Spring Game Info - April 19

[Caldwell Chicken]

Looking at Twitter, recruits will be at practice tomorrow.

[bluehens2005]

Fans could show up and watch whenever they wanted back then. Tub didn't care.

The good old days I like Ryan, but I do think it’s policy is a little strange and a little off-putting.

[HenFanatic]

@Caldwell…. Hope they’re allowed to watch

[Big R]

Just to be clear, here is the actual language regarding media coverage during Spring practice.

“Practices will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings leading up to the annual Blue-White Spring Game on Friday, April 19. Media members will have access to the first 45-60 minutes of each practice, depending on that day’s practice plan. The remainder of the practice will be closed to members of the media. During the first portion of practice, media members will be able to view practice from the exterior sidelines of the practice fields or from the end zone. If practice is moved indoors inside the Delaware Field House due to weather, media will also have the option of viewing practice from the bleachers above the West end zone. If you wish to attend a practice, please contact Brendan Thomas at least 24 hours in advance.”

As the media rep for GoHens.net, I used to attend and report on 3-5 practices each Spring, and we had more freedom of movement to include being able to position ourselves between the practice fields so as to be able to watch what was happening on both or either. It was worth the two-hour drive for me in each direction to cover a full practice. It’s hard for me to justify 4 hours on the road to watch the first 45 minutes of a practice. I may still make a couple, but don’t expect much coverage from me. If we’re lucky, UDan, who is a student, may be posting multiple observations to our board since he’s right there.

[Cluck U]

Just to be clear, here is the actual language regarding media coverage during Spring practice.

“Practices will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings leading up to the annual Blue-White Spring Game on Friday, April 19. Media members will have access to the first 45-60 minutes of each practice, depending on that day’s practice plan. The remainder of the practice will be closed to members of the media. During the first portion of practice, media members will be able to view practice from the exterior sidelines of the practice fields or from the end zone. If practice is moved indoors inside the Delaware Field House due to weather, media will also have the option of viewing practice from the bleachers above the West end zone. If you wish to attend a practice, please contact Brendan Thomas at least 24 hours in advance.”

As the media rep for GoHens.net, I used to attend and report on 3-5 practices each Spring, and we had more freedom of movement to include being able to position ourselves between the practice fields so as to be able to watch what was happening on both or either. It was worth the two-hour drive for me in each direction to cover a full practice. It’s hard for me to justify 4 hours on the road to watch the first 45 minutes of a practice. I may still make a couple, but don’t expect much coverage from me. If we’re lucky, UDan, who is a student, may be posting multiple observations to our board since he’s right there.

Love your work, Big R. Quality stuff….good insights. Thank you for your time and dedication. And, I agree that driving 4 hours to have limited access would be disheartening and a questionable use of your time. Damned shame Carty is restricting things for reporters. Hope you continue to give us great, game day reports and the other snippets…makes it fun for us fans.

Given your 4 hour round-trip commute, is there any chance GoHens can get a second Press Pass?

Top, level-headed writers on GoHens who seem to know (and enjoy) their football:

HENJOHN
mpwerrell
Bluewyn Gold
Ralph D
Udf1
72 Hen
Sussex Hen
UD01G
Info Hound

I could name a few others, but most don’t live in the area (nor do some on that list). Just thinking off the top of my head.

Anyone up for a fun assignment?

Bummer that joe c isn’t around, although that would probably get GoHens kicked out of the press pool.

Anyway, grateful for whatever info we get here on GoHens. Thanks, guys.

[Sally in RI]

Fans could show up and watch whenever they wanted back then. Tub didn't care.

The good old days I like Ryan, but I do think it’s policy is a little strange and a little off-putting.

The good old days, when everyone wasn't carrying around a hi def video camera in their pocket. We don't have to like it, but I understand why Ryan is doing this.

Sally in RI

[hensfan40yrs]

Is Delaware Stadium a no drone zone?

[Info Hound]

In the past, when I went to a practice, my main interest was in talking with the more knowledgeable fans that were there.

