Student Eliza Snow Shares Her Experience Covering an Away Football Game as a Sports Media Student
Photos Courtesy of Eliza Snow
1) Eliza on the Field at BYU vs. ASU Football Game
2) Photo Taken by Eliza from the BYU vs. ASU Football Game for the Daily Universe
3) Eliza at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona
On November 21–24, 2024, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Arizona with one of my professors and a few other students in my major, journalism and sports media, to cover the BYU vs. ASU football game. While there, we also had the opportunity to tour Chase Field and the Cronkite School of Journalism.
I was able to apply interview and video skills that I learned from my classes to create content for the Daily Universe. One other classmate and I talked to students on campus and asked them questions about their thoughts on BYU. We then compiled those interviews into a single video and posted it on the Daily Universe Sports instagram platform. It was interesting to hear the different perspectives from the students of ASU. There was one student who thought that we worshipped Joseph Smith. This led into a small discussion where my classmate explained that we do not worship Joseph Smith and it turned into a missionary moment. It was a cool experience to be able to share the gospel in that way.
This experience was unique because of the events that unfolded at the football game. I had to be true to who I am and what I stand for. There were many times where the student section was chanting very degrading things, it really hurt my heart and made me sad. But, I took comfort in knowing who I am as a Daughter of God and their cheers rolled off my back.
I was on the field taking pictures during the fourth quarter. When everyone thought the game was over, fans started storming the field. The game officials, after further review, concluded that there was one second left in the game. The next 20 minutes were spent trying to get very intoxicated and disgruntled fans off the field. Attending BYU, where spirituality and a relationship with the Savior are prioritized, is something I am deeply grateful for. The behavior I observed at ASU contrasts with the environment here on campus, which has made me even more appreciative of my experience at BYU.
The excitement of this game lended well to creating content for the Daily Universe. As a journalism student, I knew that I had to be on top of capturing as many moments as possible in still shots and video. The quality of my shots was especially important because fellow journalism students on the writing desk were going to have many stories to write about the happenings on the field. I learned the important lesson that there is always a story and you have to be ready to capture it.
I am beyond grateful for this opportunity I had to learn and to represent BYU and my faith. I will definitely remember this unique experience and the things I learned from it for the rest of my life.