Highlights from the final project

My apologies for the delay, but Winter Quarter students completed their final projects several weeks ago and delivered some strong and unique content.

Here are some of the highlights.

• Emily Eller profiles Arizona State All-American thrower Maggie Ewen and how NCAA track & field hurts the pay-for-play argument in college sports.
• Andrew Hattersley on the fallout of Stephen Vogt’s injury for the Brewers, and how a new approach is helping Jonathan Villar.
• Matt Horgan on why Michigan State deserves a top seed in the NCAA Tournament, as well as his Big Ten-NCAA Tournament podcast.
• Justine Marcantel gets inside the sports media world with Richard Deitsch and Danni Wysocki.
• Dan McDaid on what the Bears must to do bolster the wide receiver position, and why quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is poised for a big jump in Year 2.
• Alexis Meuche on the complex case of Alexa Bliss, and why fans should bring back the Carmella-Big E team in MMC.
• Evan Rogerson on the case for why LeBron James should become … a Nugget? Also, why a long-lasting Nuggets-Lakers beef is good for both sides (especially Denver).
• Richard Schoen on the Big East tournament odds and Creighton’s chances, and a podcast about the league tournament.
• David Stein on why Reid Duke’s skill eventually will shine for the Wolves, and a profile on Wolves goaltending coach Stan Dubicki.
• Brenden Welper on why patience is needed with the Blake Griffin-Pistons experiment, and three reasons to still watch the Pistons’ season.

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Listen up: First podcasts are here

In the brief but illustrious history of Sports Blogging at DePaul, the podcast assignment has generated some of the best content. This quarter is no exception, as students produced arguably the best collection of audio clips in course history. While most students opted for solo podcasts, the content and energy was on point.

Take a listen:

• Justine Marcantel and Alexis Meuche on the NFL, pro wrestling, pop culture and more. Brie Mode, y’all.
• Brenden Welper on the Detroit Pistons’ seismic trade for Blake Griffin and more.
• Emily Eller breaks down the latest NCAA track and field rankings.
• Andrew Hattersley on the Milwaukee Brewers’ very busy and interesting offseason.
• Matt Horgan reacts to the trouble with Michigan State basketball and other Big Ten hoops news.
• Dan McDaid on the Bears’ latest news under the new coaching regime.
• Evan Rogerson examines the Denver Nuggets.
• Richard Schoen is all in on Big East basketball wagering.
• David Stein recaps what’s happening with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.

News reactions roundup

The blogs are up and running, as students are reacting to key news items in their coverage area. There have been big NBA trades, Royal Rumble surprises, college basketball news and more.

Let’s take a look:

• Andrew Hattersley on the Brewers’ stunning January makeover.
• Emily Eller on Florida’s dominant start to the NCAA track and field season.
• Matt Horgan on Purdue remarkable run to the top of the Big Ten basketball standings.
• David Stein on the Chicago Wolves giving back to the community.
• Alexis Meuche on how the wrestling world can’t handle Awe-Ska.
• Brenden Welper on how the Pistons could be squandering their future with the Blake Griffin trade.
• Evan Rogerson on why the Denver Nuggets should move two players at the NBA trade deadline.
• Justine Marcantel on Tre Boston’s safety net move in front of the camera.
• Richard Schoen on why Las Vegas is underrating Villanova.
• Dan McDaid on whether a revamped Chicago Bears training staff will eliminate the injury bug.

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.