Siena Jackson Hosts Mount St. Mary's: A Night I'll Never Forget (and Some Lessons Learned)
So, you're into college basketball, right? Then you know how crazy game nights can get. I mean, really crazy. Well, let me tell you about the time I hosted Mount St. Mary's game against Siena College. It was a total whirlwind, a rollercoaster of emotions, and honestly? A total learning experience. It wasn't all smooth sailing, let me tell ya.
The Pre-Game Jitters (and a near-disaster!)
I'd been working for Siena Athletics for a few years, and while I’d assisted with tons of events, this was my first time fully responsible for hosting. The pressure was ON. I'm talking full-blown butterflies-in-the-stomach anxiety. I spent the week before meticulously planning every detail—from the introductions to the halftime show. I even practiced my lines in front of the mirror! (Don't judge, we all have our quirks.) Then, the morning of the game, disaster almost struck.
My carefully crafted presentation—the one I’d spent hours perfecting on PowerPoint—vanished! Poof! Gone! I’d accidentally deleted it. My heart sank. I literally felt my stomach drop. I was ready to crawl under a rock and hide. Panic mode, full throttle. But then, I remembered something my old mentor told me: "Improvise, adapt, overcome." Yeah, yeah, sounds cliché, but it's true. Luckily, I had detailed notes and a backup plan. (Always have a backup plan, people!) I managed to piece everything back together, albeit a little more frantically than planned.
The Game Itself: A Sea of Orange and Blue
The atmosphere was electric. The arena buzzed with energy. The roar of the crowd, the squeak of shoes on the polished court, the rhythmic bounce of the basketball... it was intoxicating. I’ve worked at so many Siena games over the years, but this one felt different. Being the main host felt incredibly different. I felt the weight of the crowd's energy on my shoulders.
This particular game between Siena and Mount St. Mary’s was a close one; it went down to the wire! That added to the excitement—but also the pressure. You know how it is; everyone was intensely focused on the game, and I didn't want to mess up the introductions or anything that might detract from the exciting energy on the court.
Post-Game Reflections & Lessons Learned:
The game ended, Siena won (yay!), and the relief was immense. I was exhausted, but buzzing with a strange mix of adrenaline and pride. Looking back, I learned so much:
- Preparation is key: but don’t stress about things beyond your control. My PowerPoint mishap showed me that even with the best planning, things can go wrong.
- Flexibility is essential: you need to be able to roll with the punches. My quick thinking saved the day. Practice improv!
- Embrace the energy: feed off the excitement of the crowd. It'll boost your confidence.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: even seasoned pros need assistance sometimes!
This wasn't just about hosting a basketball game; it was a masterclass in managing pressure, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and delivering under the spotlight. Hosting Siena games in front of thousands of fans is a huge responsibility, and though it was incredibly stressful at times, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It cemented my love for the college basketball world and taught me valuable lessons that extend far beyond the court. So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember my story, and remember to breathe! You got this.