Thursday July 24th was an unforgettable day. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in the world of media. Let’s break it down to bring you behind the scenes on what goes on during a conference media day. As well as show you my new position with Smee Sports as we transition into the school year. The day began early in the morning as I left Bowling Green that morning at around 6:30 in the morning. Battling mild Detroit traffic and getting ahead of the morning commute. I head inside to check in and register. Now everything in there from the people at the check-in desk. To the people with teams. Was professional. Suits everywhere with backpacks filled with cameras, helmets, and other media equipment. Players in their fanciest suits drinking coffee to prepare for the long day of interviews. Seeing each team walk in with their head coach, and two players (One offense and One defense). Was the sight to see. Cameras focused on their team. Also, various independent media outlets captured the action. I would fall under this category.
The highlight of the morning was looking down onto the turf at Ford Field. Watching it go from school to school on the jumbotrons was also thrilling. Sitting down looking over notes and enjoying breakfast I took in the atmosphere. Knowing I had to interview the local guys (Bowling Green and Toledo), I also wanted to include Kent State in my expedition. What I regret however is not talking with Akron. As we all had leisure time before commissioner Jon Steinbrecher gave his remarks. I left to clean up. Before heading over to the opposite end of the stadium, I saw a familiar face. Head BGSU football coach Eddie George, along with new quarterback Drew Pyne, and defensive end Eriq George walked in. I introduced myself to the group. We had a discussion on astro-turf. We also talked about how George played on the surface during his time with the Tennessee Titans.
After walking around and undertsanding the amosphere, it was time for Commissioner Steinbrecher to speak with us all. He spoke highly of the MAC in how the conference is in a new era. What he highlighted was the academic excellence. Stating the purpose of all Mid American Conference Athletes is to eventually gain a college degree. After his remarks, we disbanded. Everyone scattered whether their athletes would speak 1 one 1 with media, or film promotional content. My job was to interview our Bowling Green student athletes and here is what I learned.
Drew Pyne, who graduated from Notre Dame, and has been around in college football ever since 2020. Afterward he spent a year at Arizona State then Missouri before finally landing in Northwest Ohio. He spoke highly of Coach George and the offense. He said that the offensive line is a veteran staff. He knows he can put his trust into them. As for classes, he still takes them seriously. Even as a grad student; Pyne takes his academic career seriously as well. Now for Eriq George, entering his junior season after playing with Tennessee State under his father. He finds the academic side of college football is as serious as his play. The Bowling Green defense looks to be strong this season, and with George gaining a roster spot. The Falcons will rely heavily on their lines. Coach George, who is one of 6 new head coaches in the Mid American Conference. Discussed his expectations for the student athletes, as well as what he expects on the football field. In the classroom, Coach George wants his players in the first two rows. He insights as well they should not be wearing hoodies to make themselves presentable in a learning environment. He also expects Falcon football to “Leave places better than we found it”.
Talking with all of the players, media, and coaching staff. It was an honor getting to know their stories and backgrounds . Other notable athletes I talked with were Tucker Gleason and Emmanual McNeil-Warren, both of whom are with the Toledo Rockets. As for coaching I met not only Eddie George, but also Mark Carney who is the interim head coach with Kent State. I was fortunate enough to meet the broadcast crew for ESPN+. I also met other local broadcasters and reporters. As the day began to end, I noticed some of my connections with WTOL 11. It is a local CBS affiliated tv station based out of Toledo. While they were on the field, I asked if I could help. I was fortunate enough to hang out with them for a few minutes. Capturing the photo for this article and being in an NFL endzone were experiences I will never forget. As I left, I felt proud of all the work I have done. I realized that the best is yet to come. Now for the final announcement you have all been waiting for.
I will be the writer for all MAC content this fall. I will give you weekly articles about the conference. You will also get updates on how all the teams are doing. Join us as we prepare to begin the 2025-2026 academic year, Go Falcons!
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