Major question

[SoSueMe]

For those of you who cover college teams, do you never, rarely or often make mention of the athletes' majors?

Example: "We're going to kick ass this weekend," said quarterback Bob Smith, a second-year basket-weaving major.

I like to, and always have. I just think people would say "huh, I didn't know he studied astro physics."

 

[Omar_dont_scare]

Depends on the major. I've worked it into a few features from time to time...

 

[Chi City 81]

Don't use a major unless it pertains to the story.

EDIT: Basically, what Omar said. Don't just use it as a throw-in.

 

[SoSueMe]

Yeah, I should have specified. I never use it in a game story. But I do in features.

 

[HejiraHenry]

I think it's a good idea in features.

 

[blondebomber]

I think it should be a must in features. It says a lot about a kid, as much as his height and weight.

 

[John]

I'll mention it only if it pertains to the story, like if the subject is having to balance a big chemistry course load or something like that.

The mere fact that Earl the linebacker is majoring in communications or physical education isn't going to add much to what I write.

 

[blondebomber]

I'll mention it only if it pertains to the story, like if the subject is having to balance a big chemistry course load or something like that.

The mere fact that Earl the linebacker is majoring in communications or physical education isn't going to add much to what I write.

No, but it says an awful lot about their ambitions, whether they're in school to play sports or there to actual better themselves. How about doing a little reporting and ask the kid what he's going to do with his major?

 

[John]

I'll mention it only if it pertains to the story, like if the subject is having to balance a big chemistry course load or something like that.

The mere fact that Earl the linebacker is majoring in communications or physical education isn't going to add much to what I write.

No, but it says an awful lot about their ambitions, whether they're in school to play sports or there to actual better themselves. How about doing a little reporting and ask the kid what he's going to do with his major?

I cover two SEC schools and neither one is Vanderbilt, so there's not much doubt about why they're in school.

 

[Tom Petty]

what's oden's major? and who cares?

 

[carrie]

what's oden's major? and who cares?

Business Administration.

 

[Tom Petty]

what's oden's major? and who cares?

Business Administration.

the biz world surely is a better place.

 

[Dan Rydell]

it's always good in a feature. flesh it all out. detail is always good, but work it in right.

think about your readers. they wanna know all about the guy.