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Show - ! I I " ,smJ'",,-'vn i wajfc A 1 1 " 1 ?WB4! rt rilluuui.L It ml ikiJBAlHrJtB'tmJti mu-a -....,... 1T -. , Bl .. ,r , ,M. , . - ---111111111111 The Ute press box. Photo by Gary Lesser. it 'Unusual to arr,' : see a girl I on the field I in football' 1 by ROULHAC GARN Chronicle Staff It only happens once in a reporter's career; that first day as an on-the-spot sports writer. Press box etiquette, player-writer rapport, formal introductions and field experience initiated my transition into the world of athletics. Following a hearty buffet luncheon, served by dedicated members of several other athletic teams, introductions began. Without exception "the guys" were all cordial and helpful. Some of the sportsmen could not hide their surprise in having to share their press box with a woman. "It's good to see someone crossing over for a change," said one of the officials from the Department of Athletics. Apparently women have not been assigned to cover intercollegiate athletic events, especially football. One gentleman from a local television station cheered me on with, "It's great to have a lady up here for a change." Comfortable haven The press box, that imposing structure high above the 50-yard line, is the com fortable haven for journalists and game technicians. I had my own assigned seat and program in the "working press" room. I was a bit intimidated, but thoroughly impressed by the "working press." Representatives from Salt Lake and Albuquerque newspapers, radio and television stations and wire services kept vigil over coffee and cigars as the quarters progressed. Press etiquette required that cheers be kept silent (to avoid charges of bias) and that discussion be kept to a minimum. Ron Fessenden, sports information director, dir-ector, circulated with reports on weather conditions and interesting records and side bars. Following one Ute touchdown, he announced an-nounced to the group, "By the way, that's (Steve) Marlowe's first T.D. this season." It is his job to know the facts off-the-cuff to help newsmen prepare their stories. Field coverage was another experience. Guards checked my sideline press pass more often than any of the men I accompanied. When I questioned one officer, he blushed and said it was unusual to see a girl on the field. As I roamed along the press line, the dotted line one yard around the gridiron, I was questioned by everyone from the chain gang to the coaches from the other team. They all expressed dismay at my "female" status. The football players did not like being photograDhed. I got candid expressions from winks to outstretched tongues. 1 felt like I might have been invading the private world of the huddle as I tried to catch candid action shots. It was a shot for the old ego to be given the "once or twice over" by members of the opposition. As far as the game went, I was pleased with the results but a bit disappointed with the action. Being a responsible spokesman for our campus newspaper, I brushed up on the formations and technical rules for the game. But the Utes kept intercpeting fumbles and running for scores, so I did not get to exercise my knowledge of the referees' handsignals. Used to liberation I suppose next week's game won't be quite as nerve-wracking or as exciting to attend. Everyone will at least recognize "the weird chick over there" and be getting used to liberation in the press box. |