A plethora of podcasts

Students recently put together their first podcasts, either in pairs or by themselves. This continues to be one of the most successful assignments. Congrats to all the students for delivering some excellent content.

Take a listen:

• John Ball and Jeremy Harris on the Cubs’ farm system and potential upcoming moves.
• Javier Barrera and Adam Chalifoux on the Warriors, the Celtics and NBA playoff happenings.
• Jeramie Bizzle (and guest Nate Burgos) on the latest in esports.
• Harry Colmery on the Cubs’ up-and-down April.
• Kay McKenzie on what she’ll be watching at the NFL draft.
• Joshua Nggilari on Wizards-Hawks and other NBA playoff matchups.
• Monterey Pepper on the next steps for the Blackhawks after a premature end to the season.
• John Romando gives his thoughts on goaltending and more in the NHL playoffs.
• Gavriel Wilkins and Brandon Willingham on LeBron James and all things Cleveland Cavs.

Introducing spring quarter sports blogs

A new quarter is upon us and it’s time to reveal the latest set of sports blogs and Twitter handles. We have a great mix of topics, from esports to NFL lifestyle to the Chicago Cubs (both the big club and the farm system). Please follow along throughout the term.

John Ball
Blog: We Are Good
Twitter: @flythew_cubbies

Monterey Pepper
Blog: The Madhouse Update
Twitter: @madhouse_update

Jeramie Bizzle
Blog: We Play Esports
Twitter: @WPGOnline

Javier Barrera
Blog: GSW Basketblog
Twitter: @gsw_basket_blog

Jeremy Harris
Blog: Cubs Farm Watch
Twitter: @Cubsfarmwatch

Harry Colmery
Blog: Let’s Blog Two!
Twitter: @LetsBlogTwo

Adam Chalifoux
Blog: The Boston Gardener
Twitter: @TheBostGardener

Kay McKenzie
Blog: Talkback: Fashion. Life. Football.
Twitter: @KayTalkback

Gavriel Wilkins
Blog: Won For All
Twitter: @wonforall

Joshua Nggliari
Blog: NBA Playoffs In The Loop
Twitter: @nbaintheloop

Brandon Willingham
Blog: The Cavs Coaster
Twitter: @CAVScoaster

John Romando
Blog: NHL Playoffs 2017
Twitter: @NHLPlayoffsBlog

Top of the class: Media Q&As

Students recently reached out to media members who cover their blog topic and wrote Q&As/profiles. They collected excellent information about blogging and sports journalism.

Check out the work here:

• Joe Williams Q&A with Blog a Bull’s Matt Bernhardt
• Alex Sieger’s Q&A with Islanders Insight’s Andy Graziano
• Matt Paras’ Q&A with Denver Stiffs’ Nate Timmons
• Lindsey Murphy’s Q&A with the Washington Post’s Steve Goff
• Courtney Jacquin’s Q&A with Liberty Ballers’ Michael Levin
• Zachary Holden’s Q&A with ArseBlog’s Andrew Mangan (password protected)
• Josh Criswell’s Q&A/podcast with NOLA.com’s Ron Higgins
• Eric Domingo’s Q&A with Comcast SportsNet’s Mark Schanowski
• Geoffrey Clark’s Q&A with former Trail Blazers social media czar Dustin Hawes

Top of the class: First podcasts

Students recently paired up and produced podcast segments on each of their blog topics. The first go-round was a huge success for the class.

Listen and enjoy!

• Joe Williams and Eric Domingo on the Chicago Bulls and the NBA.
• Matt Paras and Courtney Jacquin on down times with the NBA’s Nuggets and 76ers.
• Geoffrey Clark and Josh Criswell on NBA social media and LSU basketball.
• Lindsey Murphy and Zachary Holden kicking it around with U.S. soccer and Arsenal F.C.
• Alex Sieger (with help from Josh Criswell) on the New York Islanders.

Video: Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany

Adam Rittenberg talks with Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany after the Big Ten spring meetings.

First round of news reactions

In the blog space, what it means always resonates more than what it is. Here are the first news reactions the class has submitted.

Check them out:

• Jimmy Rosasco on Man U parting ways with manager David Moyes
• Courtney Terlecki on Coach Q’s very expensive crotch grab
• Allana Tachauer on D-Wade’s big performance in Game 1 against Charlotte
• Cody Voga on Todd Helton’s induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
• Christian Jones on the Bulls’ Game 1 loss to Washington
• Jaclyn Driscoll on baseball’s proposed transfer rule crisis
• Kelsey Miller on Bill O’Reilly’s bizarre comments to John Calipari
• LaVar Merrell on the White Sox’ long weekend in Texas
• Martezz Allen on Pau Gasol’s uncertain future
• Jakub Rudnik on DeAndre Jordan’s defensive player of the year snub

Poll: How am I doing?

How do you like this class so far? Am I fooling you, even a little? Be sure and vote in today’s poll