Verne Lundquist Sports Media Institute in Action
With support from the Headliners Foundation, attendance soars at UT’s 2024 Verne Lundquist Sports Journalism Camp!
On Friday, July 12th, the UT Center for Sports Communication & Media welcomed 44 high school journalism students from five states to the 2024 Verne Lundquist Sports Journalism Camp. Now in its third year, the three-day camp has grown in both size and scope with significant financial support from the Verne Lundquist Sports Media Institute, a program of the Headliners Foundation. Since the first group of 25 campers attended in 2022, the program now hosts nearly twice as many students from high schools in Texas, California, Minnesota, Mississippi and Kentucky.
The Foundation sponsored the camp with a $20,000 grant, which helps cover the cost of student participation and program expenses. The contribution was funded by the Foundation’s Evening with Verne Lundquist event, which raises money to support programs of the Verne Lundquist Sports Media Institute. Guest speakers at the annual fundraiser have included Club member and veteran sports broadcaster Verne Lundquist, CBS Sports’ James Brown, legendary Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Roger Staubach, and golf broadcasters Gary McCord and David Feherty, both former professional golfers.
"We're excited that the Lundquist initiative is helping attract promising young people into journalism," said Mark Morrison, chair of the Foundation's Lundquist Institute. "It's possible because of an amazing commitment by Verne and Nancy Lundquist and our great partnership with UT"s Moody School of Communication,” he said. “Our impact expands each year and we will keep building on that success."
The camp provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for young journalists who are interested in pursuing a career in sports journalism. Highlights include a mock press conference with UT coaches and athletes, tours of the football and basketball facilities, and presentations by industry professionals. Campers produce their own broadcast projects and enjoy a true college experience for the weekend.
“Our camp continues to grow and flourish, thanks to the faith and financial support of the Headliners Foundation and our vital partnership with Texas Athletics,” said Kevin Robbins, camp director and professor of practice at UT’s School of Journalism and Media. “High-school students from around the country now know about our camp,” said Robbins. “They choose us because we expose them to outstanding professionals in sports media and truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” he said.
The outstanding professionals Robbins refers to are industry leaders, sports writers and broadcasters, authors, educators, and multimedia journalists. This year’s impressive line-up of speakers included Headliners Foundation Board member and Austin American-Statesman sportswriter Cedric Golden, New York Times best-selling author and senior staff writer for The Ringer, Mirin Fader, assistant director for social media and creative content for Texas Athletics, Avery Faulkner, senior editor at KUT, Syeda Hasan, 247Sports/Horns247’s Texas beat writer/reporter, Eric Henry, and professor of practice and artist-in-residence at Michigan State University, Mike Castellucci.
Many thanks to Kevin Robbins, David Ryfe, Director of the UT School of Journalism and Media, and the faculty and staff at the UT Center for Sports Communication & Media for hosting the camp and providing an outstanding experience for the next generation of sports journalists.
PAST LUNDQUIST INSTITUTE EVENTS
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2024 Verne Lundquist Sports Media Institute - Boot Camp
Camp Videos
Jackson explains his interest in sports journalism.
Jacob explains his passion for sports videography and why he attended this year’s camp.