September 13, low 60s, a brisk breeze and a waning gibbous. It was my first time working a game on Kyle Field and for ESPN, and I definitely shouldâve brought a windbreaker instead of a rain jacket. I was there for the experience; for the chance to be a part of something that I one-day hope to list as my career field. Anything I could do to get my foot in the door was more than good enough, and I was ready to prove myself worthy.
My task was simple: serve and protect the cart. Donât let anyone get in the way of the cart, donât let anyone get run over by the cart, and most importantly, donât get hit by the cart. Still donât know what Iâm talking about? Well itâs this giant thing. It has super thick tires, and IT MOVES REALLY FAST!
Granted, this isnât the one I was guarding, but you get the idea.
Anyways, there were a lot of people on the sideline that werenât happy with me. Kyle Fieldâs sidelines are a lot smaller this year, and there were way too many people crowding around. Youâve got the football players, the coaches, the media and even some spectators just standing there watching the game. Because I had to make sure nobody came near the cart, there was even less room to walk or run around. My experience was, needless to say, very interesting. Some people understood that I was just doing my job; others wanted to bite my head off. Either way, I served my purpose.
I love working sidelines. Iâve been doing it since high school, and Iâd choose working the field over sitting in the stands nine out of ten times. I am very grateful to ESPN for allowing me to work with them and for all the access and knowledge I gained. Letâs just say that the next time I work a game, I hope I get to experience a different aspect of it. The goal with these kinds of gigs is to become a well-rounded employee, and thatâs exactly what I intend to do.
Thanks and Gig âEm,
       ESPN Sideline Girl