Author: arand011

Eric Bohannon, is the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Broadcast and Communications here at Old Dominion University. He is the primary contact for sports such as Football, Mens and Women’s Swimming, and Sailing. Before coming aboard ODU’s Communications department he was a sport information intern at Appalachian State.

I want to pursue a career in sports broadcasting and seeing that I have so many resources attending ODU it was a no brainer. Being able to have the opportunity to learn a thing about the sport communications field. Also utilizing the opportunity to gain some experience since I am on campus student. I decided to reach to Mr. Bohannon via email through the ODU athletics staff directory page. What I then said to him was along the lines of sharing my interest in becoming a sports broadcaster. I love the game of football and that happened to be one of the areas that he covers. I played football my entire life and I played for the love of the game seeing that we shared the same interest. Noticing in his short biography on the page about him playing football for his alma mater Mansfield University. Unfortunately I did not receive the opportunity to play football in college, so hopefully I can learn about his experience especially in a different time. Involving how the game changed over time and things of that nature.

My media diet or the way I consume sport varies in many different ways wether it is on TikTok, Instagram, X, Youtube, Instagram, Sport Center, ESPN, etc. In 2020 it was more so on instagram and viewing news reports after games and even watching basketball and football on TV. Over the years I have been consuming more sport on tv and youtube with on the go with socials. Tv was involved due to actually watching the games and seeing some sport analysts such as Steven A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Pat McAfee, Charles Barkley, etc. My most common interaction with sports is through social media platforms but only speaking through comments. As well as viewing videos or posting things on social media specifically talking about discussed topics on the listed platforms. Not so much of having the ability to read or be exposed to someones tone of voice. Unless videos explaining frustration or great joy on social media. When I view sport I usually have my opinions and I share them with my friends and family to see their perspective of what they have viewed as well. Sparking a lot of debates and discussion on trade topics, contracts, conflicts, etc. I was never the person who comments for the public to see. It is more so in the aspect of posting for my followers to view. Typically on my instagram story, and I may repost some things that I find interesting on my X account. I watch mostly basketball and football. Some other sports I do tend to hear about, but I am not as invested as the two sports listed. Then to give background on the media I do view and hear, consists of what if stories and podcasts talking about specific topics in sports. For example, players being traded in the draft, Super bowl, and NBA finals run, etc. If I could wave a magic wand I would add would be creative ways for fans to interact with sport. Offering Q&A to be able to connect with athletes and hosting more podcasts that have live feeds with viewers. In the aspect of making the interaction of sport interesting instead of information being spit out for viewers to consume.

Creating a social media persona, specifically sports related. Which is viewed simple for a Seattle Seahawks fan post Super Bowl win.

I did not want to post the content on my personal social media account so I decided to make a new account. Which is a lot easier to not take away the aesthetic from my own personal account.I needed to find a name, but I am a die hard fan of Seahawks. My motto is always the 12’s vs. the world. So thats where the Die hard fan came from because of the much emphasized support I have had over the years. Win, lose, or draw I will always stand by my team.

To go into my idea for the Social Media persona I want to outline reasons as to why we made it to the Super Bowl, and also some praise in the moment of the win.

My idea consists of some short posts giving credit to our offense, defense, and special teams coming together throughout the season. Thus, creating a Super Bowl birth. Which then lead to the win of the game thanks to our defense because they really showed up during the season. Also on the biggest stage in front of everyone watching because most viewers tune in during the Super Bowl. When it comes to winning games its not always going to be the 50/50 games between offense and defense. Games are very physical and intense with injuries, big hits to support that statement.

As shown within the picture provided I wanted to reiterate that we are the Super Bowl Champions of the 2025 NFL Season. Just a simple reminder to the people that may not have watched the game. Also emphasizing that it is a great day, finally someone different other than the usual teams took the Lombardi home. This is only Seattle’s second Super Bowl being that this is the revenge tour of our last Super Bowl Appearance against the Patriots coming out on top this time. Especially under new coaching.

This is simply another post showing praise and giving credit to our defense. Which was a key piece to coming out victorious throughout the season. We have had one of the top defenses and shoutout to them for making it happen. Especially since the offense had a pretty rough start early in the Superbowl, only relying on field goals. Simply shutting out teams only allowing 267 yards and 17.2 points per game throughout the season. Accumulating a 14-3 season with only two teams scoring over 30 points. The Buccaneers and the rams were the only teams that beat us. However, both teams were only able to sneak in one win. The rams came away with one win, but all of the games were not easy games. Especially with the divisional round being the win or go home and only winning by three points.

As a life long fan being in this seat may be considered disappointing when it comes to attending your first NFL game. However, as a life long fan you look passed things such as the location of the seat and take on the value of being at a game. Many people don’t get the opportunity being to attend an NFL let along their favorite NFL team. As a fan you try not to take things like this for granted because it can be your only chance. Also being able to share that moment wit thousands of other fans, that like the team. Then you cannot forget the trash talk that comes along with being at games and even the little side bets amongst seat neighbors. All in all, it doesn’t matter if I was sitting in the nose bleed as long as I got to be at a game. GO 12’s.

My name is Aaron Randolph, I am born and raised in he Uptown Newport News area. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, playing video games, and playing football. I want to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, preferably in the front of the camera to build a name for myself. Within this blog I do hope it will become a platform for me to look at my progress and what I have created. My sports communication assignments will be my way of seeing them. I am passionate about sport because I grew up playing football. Which was my happy place growing up and the things it has done for when faced with tough times, or just a way to relax and be within my element.