Six students from Marist University’s Center for Sports Communication are participating in Super Bowl LX media coverage in the San Francisco Bay Area. The students, equipped with official NFL media credentials, are reporting on events and producing content for the university’s online sports publication, Center Field.
This marks the second consecutive year that Marist students have attended the Super Bowl as part of a hands-on learning initiative. Their work includes interviews, video production, social media updates, and behind-the-scenes reporting from various Super Bowl week activities in both Santa Clara and San Francisco.
The presence of Jason Myers, a 2013 Marist graduate and current Seattle Seahawks kicker, adds significance to this year’s experience. Myers is the first Marist alum to play in a Super Bowl.
“Being a part of Super Bowl Week is a chance to be around media professionals, athletes, and colleagues that aid in my passion for storytelling,” said William Rosen ’27, ESPN+ Sideline Reporter for Marist. “What excites me the most is the collaboration between us, from Marist and the entire media world, both from the New York area and even worldwide. Marist has allowed me to continue to grow my career by also learning along the way.”
Dr. Andrew Elrick, Director of the Center for Sports Communication at Marist University, highlighted how these opportunities support student growth: “A big part of our mission is creating opportunities that bring students face‑to‑face with the industries they want to enter. The Super Bowl represents that mission at the highest level. These experiences help students build confidence, expand professional networks, and produce portfolio‑quality work that sets them apart.”
Returning students Eugene (Gene) Barbieri ’26 and Nicholas Chiarito ’26 described how their previous experience at last year’s Super Bowl has helped them prepare for this year’s event.
“Having the opportunity to attend Super Bowl Week for the second time means the world to me,” said Barbieri. “Last year’s Super Bowl experience paved the way for this one. We know what to expect now, meaning our content will be even stronger.”
“Last year, Gene and I were thrown into the fire, figuring things out as we went. This year, we have a clearer sense of what we want to do, similar to last year, focusing on securing the biggest interviews we can to promote our clubs, the university, and our careers,” said Chiarito. “It’s also a great opportunity to branch out, build connections with other students, and connect with potential future employers.”
First-time attendees like Jaylen Rizzo ’27 expressed enthusiasm about networking opportunities during Super Bowl week: “I would love to work in professional sports as a photographer, so I’m going to network as much as possible and start building those connections now. I also feel honored to be going since only six students were selected. It makes me feel like all the effort I’ve put into my work is starting to pay off.”
Ben Leeds ’26 reflected on his personal journey: “This opportunity almost feels like the culmination of so much of what I’ve been doing in and out of the classroom throughout my time at Marist. Twelve years ago, I attended Super Bowl XLVIII media day as a fan. It’s surreal to think that now I’ll be part of it as a journalist.”
Katherine Beichert ’26 emphasized how this trip supports her transition into professional sports media: “It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, network, and explore potential career paths with professionals who are passionate about connecting people through sports. As a senior graduating in May, this trip will provide invaluable exposure to the sports media industry and a chance to connect with organizations from across the country.”
Dr. Elrick noted that returning for another year highlights both student commitment and program strength: “These students earned this experience through their commitment and hard work,” he said. “To send students to the Super Bowl for a second straight year speaks to the momentum of our program and the level our students are performing at.”
The Center for Sports Communication continues its focus on practical experience by sending select students each year into major industry events like these.
