WOUB students gain valuable experience covering the MAC Championship game

Two WOUB Public Media students traveled to Detroit last Saturday to cover the Mid-American Conference Championship Game where the Ohio University Bobcats came out on top. The Bobcats won the MAC Championship for the first time in more than 50 years.

The 38-3 Bobcat victory was an exciting milestone for Ohio University football program and fans, but also for the WOUB student journalists.  WOUB Sports Director Grant Kiefer and The Bobcat Sports Showcase Supervising Producer Andrew Bowlby both say that covering the Bobcats' championship game was particularly meaningful.

“Getting to cover this event was all the more special considering that up until now, Ohio hasn't won a conference title since 1968,” Kiefer said. “Doing this for WOUB during its 75th anniversary year is both poetic and sentimental. Thinking back to July when I woke up at 2 a.m. to make sure I made it to MAC Media Day on time to now, being along for this ride, makes it unbelievably special. I can't thank WOUB enough for providing these opportunities to cover this team and our victory at such an in-depth level.”

Kiefer and Bowlby prepared for the event extensively and produced many forms of multimedia coverage for students and fans, including an exclusive sit-down interview with Ohio Quarterback Parker Navarro.

Additionally, they also shared their content using multiple platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube. Additionally, they provided a live preview of the game from Detroit on WOUB TV’s NewsWatch to update fans watching from home.

"We’ve been covering the Bobcats all season, producing features and game content," Bowlby said. "It’s been incredibly rewarding to cover a game and win of this magnitude. This is exactly the kind of experience aspiring sports journalists dream about."

While the experience was unforgettable for both students, Kiefer emphasized the importance of the coverage beyond their personal careers.

"This job isn’t about me," Kiefer said. "I’m here to provide coverage of student-athletes who don’t always get the spotlight. To see their hard work come full circle in winning this title is truly special."

Bowlby and Kiefer 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 MAC Championship game.

"Having this kind of professional experience during college is invaluable,” Bowlby said. “We’re incredibly grateful for WOUB’s trust and support."

Kiefer and Bowlby are now preparing for their next road trip to cover the Bobcats in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl versus Jacksonville State on Dec. 20 in Orlando, Florida.

For more information about WOUB and its student opportunities, visit ohio.edu/woub.