Halfway done with spring quarter of my junior year, I took my seat in SASM 301. Without warning, a classmate of mine asked me if I would like to be the stadium announcer for the Southern Ohio Copperheads. After a split second of hesitation, I answered “absolutely.” Although I had no idea what the job entailed, other than reading each batters name before at-bats. Originally I had signed up to be a part of the general staff for the Copperheads, which is a summer collegiate all-star wooden bat team that plays at Ohio University’s Bob Wren Stadium. Within seconds I went from potential game usher and mascot, to the voice of Bob Wren Stadium.

Being a part of the general staff would have been fun and educational, but being the stadium announcer brought upon much more responsibility, and a lot more behind the scenes experience. Although I assisted in assembly and take down of the stadium, I was also required to run through the promotional scripts that took place during each half-inning of every game. For a die-hard baseball fan, this was the perfect way for me to spend my summer. Being able to sit in the press box with 5-10 other baseball fanatics, talking strategy, sharing experiences, was more fun than I could have imagined.

By doing this summer internship I learned a lot about the sports industry that I never would have considered had I worked in an office all summer. The minor-league atmosphere worked perfectly for this college-town crowd, and was exponentially more laid back and exciting than I could have hoped for.

This summer brought experiences that I will never forget. Working with other sport management students allowed me to network constantly with professors, coaches, team owners, and fans a like. For all of those that have a love of baseball, and are looking for real world experience, look no further than the Southern Ohio Copperheads.