What better way to start scoring the weekend of the event in Canton, Ohio, than the downpours that delay the annual Hall of Fame game?
There is none. Red Hawk Sports Network has done whatever it takes to make the upcoming documentary about Sam Mills introduction the best movie ever.
Based on the 10-hour trip that took place around the Tom Benson Hall of Fame stadium before the skies opened, and snippets of filming, no one could have predicted exactly how this trip would play out starting Thursday. did. on Sunday.
Stacy Gitlin, one of the professors who founded RHSN, empowered students to make many of their own decisions while also helping direct the trip and keep an eye on everyone. Gitlin has a great deal of trust in students such as his broadcast intern and his RHSN director Jason Naccarella.
“Through this program, we have acquired many students who are very good at knowing sports and understanding teams,” says Gitlin. “But when it comes to TV production, behind-the-scenes cameras, editing, and fieldwork, it’s always intuitive. [Naccarella] A problem solver and has a great work ethic. Such a person leads a project like this. ”
RHSN’s Matt Bruchez (front, center), Teni Bello (front, right), Jason Naccarella (center, left), Gianna Daginis (center, right) and Montclarion Sports editor Matt Orth (back) hold media credentials. I’m here.
Photo credit: Matt Bulches
Nukkarella had to solve many problems related to the constantly changing environment of the cantons. Coming into his senior year, his responsibilities are at an all-time high. But as this trip has shown, he has a lot of people to help him.
“I had to be ready for anything, anytime,” said Nakkarella. “Our crew did a great job making sure we had all the right equipment and research in place to film something or interview someone. It wasn’t just me, it was a team effort.”
RHSN Director Jason Nakarella captures a large inductee autograph outside the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Museum.
Matt Orth | Monclarion
Social media was also a team effort. Every little thing done across Canton and Ohio gets meticulous attention on Instagram thanks to her Gianna Daginis, RHSN’s primary social media correspondent and sophomore broadcast intern. was taken.
Going into the trip, Daginis had a plan for how he wanted to showcase the inside and outside of the trip.
“Given the fact that only a limited number of people are physically here, we wanted the social media content to be as immersive as possible,” says Daginis. “We wanted the content we shared to be able to stand out. [Mills’] We chronicle the Hall of Fame festivities and Canton atmosphere, showcasing behind the scenes and everyone’s involvement in the project. ”
Jason Nuckarella and Gianna Daginis film an interview outside Barbecue further south in Ohio.
Matt Orth | Monclarion
An Instagram hijack on the Montclair State University track and field Instagram account, videos of behind-the-scenes moments with festival details, and interviews are just some of the content created and shared by Daginis.
Anyone following the coverage can clearly see how the weekend went.
Another student who was at the top of the social media game, not just interviews and shoots, was sports communications major Teni Bello. She helped create her Instagram reel of professional quality for her RHSN.
Bello recently switched to a sports communications major and is glad she did this trip.
“I always knew my talent was in front of the camera, but this weekend I had to learn a lot about news and sports coverage, shooting and social media,” Bello said. “That was my goal. I wanted to be more involved and versatile. increase.”
Teni Bello and one of his former alumni coaches talk about the late Sam Mills. Matt Orth | Monclarion
Broadcast intern Matt Bruchez has spent the time of his life putting himself among the crowds of people in Canton and trying to get sound bites from anyone who wants to talk. He photographed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He took a selfie with comedian Keegan-Michael Key. He interviewed sports media legend Chris Berman. Finally, Bruchez is grateful for this experience.
“I’ve already said several times that I believe these have been the best few days of my life,” said Burtjes. [Berman] And Chris Collinsworth, who I look up to in the world of sports broadcasting, was amazing. His whole experience is so surreal I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. ”
Jason Naccarella and Matt Burches will help take the Hall of Fame photo.
Matt Orth | Monclarion
Matt Bulches and comedian Keegan-Michael Key.
Photo credit: Matt Bulches
Professor Steve McCarthy was also a key part of the team, driving everyone and motivating them to not be afraid to take the opportunity. He explains how this overall opportunity is unique. .
“Made by Division III players [it] It’s rare to be a pro and very rare to be in the Hall of Fame,” McCarthy said. “It’s always a good story when it probably won’t happen again.”
A group of students and professors take pictures before heading back on the road.
Photo credit: Red Hawk Sports Network
The experience was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for everyone involved. A bond grew. Memories were made that will last forever. And a lot of work has been done that pays off in so many ways. This is exactly what his Gitlin wanted for his students.
“I work 12 hours a day in the sun on my feet, sleep four hours, and then do the same thing again,” says Gitlin. “It’s a lot of work, but the moments between sunburn, sore feet and anorexia are life-changing memories that can be compared to the rest of the experience.”
