ThreeSixty Journalism reporters had media access to the Minnesota Timberwolves game Monday, Jan. 27, against the Sacramento Kings thanks to a partnership with the Star Tribune and the team.
For the third year in a row, ThreeSixty students had game-day press credentials, but new this year, high school students were supported by two alumni mentors.
ThreeSixty scholars Danielle Wong and Zekriah Chaudhry worked with high school seniors Aaliyah Demry (Irondale) and Sam Stengsgaard (Roseville) as they interviewed players in the locker room and covered the game.
The day started with a stop at the Star Tribune newsrooms. Students met with Star Tribune Timberwolves beat reporter Chris Hine.
Hine shared the key to beat reporting is creating relationships, especially when difficult news breaks. Hine was called in Sunday, his day off, to write a story about the Timberwolves players reacting to the news of Kobe Bryant’s death.
He said while it was tough for players to talk about, it’s important to given them an opportunity to share their stories. He coached the reporters how to approach players with sensitivity, remembering they are humans too.
Students noticed Target Center was all purple and gold in the pre-game warmup. Players wore Bryant’s shoes during the game, and the locker room was playing ESPN coverage his death during the media availability before the game.
ThreeSixty reporters sat in a suite to watch the game, and also had the opportunity to meet key players doing public relations and communications roles for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.
Next week, students’ stories will be featured on the Timberwolves website and app.