Currently, if we are not wanted, I am not interested. Looking forward to the Fall, of course, when all will be revealed.

Until then, I would rather spend time at the softball diamond.

edit: BTW, home DH vs. Penn on Wednesday, 3/20 @3:00. SB looking for its 6th and 7th wins in a row. Now at 16-7.

[Hengrad07]

In the past, when I went to a practice, my main interest was in talking with the more knowledgeable fans that were there.

Currently, if we are not wanted, I am not interested. Looking forward to the Fall, of course, when all will be revealed.

Until then, I would rather spend time at the softball diamond.

edit: BTW, home DH vs. Penn on Wednesday, 3/20 @3:00. SB looking for its 6th and 7th wins in a row. Now at 16-7.

SB must win the CAA tourney

[Big R]

Love your work, Big R. Quality stuff….good insights. Thank you for your time and dedication. And, I agree that driving 4 hours to have limited access would be disheartening and a questionable use of your time. Damned shame Carty is restricting things for reporters. Hope you continue to give us great, game day reports and the other snippets…makes it fun for us fans.

Given your 4 hour round-trip commute, is there any chance GoHens can get a second Press Pass?

Top, level-headed writers on GoHens who seem to know (and enjoy) their football:

HENJOHN
mpwerrell
Bluewyn Gold
Ralph D
Udf1
72 Hen
Sussex Hen
UD01G
Info Hound

I could name a few others, but most don’t live in the area (nor do some on that list). Just thinking off the top of my head.

Anyone up for a fun assignment?

Bummer that joe c isn’t around, although that would probably get GoHens kicked out of the press pool.

Anyway, grateful for whatever info we get here on GoHens. Thanks, guys.

Cluck, thanks for the question. I have mentioned several times each year for the past 3 or 4 years that I would like to find someone interested enough, willing enough, responsible enough, and with the right “approach”, to take over the reins from me.

First, a bit of history: Our original media rep was 72 Hen before he moved to Myrtle Beach. As that time approached, he asked if I might be interested in taking over for him, and was able to get a second media pass that allowed me to shadow him for a game or two to see what it was like. With some trepidation, when he left, I took over.

I have spoken with some others about possibly replacing me, a couple of whom you mentioned. HENJOHN has no interest. mpwerrell actually shadowed me at one home game several years ago, and, I think, would have been a great replacement, but ultimately decided that watching games with his long-time season-ticket family and friends group was more attractive (can’t blame him for that).

There are numerous advantages to being the GoHens media rep. The trade-off is not being able to sit next to my family or friends during the game. I have two season tickets in section C right next to SussexJay, and I would like to be able to make more use of them.

So, what are the advantages?
- Press box - good views at UD and most road venues; out of the weather; great camaraderie with the other media reps, UD staff, etc.
- Post-game pressers - access to both teams (if desired), and ability to ask questions
- Accessibility (limited), to the coaches and players, in person, and on scheduled Zoom calls
- Free admission and parking (usually fairly close to the stadium). To me, this is only applicable at away games since I have season tickets and parking pass at UD, but it is a HUGE benefit at away venues.
- In most venues, we are allowed to be both on the field and in the press box, and wander around as we see fit. There are a few FBS venues where that is not allowed (Penn State, for one).
- Interactions with other media reps and SID’s, especially those that cover UD Football. KT, Andy Walter, Mark “Cams” Campbell, Donna McBride, Scott Selheimer, Brendan Thomas, Scott Klatzkin, and many others.
- Occasional inside info that can’t be shared with the public (or at least the source can’t be cited)
- Opportunity to speak with many UD Football alumni on the sidelines before the games. in the last several years this included Bill Armstrong, Paul Worrilow, AP (before he got into coaching), Nick Boyle, and a number of others. Occasionally, this also happened at practices and included other luminaries (Ruly Carpenter, Ted Kempski, Jordy Nelson, and others). This is less likely now that media practice coverage has been scaled back.
- Opportunity to see recruits on the sidelines before the game, although not interact with them. Occasionally, a parent may initiate a conversation with me, but I try to stay away from speaking directly with recruits.
- Access to Pro Days.

