If you don’t already know, USFtv is our university’s student-run television station. USFtv sports is an interesting and crucial part of the programming. All of the university’s games are covered and about six different games are shown each month. These segments include compelling coverage of the game, in depth interviews with coaches and players, as well as a first hand break down of the game by USFtv’s sports editor, Erika Heyer.
Currently, USFtv Sports is in the process of adding a fitness segment to its programming. The station aired a pilot episode of the fitness segment in October to great reviews. “It is an interesting twist on sports and I think that being healthy and staying fit is definitely a huge part of sports that sometimes people don’t think about when tuning into a sports channel but they should.” said Heyer.
Heyer and the USFtv Sports crew are getting tons of positive feedback from their peers as well as their professors. “My teachers come up to me and tell me that they have seen me on TV which is great because I know people are watching. I have also been getting a lot of positive feedback from the Athletics Department. I have been burning game wrap-ups for them and they have been putting them on their YouTube site and it has been working really well,” said Heyer.
Another new feature to look out for on USFtv Sports is a segment on what is behind a Don’s game. For the Dig Pink volleyball game USFtv sports interviewed a player before hand and talked about the charity that the game was benefiting and also had the game wrap up in the package so viewers can get the whole picture of what it takes to be a Don’s athlete.
This season of USFtv sports has shown some of USF’s athletic highs. Heyer says, “My favorite USFtv moment was when the Dons [baseball] were tied in the 10th [inning] and Derek Poppert [USF student] stepped up and hit a single to get the winning run. I got the celebration on film and the interview was great afterwards because Ryan Lipkin [Poppert’s teammate] got him [Poppert] in the face with shaving cream.”
The newest feature that will be airing on USFtv Sports is on the Free 2 Play campaign USF Athletics is doing in accordance with the Not For Sale campaign. Free 2 Play is a part of the Not For Sale Campaign, which targets and involves athletes and sports enthusiasts who believe all children should be “free to play”. The station will be airing the dodgeball awareness game that will be taking place as part of the Free 2 Play Campaign on December 2nd in Harney Plaza.
Heyer has advice for students who are interested in exploring the field of sports journalism. “ If you have the passion, don’t give up! Sports journalism a tough business to get into, there are long hours and hard work is involved. I suggest you get in internship or work for USFtv Sports. I have had the opportunity to write, film, and edit my own stories and if not for this experience I would not currently have my extensive internship at ABC 7 sports.”
