Let's Not Disappoint Them

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The last weekend in April, 30 young sports journalists from across the country descended on Churchill Downs to attend the Kentucky Derby Collegiate Sports Journalism Seminar. They came hoping to network with top performers in their field to land that critical first job. They came counting on the experience to boost their résumés. More than likely, they came for the opportunity to revel with peers.

They were not disappointed. But more important, they left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Thoroughbred racing.

The aspiring writers, broadcasters, and photographers walked the same ground as the working media covering the Derby. They roamed the backside and had access to the press box and trackside locations. They attended round-table discussions and participated in a practicum in their chosen area of emphasis.

Conceived in 1992 as a way to increase awareness in racing for future generations of sports journalists, the seminar continues to spawn benefits for the entire racing industry, 10 years and 500 graduates later.

Dan Migala, a 1996 attendee, writes an e-sports column for Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal and has authored two books on sports marketing.

"Hands down, I would not be in the seat I'm in today without the experience at Churchill Downs," Migala said. "The access that I was given to people who are influential in the sports world helped move my career along at an incredible pace. And seeing the Derby operations first hand has given me a true appreciation for horse racing."

Equine photographer Skip Dickstein and his boss, Katherine Friedrich, executive photo editor at the Albany Times Union, coordinate the activities for the photo students.

"The Derby seminar is an unequaled opportunity for students," said Friedrich. "It's the only college program that offers hands-on experience, where students are treated the same as professionals, and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers critique the students' portfolios each day. A whole new generation of photographers is adding horse racing to their portfolios because they've been exposed to the game."

As an added benefit to racing, the seminar lures nationally known journalists as keynote speakers and faculty. The list includes Mike Tirico of ESPN, Fred Hickman from CNN, Verne Lundquist and Arman Keteyian of CBS Sports, Thomas George and William C. Rhoden from the New York Times, and Mike Wilbon from the Washington Post.

Last year's keynote speaker provided a surprise with his unsolicited advice and admiration for racing's media savvy. Peter King, NFL beat writer for Sports Illustrated, CNN, and CNNsi, arrived just as Neil Drysdale was holding court with reporters following Fusaichi Pegasus' final work before the Derby. Later during his presentation, King pointed to the stable area and recounted the scene from earlier in the day. "That, ladies and gentlemen, is fundamental to a good story--access to interesting people who are passionate about what they do. If you ever have an opportunity to cover horse racing at any level of your career, you should jump at the chance."

April 29, the seminar class of 2001 gathered for what has become an annual closing day tradition. Students listened to Sports Illustrated Turf writer Bill Nack, who ended his session by reciting the final page of The Great Gatsby, a rather unorthodox passage for sports reporters in a horse racing setting.

"I find that most students don't really know good writing," Nack said. "They rarely understand imagery or meter or pace or any of those things that writers use to keep the reader interested. 'Gatsby' has all of that."

Nack, who teaches creative writing at Columbia University, added, "It's been my experience that students want to learn and appreciate the fact good reporting and good writing start with access to people. That's what makes this seminar special. It allows these kids to invade our insular world and to gain acceptance in a location that has so many barriers for entry. The big dividends will come years down the road when these kids tell their editors they want to go out to the local track because a track is a place with interesting stories."

Let's not disappoint them.

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