Can sports really have an emotional tug at our hearts?

This week in Sports Comm we discussed myths in sports and why they are important. We then learned the different types of sport fans and how they view sports. The conversation then turned to us, as the audience. What type of fan were we? Why do we watch sports? What do we get out of it? Do we have rituals when our favorite team plays? Our assignment for the week was to blog about this topic and put our personal thoughts to these questions.

I would consider myself a vested sports fan when it comes to NCAA basketball or Virginia Tech sports. I love every minute of basketball season and I live for March Madness. I make it a point to attend every Virginia Tech basketball game and try to watch every UNC basketball game on TV.

There are many reasons why I’m a basketball fan. I love to watch basketball because it’s a source of entertainment and a way to brush off a long day of schoolwork. When I’m watching Virginia Tech or Carolina play I forget about the day and immerse myself into the game. I like watching the guys play and seeing them improve throughout the season.

I’m a season student ticket holder for Virginia Tech men’s basketball. When I’m not working a game, I’m in the crowd cheering on the team. I like going to games to be with other Hokies who share the same excitement for basketball as me.

Would I even be a fan if I didn’t have rituals? My basketball rituals started in high school, at home I had a green chair that I would always sit in to watch games. I would drag the chair in front of the TV for each UNC game. When I moved into my apartment sophomore year the one thing I couldn’t leave home without was my basketball chair. My parents surprised me by bringing it up the weekend before school started. This chair will go with me wherever I go.

Without sports, especially basketball, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today.

My first UNC game! 

I'm thankful for each day that I get to work in Virginia Tech Athletics. 

All of the Madness

Today marks the beginning of March Madness and I’m loving every minute of it…except my bracket isn’t. Each year my family and I make brackets to see who has the less number of loses. I’ve been playing with my family since I was in high school and I’ve only won one time. I’m hoping this will be my year, but with the way my bracket is looking it isn’t hopeful. I know it’s only the beginning but with today’s games the upsets have been crazy. This is what I love about March Madness, nothing is set in stone. Teams that are ranked #16 can upset teams that are ranked #4 or any of them. March Madness really tests how strong basketball teams really are and how far they can survive. Some people say that basketball season doesn’t really start until March Madness, that it (March Madness) truly tests a team all the way to their breaking point.

I have Kentucky winning it all against Villanova by 12 points. Will this happen? I’m not sure but I think they have a real chance at winning the tournament. They have gone undefeated all season and I’m not sure who can beat them at this point. No matter what happens, March Madness is crazy and I can’t wait to see who gets to hold the title as victor.  

Unit 1 Analysis

The unit 1 assignment was interviewing a sports professional in an industry that we were interested in pursuing or finding more about. I chose to interview my boss JC Whidden. JC serves as the assistant director of marketing and promotions at Virginia Tech athletics. She has been working with the athletic department since 2013 and I’ve been working with her since April of 2014. I really enjoyed working on this assignment, especially being able to talk to JC about her career path.

I’m graduating in December of 2015 and I’m still unsure of what is next after graduation. I’m thinking about graduated school for sports management but I’m also keeping the option open for a job as well. Talking with JC and learning about her career path was informing. I’m trying to figure out what path to take after graduation and I like talking to professionals to see what they did after college. JC told me about her graduate program at the University of Florida and the hands on experience she gained at the University Athletic Association. At the UAA, JC was an intern and was able to help out in the athletic department. The experience she gained, as an intern was valuable in helping her network and prepare for a job in sports marketing.

Interviewing JC reaffirmed why I want to work in sports marketing. Seeing fans excited about a give away or autograph sessions with the players are just a few of the rewarding experiences by working in sports marketing. The unit 1 assignment allowed me to have a deeper look in the field that I want to pursue after graduation.