tasks that ensure smooth media coverage.
One of my tasks was to set up and take down press conferences. As well as conducting interviews of players and coaches in the post-game.
A standout moment from my time there was the high-profile football matchup between Kansas State and Auburn. The national spotlight was on us, and the atmosphere was electric. I was responsible for real-time stat tracking and post-game media coordination, which included preparing press packets and supporting the press box staff during one of the season's biggest games. That night, I saw firsthand how preparation, precision, and teamwork drive compelling sports journalism. It was a defining moment that solidified my passion for the field and taught me the importance of accuracy and efficiency under pressure.
Kansas State Head Coach Bill Snyder
On the errors affecting play…
“There was a ton of mistakes that we made that impacted the outcome of the ball game. Auburn is a tremendous football team. We just made too many mistakes.”
On Jack Cantele’s performance…
“I mean we did have some bad snaps on two of the field goals attempts.”
On taking step forward in defense today…
“I think we went three forward and one back.”
On overall performance of the defense…
“I think we played hard. We were responsible with that kind of offense where you need some discipline to execute your responsibilities well. I thought the young guys did that for the most part. We gave up some plays late in the ball game when Morgan (Burns) was out of the ball game.”
On starting Dakorey Johnson…
“I think that Dakorey (Johnson) played well. He made some plays that I am well aware of. I have to watch tape to give you an overall assessment, but I believe that he played well.”
On gaining or losing momentum for next game…
“I think that next week will define that a little bit better. In all honesty, I do not know. I would like to think that we got good young people that care. I think that it will be painful for them. If all of those things are really in place then I think they will respond well.”
On satisfaction of moving the ball…
“Well on occasion we did, but not on the regularity that we needed to.”
On Sexton relieving pressure from Lockett …
“Well I think it is always good for us to have that diversity and have balance in our offense whether it is throwing or running the ball. We cannot be a one player team. We cannot have one player running or throwing the ball. It is significant. Curry (Sexton) did play well in the ball game.”
On facing Auburn’s defensive line…
“They did give us some problems. They did. I thought it was up and down. I think there were some sacks we had, and we blocked reasonably well, some we did not. There was just not much consistency there. In addition to some of the learning mistakes we made.”
On the errors affecting play…
“There was a ton of mistakes that we made that impacted the outcome of the ball game. Auburn is a tremendous football team. We just made too many mistakes.”
On Jack Cantele’s performance…
“I mean we did have some bad snaps on two of the field goals attempts.”
On taking step forward in defense today…
“I think we went three forward and one back.”
On overall performance of the defense…
“I think we played hard. We were responsible with that kind of offense where you need some discipline to execute your responsibilities well. I thought the young guys did that for the most part. We gave up some plays late in the ball game when Morgan (Burns) was out of the ball game.”
On starting Dakorey Johnson…
“I think that Dakorey (Johnson) played well. He made some plays that I am well aware of. I have to watch tape to give you an overall assessment, but I believe that he played well.”
On gaining or losing momentum for next game…
“I think that next week will define that a little bit better. In all honesty, I do not know. I would like to think that we got good young people that care. I think that it will be painful for them. If all of those things are really in place then I think they will respond well.”
On satisfaction of moving the ball…
“Well on occasion we did, but not on the regularity that we needed to.”
On Sexton relieving pressure from Lockett …
“Well I think it is always good for us to have that diversity and have balance in our offense whether it is throwing or running the ball. We cannot be a one player team. We cannot have one player running or throwing the ball. It is significant. Curry (Sexton) did play well in the ball game.”
On facing Auburn’s defensive line…
“They did give us some problems. They did. I thought it was up and down. I think there were some sacks we had, and we blocked reasonably well, some we did not. There was just not much consistency there. In addition to some of the learning mistakes we made.”