Other considerations:
- Unlike reps for most media outlets, this is not a paid position, so travel expenses are not covered to away games. This limits my coverage at many of those venues. On the other hand, there is no requirement for me to be at, or report on, every game.
- Although I try to post my observations in a timely manner, there are times when other obligations delay this. However, I don’t have deadlines looming over me, or editors to tell me what I can or can’t report.
- One must become immediately familiar with media protocol, whether written or (mostly) unwritten. There is no cheering in the press box. Media are expected to act dispassionately in that environ. There is something of a “pecking order” when asking questions in pressers, Zoom calls, etc. Younger reps generally defer to the more senior reporters. At UD, that typically means that KT asks the first question(s) followed by Andy Walter, then the rest of us chime in.

Specific to GoHens.
- When posting, I try my best to follow the board rules. I recognize, most of all, that anything I state that is a fact-based observation or quote is reported as such. Anything else that originates with me, is MY OPINION, and I always try to couch it as such, since, like A-Holes, everybody has one.
- I am particularly sensitive to posting criticisms of individuals, and try to stay away from that as much as possible. It is my belief that just about everyone involved in playing the game is at least TRYING to do their best - be it coaches, players, administrators, officials, etc. I may question the approach or actions someone takes to accomplishing a goal, but seldom, if ever, their motivation or desire.
- I am not an authority on football. In many ways, I wish that I was more knowledgeable about the game, so I could be more analytical when watching, taking notes, etc. I would hope that, whoever succeeds me has a firmer knowledge base than I do.
- I try to ask questions that, I think, cater to the knowledge base and interests of GoHens board members and readers. I believe we are all interested in much more detail than the occasional football fan.
- I am a relative Luddite when it comes to social media, so I pretty much only post about UD football on GoHens, and not on Facebook, Instagram, etc. (although my Facebook page features the team running onto the field at Wake Forest). I think it would be great if whomever takes over for me has well-developed social media skills.
- I think my overall approach is to be as professional as I can be (as a non—professional in a world of professional media folks); to “stay above the fray” when it comes to arguments and name calling on the Board; to try to ask questions that I think Board members would like to ask if they were able to; to enjoy the opportunity I have to participate as a media rep; and most importantly, to be respectful of others.

So, if this appeals to you, and if I haven’t done anything to scare you off, please send me a PM and we can set up a conversation to discuss the role of GoHens media rep in more detail.

[72 Hen]

Rich, I will be sorry to see you pass the torch but believe me I understand. It's a big job to do it right and you always have.

[Caldwell Chicken]

Big R...certainly understand your situation and thank you for all the time you dedicated to the position and providing information. Hoping whomever takes the torch has a similar approach.

[Cluck U]

Great summary of the responsibilities, Big R! Thanks! Fascinating stuff.

It is a big job, with an huge commitment of time, and you (and 72) have done it well.

Reading between the lines, sounds as though the new media rep will have some weekend off-season access to 72’s Myrtle Beach house as part of the compensation package?

On a serious note, would it be possible for a couple people to pair up to fill the gap? Hard for many folks to commit to all of the weekends, but if we get 2-3 folks to share duties, and collaborate, it could make it easier. Might be a logistical challenge (I am sure UD doesn’t want a half dozen GoHens reporters getting free tickets and buzzing around like flies…but that could be mitigated by only allowing one GoHens representative per game/press conference), but it is a thought, and it would certainly provide some fun, different perspectives as each person would bring their unique approach (all professional, of course) and insights to the job. Also, I think it would be refreshing for a reporter to have every other game off to see the games with family/friends…stepping back during the season to see some games from a fans viewpoint can help provide addiitonal insight.

Anyway, thanks for putting it out there. Hope you get some bites.

[HENJOHN]

Football practice in the Stadium tomorrow morning. Hopefully a Scrimmage. Players Parents were invited for the session. Hopefully we'll get a good report from Kevin T

[tenn hen]

is there even a sliver of news (for those without face book, X, etc.) on this football team? would love to read something!