Description
JMC:2415, SMC:2415 (1 or 2 credits)
This course immerses students in the world of sports journalism by simulating the operations of a professional sports department. Students serve as staff members responsible for covering high school athletics in several Eastern Iowa communities, including Solon, Mt. Vernon, and Lisbon. Students work independently and in teams to produce professional-quality sports content, including text and photo stories for web, print, and social media platforms. This experience helps students build a strong portfolio and gain practical experience in the fast-paced world of sports media, with the ultimate goal of contributing to local and state news outlets.
"It's much harder when you're in a small town covering a football game and you're both the photographer and writer and have to keep your own score. You have to take accountability for your community because you face it every day and that means you need grit, critical thinking and creative solutions."
Student-Produced Work
Students in this class work hard and they get published.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 130 student-produced pieces—including news articles, game recaps, and photo features—were published in The Gazette, Solon Economist, and Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun.
Follow us!
@uiprepsportsreport
Jonah Frey
Solon boys’ strong defensive showing not enough as they fall to Clear Creek Amana
Questions?
Wayne Drehs
wayne-drehs@uiowa.edu
E325 Adler Journalism Building
Image Gallery
