Day 5: Behind the desk

Robert was out again, the last day of his vacation. I was left to hold down the fort with Rob and the afternoon crew once more. There was no Texans on Friday so I made my way to the station just before noon to see what I could do.

I was bored.

I filled out my time sheet for the week which took me no more than 10 minutes. Then proceeded to surf the internet for about the next hour. Shortly after 1 o'clock, Rob came in and I was no longer alone. Things started to pick up. Laura came in the room and asked what I was up to. I was given an assignment.

UFC 99 is June 13th in Germany and Sports Radio 610 hosts the 'Bud Light Fight Zone.' Basically a room there at the building they turn into a party room to watch the big event. Laura came in and asked me to do three things for the event. Write up a 30-second promo, write up a liner, both of which would be read over the air. Third, they wanted me to create a webpage for the event including images that would be placed on the sportsradio610.com website homepage.

Fun stuff. I was excited to be able to do something new and it was a challenge to write up the website article and create the images.

After completing that task, I was given a new challenge. The Outdoors Show, Thurs-Sun mornings on SR 610's host Captain Mickey is a part of a giveaway the station is doing. The winner will receive a half-day fishing trip with Captain Mickey upon conclusion the Captain will clean and filet all that is bagged. I wrote up a full page article describing the contest, what the winner gets, the Houston Boat Show and the Outdoors Show. Including images of the Captain, a coupon for a discounted ticket to the Boat Show and the Boat Show logo.

A lot of 'behind the computer' work for me on Friday. Time for Baseball. Off to Reckling to see the Kats take on the Owls!

Day 4: Spot start

Nothing Monday for Memorial Day. I stayed home. Back at it on Wednesday, Robert had the rest of the week off so it was me and....and....good question.

Wednesday was going to be me and Adam going out to Texans OTAs go retrieve audio and a video to put on the 610 website. Rob (different) was filling in for Robert on the updates. I get to the station at 11am and get ready to go. I grab my newly created badge with my name, photo and 'Sports Reporter' on it. :) Sweet. I get called in the other room by Laura because she claims I did not fill in my time sheet from last Friday. I try and refresh her memory by what we had done. I show her the photo. She still has me fill out one anyway. No biggie.

I go back in the other room to see Adam where he is joined now by Marc. I had talked to him before on my radio show at SHSU. Very cool guy. Adam explains that he has some things to talk with Marc about and wondered if it would be ok if I could handle going on my own. I just needed to get audio from Coach Kubiak and maybe a player according to him. He made no mention to the video. So I went in the production studio, grabbed my equipment and quickly left.

There was rain and lightning in the area so they would be practicing in the bubble today. I made my way down there just before 11:30 and walked inside. Of course I was the last one there, media of course gets there way early to get a feel of how practice is going to report on that, they do not show up at the last second like what I did and just get audio of what they say. O f'n well.

I walk in and see the camera guys sitting there quiet, bored off their asses. I stand there next to them and look in. Not realizing I could go in and watch the action. I eventually realize it when someone comes out and then one of the camera guys gets up and says, "You know you can go in, only cameras are not allowed." I thank him and go inside.

I watch probably the last 15 plays of practice and then the media goes after Antonio Smith, the new defensive lineman that is looking to help out across from Mario Williams. He was a great interview for the media. Great answers and a class guy. Coach Kubiak hung back and then took questions from the cool cats. He talked about Smith's impact, players stepping up and who is out.

I got my stuff and headed back to the station.

Cutting up audio took me a while today. I figured it would be a lax day without Robert there so on the way back, I stopped for a bite to eat. I got back to the station and began to cut up some audio. Coach Kubiak, then Antonio Smith. Finished with 8 cuts for Rob. Rob came in with his Boston accent talking about baseball and how rediculous this and that is.

Wednesday was FIFA's Champions League Final. European soccer's version of the Super Bowl. Manchester United was taking on Barcalona. It was on the televisions in the studio and the guys on the air were talking about it and commenting on the game, but at the same time not really knowing much about the game, and were not wanting to give out the score for those few that really cared.

Rob looked up at the TV in our studio and saw the game on. He looked at the players running up and down the field and stared to go off on the sport that really has not gotten the same love here in America that it does everywhere else in the world.

He picks up the remote and looks for something else. "I wonder if there is a game on." He flips over to WGN and sure enough Cubs and Pirates from Wrigley. Cubs went on to win 5-2. Mr. T sang the seventh inning stretch.

Fun day 4.

Day 3: WOOO!!!!, man I love to see you guys.

Day 2 Review: Texans OTAs followed by team Charity Home Run Derby for Boys and Girls of Houston. Astros game followed...
- Found out fellow Bearkat Travis is interning with FS Houston and will be a frequent of the press area at MMP.
- Filled out a scorecard while watching the game.
- First time going 'behind the scenes' at Minute Maid Park. And first time on the field.


So, it came to the end of the first week at Sports Radio 610. I was pretty excited to be there on this Friday. I was more excited to be at Minute Maid Park because I would get to see my two favorite baseball teams, the Astros and the Texas Rangers, first place in the AL West. I got to the station at 12-noon and got ready to go down to the park. We did not have anything from the Texans to cut up so it was pretty laid back until we needed to get down there. I took the opportunity to take care of some paperwork with Laura and get my photo taken for a badge that makes me look more 'official.'

