WOUB students cover Myrtle Beach Bowl thanks to the Larry Katz WOUB Sports Student Leadership and Production Fund

While the Ohio University Bobcat Football Team returned from the Myrtle Beach Bowl as big winners, they weren’t the only ones who were celebrating their on-the-field bowl game experience. Two WOUB students, Ayden Crowley and Maria Monesi, were able to travel to Myrtle Beach and cover the game for WOUB sports.

“I think opportunities like the Myrtle Beach Bowl are extremely important to grow professionally,” said Crowley, an Ohio University senior studying journalism news and information. “You learn how to conduct yourself in a larger setting, and you have the opportunity to network with a number of professionals in the industry. In my opinion, it is one of the best real-world applications offered at WOUB.”

“It's important for aspiring journalists to be able to cover events like the Myrtle Beach Bowl because you are able to understand what all goes into covering a larger scale sporting event,” said Monesi, also an Ohio University senior studying journalism news and information. “It helps you gain hands-on experience, and these trips allow for the opportunity to connect with those who work in the industry.”

Crowley and Monesi were able to make the trip thanks to alumni support. Former WOUB Student Larry Katz ’77 established the Larry Katz WOUB Sports Student Leadership and Production Fund to provide general support for sports productions and content produced by students working at WOUB. It benefits students working on productions like Gridiron Glory, Hardwood Heroes, The Bobcat Sports Showcase, Ace Nation, SportsBeat, NewsWatch and others. The fund helps pay student wages and/or supporting costs including student travel to cover sporting events, like the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

“I would like to thank Larry Katz for the opportunity. It was such a fulfilling experience that was able to continue my growth towards my dream,” said Crowley. “It would not have been possible without the generosity of Mr. Katz and for that I am extremely grateful. I have been extremely fortunate to have a number of experiences through WOUB, and I will cherish these memories forever.”

“I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to get to travel to a new place that allowed me to continue to grow my skills as a journalist,” said Monesi. “The trip was an experience I will never forget, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Crowley grew up in Mason, Ohio near Cincinnati and decided to attend Ohio University because of the high-quality journalism program and the ability to “jump right in at places like WOUB.” Monesi is from the Columbus area and also chose Ohio University because of the journalism program and the fact that she felt “at home the minute she stepped on campus.”

“Mrytle Beach was an awesome experience. Maria and I have been covering the Ohio football team for two years, so being able to travel for the final game in our time was such a fulfilling feeling,” said Crowley. “It was a lot of hard work but being able to tell the story of some of the best teams in Ohio's history was an unforgettable experience.”

“I had a great experience in Myrtle Beach,” said Monesi. “It was the best way to cap off my time covering Ohio football and being able to witness the team make history was special.”