In The Press Box

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  Wai'anae, Hawai'i
  November 27th, 2013
  
  Here in Hawaii, when someone thinks of a University of Hawaii football game tailgating events, star players, or even the peppy cheerleaders on the side lines come to mind first. Rarely does the casual fan think about the workers above the action in the press box. There are reporters from different media sources that cover the game, and workers who keep track of the scores and individual statistics. Among this mix of reporters and number keepers is color analyst for ESPN Radio 1420, John Veneri, whose job is to announce the game from the radio booth. With a large amount of people in the booths, comes a load of pressure.
  
  “Anything else before the actual games you have butterflies, then once you get into it you get three hours, you can’t stay nervous for very long,” Veneri said.
  
  Announcers like Veneri need to be very cautious with what they say not only because of the teams, but their family and friends in the stands. “You have to be careful on what you say, even though they’re college players they’re still kids. Their families listen, their coach wides listen, while there’s no pressure, there is a certain level, you have to have a certain level of professionalism to talk about the kids, the players,” Veneri said.
  
  With having to be careful with their words, it packs more pressure on to the press box crew. Even with high levels of professionalism as announcers, everyone make mistakes.
  
  “When you make mistake and you don’t realize it till later, you kind of just brush over it and then just sure you say whatever’s true or correct later on,” Veneri added.
  
  When the game is over and the players have shook hands, the workers in the press box wrap everything up. Ease has come over the workers above the field after they have felt the same pressure that the players might feel. The pressure of this game may be over, but there is always a new game. Luckily, it’s the pressure of the job that keeps them going.

"Anything else before the actual games you have butterflies, then once you get into it you get three hours, you can't stay nervous for long."

John Veneri said.

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Looking Back

There are many big and  rigorous working media teams in the U.S.. However, no matter their level of experience, even the pros get nervous.


 Keani Malo, Writer

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The feel of pressure  is visible for every performers, and especially with the people working on a media booth. Everyone feels butterflies even if they've been working for so long or so called professionals when they're about to start.

Charlemaine Blue, Photographer

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