After filling all that out and a time sheet for the week, I go back in with Robert and we get set to go down to the ballpark. I made a copy of a clip sheet for him and we were off. Traffic was slightly more hectic than normal getting down to the field and it turned following Robert into a bit of a challenge. Weaving in and out of lanes became a needed skill.

Finally there, Robert and I walk from the parking lot to the entrance and in as we say 'hi' to Ron. Cool guy. We sit there as he is working on his next sports flash. Robert explains that the clubhouse opens at 3:30 and Cooper usually will speak sometime around 4pm to everyone. So he sends me down with the equipment just before 3:30 to go to the Astros clubhouse. He meets me down there and we go in. Very nice. They have the lineup posted for the Astros already, no issues.

We make our way past the bulletin board to a double door that splits two directions and into the locker room. An oval shaped room with lockers all along one side, and split lockers on the other side, split by a television in the middle of the room and another exit door to the managers and other coach's offices. Comfortable chairs line the middle of the room and kind of split the room. It was interesting to see who has their lockers next, near or close to each other. Hunter Pence is near most of the other 'white' guys on the team...Michaels, Kepp, Blum, Berkman, and a few pitchers. Wandy and Pudge are very close together. I think only one player separates them. Roy O has a animal skull above his name.

Pudge walks in and over to his locker. There were only about 4-5 other players in the locker room at this time. Most were sitting there going over game notes. Robert tells me who the guys are we want to get for this series. Pudge, Pence, Carlos, then makes his way over to the first on the list. Robert got some words from Ivan Rodriguez then left to go edit it and get ready for his 3:40 update.

I'm waiting around a little bit, I notice the movie on the television ends, and on comes Spaceballs...classic. Edwin Maysonett was just called up from the AAA club and had a chance to get some playing time. So I got some sound from him first, then it was on to Hunter Pence. After a bunch of sound from him, in comes Carlos Lee with some sound of his own,

"WOOOO!!!! Man, I love to see you guys. You guys make my day." he says as he makes his way to his locker on the opposite side of the clubhouse. Me and the other media cameras, etc hoard their way over to his locker and the questions ensue starting with a back-and-forth spat between FS Houston's Patti Smith and Lee about the Silver Boot. He either didn't know anything about it or played dumb for the cameras. He referenced his brown boots in his locker and even asked LaTroy Hawkins about it. He proceeded to yell across the locker room to his teammates to 'let's get the Silver Boot, guys.'

Good stuff. After getting the audio, Robert and I made our way back to the press row and watched more of batting practice.

REWIND: Before going to the locker room, they closed the roof with the Rangers taking batting practice. There were dark clouds moving in on downtown and when the roof closed it made light limited until they could get the stadium lights on, but the cloud moved over before they could get the lights on and it made it seem eerie inside the stadium.

FF: After watching rounds of BP, my job was to look for Nolan Ryan. He never showed up. I was done for the day. Off to the food room. Hot dog down, Peanuts and Ice cream to go. Now to meet up with some amazing friends to enjoy a Rangers victory!

Day 2: Just a bit outside

So I found out as I was leaving on Monday that on Wednesday I was needed at 11am, not my usual call time of 12-noon AND I would be meeting Robert at the Texans OTAs which would be concluding around 11:35am. We would be there to collect audio from coaches and players. First time out of the station on the road. Sounded like fun!!!

So I got up extra early of course because I thought I would be an idiot and sleep over my alarm. I sat around with anticipation until I finally left to go to Reliant Park and Texans OTAs. I got there 15 minutes early I was so excited and did not even eat lunch. Once Robert got there, we made our way into the facility. There was a good amount of media there. I looked around to see who I immediately recognized from other stations and noticed guys from ABC-13, FSN-Houston, CBS-11 and John McClain from the Chronicle.

Once practice concluded, my goal was singular. Go to Kubiak. ...sweet. So as the coach made his way off the field I noticed the swarm of media make their way towards him. I kinda took my time knowing I would get there, and I did, but not quite realizing how quickly holes disappear when you are looking for one. I seemed to be on the outside trying to get in. I did. YEA! I found myself looking across at Texans TV reporter Brooke Bentley, she is very good looking, to say the least. She seemed very nice when I was trying to get some audio from Coach Bush a few minutes later. I kinda reached over her a little bit trying to get in there, she looked back and said, "is that good?" and we exchanged smiles of gratitude.

I also got to listen to Bruce Matthews give some insight into what he feels like being on the coaching side now and not suiting up and playing. I also watched Robert interview Steve Slaton and Antone Caldwell. Once we got it all, we headed back to the station to cut it all up.

That was my job. Using Cool Edit, I produced about 7 cuts from what I gathered and 6 more from what Robert collected, with his assistance. We were on a tight schedule because at 2pm, we were off to Minute Maid Park. Today, the Texans were participating in a Home Run Derby of sorts to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Houston.

