Full Sail University

Students and Grad Provide News Coverage for 2017 College Football Playoff

Sports news website The SkyBoat – founded by Entertainment Business graduate Adrian Beecher – offered coverage opportunities.

Students and Grad Provide News Coverage for 2017 College Football Playoff - Hero image

Six Full Sail University students and one graduate were given internship and staff opportunities to work directly with this year’s College Football Playoff, which featured the victorious Clemson Tigers against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Sports news website The SkyBoat – founded by Entertainment Business graduate Adrian Beecher – has consistently partnered with Full Sail students and alumni for its coverage of professional and collegiate teams throughout Central Florida.

In addition to the hands-on experience they had in developing their writing, videography, and photography skills, they were able to develop great professional contacts and relationships that can potentially help them in the future."

Aside from reporting, photography, and videography, the interns and staff members were also given opportunities to interact with the fans and other representatives in the media. Their hospitality roles included distributing media credentials, working with local radio stations and the College Football Playoff communications team, and assisting in the setup of Fan Central – a three-day family-friendly event that took place at the Tampa Convention Center prior to the big game.

“Our students’ involvement with College Football Playoff is invaluable,” said Entertainment Business master’s Program Director Dr. Heather Dartez. “In addition to the hands-on experience they had in developing their writing, videography, and photography skills, they were able to develop great professional contacts and relationships that can potentially help them in the future.”

Adrian explained that each of the students and alumni are hand-picked because of their hard work and eagerness to learn from The SkyBoat, and everyone who participated this year showed excellent work ethic and personal growth. They made such a positive impression, in fact, that College Football Playoff has already asked him to bring another group of students to participate in next year’s game.

*Photo by Film bachelor’s student and The SkyBoat staff photographer Jake Wooley