Thankful

In the time I could have had a baby, I have been interning with The Amarillo Bulls Hockey team competing to become The Ultimate Sports Intern. I’m happy to say that the goal that I set out to win, has come true. 

Starting off I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I mean I’m not a sports guy. I don’t really have a team much less know the lingo that gets thrown around. I know the jist of things, but for the most part I’m not one to sit in front of the TV and yell for my favorite football team running down the field. A part of me has changed when it comes to this aspect of my life. As a part of the Bulls’ staff, I root and cheer for our team (even when they play against my hometown…shhh don’t say anything). 

Someone awhile back said that doesn’t sound like a good internship, you are worried about being eliminated rather than learning what you can. I disagree. I had to learn things about sports marketing, and fast. The things the staff told me to improve, I had to do in a quick manner which expedited the process of the experience and made me learn things quicker and made them stay. 

I would like to thank all of my family and friends who have kept with me while at this internship. The memories I have made with the staff, players, and fans will stay with me. I can’t wait to see the team rise to the top during playoffs and bring home a championship!  

The final countdown

Yeah it’s official. I’m one of the final two people competing for The Ultimate Sports Internship with The Amarillo Bulls! That means I’m guaranteed at least $2,000 with a chance of winning $5,000 (first place gets that). 

It’s been a long road coming. From day one I ‘aligned” myself with Julia, another one of the interns, we both said that we would always have each others backs and we’ve become best friends over the course of this internship. She’s pushed me through and I’ve done the same for her. 

Our first challenge was to hand out vouchers and the team that gave away the most won, well we lost that challenge and looked to throw off the weakest member of our team - Roderick. As the internship continued, we noticed Michael stepping up his game and was always in the office - to be honest I was worried that he would win the whole thing. Then suddenly he announced he had to drop out and move away . Our week turned a little brighter then. 

The final five became a little tricky. We knew that the few remaining members had their skills and we had to somehow beat them at their own game. Working together Julia and myself highlighted our strengths, worked on our weaknesses and formed an ‘alliance’ (okay maybe I’ve watched one too many reality TV shows) that pushed us through to the final three. 

Last night’s elimination was the hardest by far. We knew that the person leaving would have worked the longest without any sort of monetary compensation for their time here. I knew coming in that I hadn’t made a group sale this go around, and the other two had. Yeah, I was nervous. 

In my interview I highlighted what I brought to the table: social media, video editing/shooting, organization. What I was asked was “What season ticket holders do you know? Who do you interact with?” I paused. I can name two or three. I interact with some online. I know faces, but not necessarily names. I knew I was in trouble. I reassured them that I would step up my game on this avenue, come into the office more, and stay until playoffs were over. 

I left the room not feeling very good about it at all. I thought I was gone. They called us back into the room. Said that the person leaving isn’t a reflection of what they have done - we all have our strengths, but a reflection of what they need as the season finishes out. It was the closest vote they had 3-2. They announced who was being eliminated and Julia and myself left the room. We were both safe. 

I was relieved. I could breathe. I was happy. I had made it. The plan and goal that was set from day one: an all out battle for the end with myself and Julia. I feel bad for Savannah who was eliminated. She really has great qualities about herself. I’ve got my work cut out for me as I know the 3-2 vote came down to her and myself. 

And then there were three

Three of us remain in the Ultimate Sports Internship. Yeah, that’s one away from finding out if I’m going to walk away from this internship with money or not. It’s been a long nine months and I can’t really picture walking or being eliminated now. 

I’ve lived and breathed the Amarillo Bulls for what feels like a year. I see the brand around town and I’m wondering who is wearing the shirt - a sense of pride arises. This last elimination meeting had me on edge. Another intern, Savannah, when asked who she told the office staff she wanted gone said me! Really? I mean I know I haven’t been visually seen in the office as much, but I do a ton out of office and at the games. I take pictures, make promotional videos, update social media, and do a little graphic design here and there. 

I deserve to be among the top three. 

Julia, the other intern, and myself are close both as friends and coworkers - we have a similar skill set. The office staff keep asking us if it comes down to us in the final two would we split the money. Our thoughts - Heck no! We both know that whomever wins deserves the full $5,000 prize and shouldn’t settle for less. If it ever gets to that point it will be every man and women for themselves. 

We’ve got one more elimination left before I can breathe for a bit. Before I can say, “Wow I’m walking away with some money in my pocket.” Until then you can believe that I’ll be working towards getting rid of Savannah - I’m a competitive person and she just started the competition. 

I made a sale

                                      

It’s been awhile since I’ve had an update on The Ultimate Sports Internship. There are no more teams, and only five of us left. I can tell you that I’m personally ready for the next person to be eliminated, for the moment to be announced who will win and who will walk away with 2nd place. 

It’s been an interesting few weeks for the Amarillo Bulls - we are currently 24-3-4, a great record in the NAHL. The interns and the General Manager, Chris Laurie had a meeting awhile back stating that the current challenge we were working on would be over. No more teams, no challenge as of now. Sales were not being made and that they needed to make more money - I figured this essentially was our next challenge. Part of sports marketing is getting that return, making sales. 

I had been calling groups from our lists that we have and went about a week and a half and didn’t really get any bites. Then, I made one call to a church group who when answered the phone replied with “You know I’ve been meaning to call you guys lately, I think my church group wants to go for a Christmas Party.” Perfect, I was in. That eventually lead to my name getting on our board of sales - 15 tickets later. 

Julia (another intern) and myself have also been doing a little bit of design work and continue playing a part in running social media. It’s been toughing getting into the office with school and finals coming to end, but I know I will continue working and hopefully last in this internship until the end. 

Top