After getting to the Ballpark, making our way in and to the press area, I received my first ever press pass to Minute Maid Park. It was a one-day pass that had my name on it, the date and 'KTRH' which Robert put down for me by accident.

With the derby scheduled for 3:30, things for the Astros game were pushed around. I stayed around for the entire derby, getting some video of Eric Winston and Matt Schaub hitting the ball out of the park.

Winston hit more home runs in the competition for charity but Matt Schaub was crowned the winner as he hit a target in the Crawford boxes that was worth $2,500. Winston hit two home runs after the main competition that were each worth $10,000. By far one of the worst with a bat in his hand was wide receiver Andre Johnson. He had issues getting the ball past the infield grass. In the second round, he was pitched to underhanded and it seemed to work as he sent three balls into the outfield including one that clipped a $1,000 target.

After all was said and done, Eric Winston was needed for an interview that he agreed to do before the competition with the afternoon guys Rich, Matt and Robert. I waited on the field after Eric did all his post competition stuff with other members of the media and then proceeded to grab him and let him know why I was there. He went to look for his family and we as a group made our way up to the press area along with Owen Daniels and David Anderson.

The interview was great, Eric was really nice and he has a beautiful family. I really hope be able to talk to him again. Once the interview ended, I hung around a little bit, but also got the grand tour of what the media has available to them during the games.

Making our way up the stair well that is direct from the locker room hall on the bottom floor up to the media row continued up to where the broadcast booths are AND the media dining room. Meals cost $10 a piece and I'm sure are pretty good, but like sitting in a $42 seat with a $7 ticket (story for another post), there are cheaper ways to get what you want. On the other side from where the fancy food is, they have a spread of fried chicken, hot dogs, (chili/cheese can be added), popcorn, peanuts, chips, cookies, cake, ice cream cones, frozen lemonade, fountain drinks and IT'S ALL FREE.

I was pretty much done with the internship for the day around 5pm, but decided I was going to stick around for the first game I could. After getting some food, I headed back and enjoyed the game from press row. I kept score with a scorecard and met Shaun, one of the other part time guys at 610. We had fun watching the game and it was interesting keeping him caught up on what he had missed two plays prior.

After an interesting start to the game that saw the Astros bat out of order due to a lineup card issue, the hometown team held on to win the game, thanks to a great pitching performance from Wandy Rodriguez halting the 7-game win streak of Milwaukee.
After the game, I went to get sound from Milwaukee manager Ken Macha. I also walked by Bob Uecker, Brewers broadcster in the hallway as he was headed to the lockerroom as well. Great day!

Day 1: Nice to meet you...

Over the weekend, my parents told me how proud they were that I was about to start what they thought would be an 'experience of a lifetime.' I sure hope they are wrong. Internships are great and I encourage them, but I hope to not to take an 'experience of a lifetime' away from being with Sports Radio 610 all summer, more getting a feel of what being a part of a radio station, working with someone who really knows what they are doing, and trying to learn as much as I can.

Sure, internships should not be taken lightly and I am very thankful for the opportunity, it's just one day at a time.

Speaking of one day, my first day: May 18, 2009, making the drive north on 59 into town was tough because I still had not gotten down the times. So, I left 35 minutes early just to be on the safe side. Turns out I was right on. I got to the station and made my way up to the 19th floor where I then WAITED. After seeing the secretary, it turned out the two people I was needing to see, whom you will read a lot about, Laura was in a conference call and then my boss Robert had not yet arrived for the day.

So I sat there and waited as a few people made their way about the lobby of the 19th floor completely consumed by CBS Radio. I found myself looking a large television showing the station logos for a majority of 25 minutes before Robert arrived.

"Hi, Robert, nice to meet you...."
"Ohh sorry im late, today is my daughter's birthday. It's pretty crazy." As he is pulling out his Blackberry.

I was ready to go. We headed back to Studio K which serves many perposes, but for what we were worried about it was in there where most of the audio gathered from the sporting events was edited, archived and prepared to go on the air.

I was anxious, nervous and a little ignorant all at the same time. What I was looking at all seemed new to me. Of course there was a board, I knew the basics, audio editing, I can do some stuff, sports...I love that stuff. I was getting a little ahead of myself.

After getting a quick review of their archiving system, the Metro system (pull audio from online) and Cool Edit Audio to help cut up files, I thought I was ready to give it a shot. I was wrong. I did not know really what to do. How to cut up the audio was simple, but what to cut it into was not to easy.

One of the part time guys, Kyle was just back from Houston Texans OTAs and was happy to show more more about Cool Edit and how to exactly cut up sound into good stuff they can use on the air later and how to come up with good tags that help describe the audio....will need more work.

After Kyle finished, we heard that the afternoon guys, Matt and Rich had Bruce Matthews on the show, so Robert jumped on the opportunity to grab some sound from that. After recording the show, he had me cut 3 clips from the interview.

Once that was done, I was free to go. I had done well. First day in the books. Time to drive home in traffic!

610 Internship

I am going to be posting a bi- or tri-weekly bit about my experience at Sports Radio 610. Feel free to comment and thanks for reading!