By Kelly O'Malley-McKee | Project Leader
As Jack’s limo pulled up at the Moshofsky Center at the University of Oregon and the red carpet was unfurled, the Comcast SportsNet camera and reporter were on site to interview Jack, making him feel like a celebrity.
As Jack and his family made their way to the Ducks football practice facility, the 16-year-old was all smiles as players were converging on the entrance. For the next hour and a half, Jack watched practice and gained a behind-the-scenes perspective of Oregon Ducks football. At the end of practice, Jack was escorted to the field to meet Coach Kelly and the team. They presented him with a few gifts and encouraged Jack to lead the team in their final cheer at the end of practice.
As Coach Kelly walked with Jack and his family to the media area outside, Coach told him they would meet up for lunch together, but first he had to address some media questions… Then, Jack - not expecting the surprise to come - was asked to conduct his own on-camera interview with a few players as the “Talking Ducks” Comcast reporter on the scene. He interviewed Kenjon Barner, David Paulson and others with his own questions on the spot such as, “How do you stay so focused on catching the ball when you are about to take a huge hit from a big defensive back?” – great question!
After the interviews, Jack headed to the buffet line in the lunch room where he reunited with Coach Kelly and a few players that came by to say hi. A central point of Jack’s wish was his hope to conduct an interview with Coach Kelly – he had several great questions written on his reporter pad to be ready if the chance came along. Mission accomplished, as Coach was glad to be interviewed by his biggest fan. Jack is writing this article for his school newspaper at Central Catholic. This budding sports reporter hopes to attend the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism in a few years.
After all the shirt and cap signing and goodbye pats on the back, players left for class and Coach Kelly to his next meeting. Jack was sitting there with a smile on his face trying to digest the magic that just happened.
“It was a wonderful day and I’m so thankful!” recapped Jack. “I had so much fun chatting with Chip… and interviewing the players too.”
Links:
By Jeannie Covell | Project Leader
By Laila Umpleby | Director of Development
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