Covering AZ Football Game with Little Notice

Shortly after we made Arizona home for the offseason, I sent my resume and some clips to a few newspapers here.
 
We got busy with baseball and training for my part-time job at Lululemon that I forgot to follow up. On Thursday (Nov. 16), I decided to forward my first email to make sure the email got through blah blah.
 
After my spin class Friday (Nov. 17) morning, I checked my email to see a couple responses. One response from the Glendale Star read a little something like this, “I didn’t receive your first email. Can you resend it to me? And also, if you’re available can you cover a high school football game tonight? Let me know asap.”
 
After re-reading the email like five times to make sure that’s what it said, my first thought was ‘no way. I know nothing about either team. I never even heard of these teams until right now.’ But then I thought ‘I can’t say no because I’m nervous or a little intimidated by the situation. I have plenty of experience and know what I'm doing.'
 
I think I would have felt a little better if the editor had read my work/seen my resume and felt I was OK enough... Still not sure if that’s a good or bad thing BUT I took it either way. Newspapers need all — random Jes —hands on deck these days.

He gave me a call shortly after I replied I was available to cover the game. He shared they needed a game story, deadline was Sunday, and a media credential would be ready for pickup at their office.
 
After picking up the credential, I called a couple of colleagues (wow that’s weird to say) (oh and my mom) who laughed with me at the situation but ensured me I would do great.
 
I got back home and began to do some research on the two teams. Liberty and Centennial. Rivals. Both 5A powerhouses. Centennial looking for fourth straight trip to state championship game. Liberty upset Centennial by three late during the regular season. Senior quarterbacks with a lot of talent on the ground and in the air. One running back with over 1,500 yards rushing on the season Winner of this game goes to the state championship game. GREAT.
 
I goggled pictures of the coaches so I would know whom to approach following the game for post game quotes. I printed out, taped together and highlighted key players on rosters. Made other simple notes that I thought might help me piece together a story. Or at least slightly feel like I knew the teams I was covering.
 
THANK YOU MAXPREPS!
 
I covered one the best high school football games I have ever watched in person. 42-37. Asked both head coaches and 300-yard rusher questions post game. Submitted a 638 word story.
 
I made some connections with local media. I learned things on the fly. I used my skills and reporting techniques I’ve built over the years.
 
Looking back I know I could have asked better questions. I also realized it’s a lot easier to write a story when you’ve been covering the teams for a couple of years or even just for the season. BUT I had so much fun, made connections and know I did a good job considering the circumstances. And to think I almost said no?!
 
Also another thing I’m not getting paid for my time or work. Which I’m OK with because I know that’s part of the business I’m pursuing a career in. Being able to get a byline in another state, add it to the resume, build connections and experience is more than enough for me! And I mean CMON this is what I love to do!!

Adding Arizona to the states I've covered high school football in along with Tennessee and Texas.

AND how perfect does this experience fit right into this baseball life! Crazy, on the fly and fun!
 
(I’ll post the article when it comes out in the paper next week! I’ll also post any feedback the editor gives me on my work because I feel like that is a very important part of this process too.)

UPDATE: Below is the email the sports editor sent me, WHAT?! And to think I almost said no! Never doubt yourself and your abilities, peeps!

​Below is a picture of my story on the front page of the Peoria Times.