The Kansas Association of Broadcasters welcomed high school and college journalism students and educators from across the state — including Rock Creek Journalism — to Arrowhead Stadium for a sports seminar focused on students being able to learn from top Kansas professionals and discover careers in sports broadcasting.
The event was organized by KAB President Allison Mazzei and Program Director Joelle Conway-Jamvold. The day featured panels, breakout sessions, hands-on activities and a keynote address by Jake Eisenberg, voice of the Kansas City Royals.
Eisenberg, in his keynote “Minors to Majors,” shared his journey through the sports broadcasting world, reflecting on both triumphs and challenges.
“My favorite part was…the speakers and their experience,” said Clarissa Torrey, a Rock Creek junior. “How they got to where they are, and hearing their advice about how you need to put yourself out there.”
Following the morning sessions, attendees enjoyed lunch and participated in a career and college fair featuring new stations like Fox 4, KMBC, iheart radio, KCTV 5 and many others discussing employment opportunities and internships they offer. A few of the college universities in attendance were Kansas State, Pittsburgh State, Fort Hays State, Washburn, and the University of Kansas with each school or shared information about their mass media programs and handed out free information and merchandise.
“I talked to an Army Reserves recruiter about how you can get most of your college paid for,” said junior Koda Moeller. “And how there is a journalism aspect to things like Army, Air Force, and Marines.”
Interactive stations allowed students to try green screen weather reports, read from a teleprompter, deliver a mock newscast and even call a play-by-play during a simulated sports broadcast.
Two rounds of breakout sessions offered deeper dives into media specialties. One session, “Podcasting that Pops,” featured Hartzell Gray, host of The KC Morning Show; BJ Kissel, CEO and founder of KC Sports Network; and Jillian Carroll-Letrinko, sports host and creator of the SHEnanigans podcast. The panelists discussed what makes a podcast stand out and actively engaged with student questions.
The day wrapped up with an awards ceremony honoring top student submissions from a statewide broadcasting competition.
To cap off the event, students were invited to attend a Kansas City Royals game at Kauffman Stadium against the Colorado Rockies. While the first pitch was scheduled for 6:40 p.m., the game was eventually postponed due to heavy rain.
“Even though it got rained out, it was fun to spend time with all the kids in journalism and just bond. No one was in a grumpy mood — everyone was just happy to be there” Moeller said.
