Kansas Basketball was placed as the four-seed in the Midwest region set to play the Samford Bulldogs in the first round of the 2024 NCAA March Madness Tournament, and so the KJHK sports staff headed to Salt Lake City to cover the Jayhawks.
Sports Director Federico Moreno went alongside sophomore Trenton Kraxner and senior Joe Blake to cover this year’s tournament and broadcast the opening rounds at the Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz.
This tournament was the fourth post-season tournament that KJHK broadcasted after covering the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament in December and both the men’s and women’s Big 12 Basketball Championships in Kansas City the week prior to Salt Lake City.
Kansas’ opening bracket featured Samford, McNeese State, and powerhouse Gonzaga. The winner of the opening rounds would advance to the Sweet Sixteen for a chance to compete in the Midwest Regional final inside the Little Cesar’s Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
These opportunities not only provide students with hands-on professional experiences, but give them the chance to explore new regions of the country and build relationships with one another along with others they encounter throughout their trip.
Here are the individual recaps from the students who went to Salt Lake City and March Madness on behalf of KJHK:
Federico Moreno, Junior
Third Year on Sports Staff
This year was my third year on KJHK and first as sports director of this beloved station. I had never covered a March Madness tournament before or even stepped foot in the beautiful state of Utah.
I cherished this trip as one of the best experiences I had ever had in my time in college, and having had the opportunity to spend it with gentlemen like Trenton and Joe only made it even more special and unforgettable.
The ability to be adventurous and fearless to new experiences are qualities that are beneficial in any setting in life whether it’s professional or social. This trip was a perfect example of making the most out of any situation, and I very much look forward to future experiences such as this one.
Joe Blake, Senior
Second Year on Sports Staff
Getting to go and cover March Madness for KJHK was meaningful to me in many ways. First, it was my last March Madness as a student as I get ready to graduate in May.
I also got the chance to be on the call during the second half of the Kansas versus Samfrod game. When Samford came storming back, everyone in the country watching March Madness switched to the channel that the game was on. Getting to broadcast a game of that magnitude and intensity will never be able to be replicated in a classroom.
Trenton Kraxner, Sophomore
Second Year on Sports Staff
The trip to Salt Lake City was one of the best experiences in my entire life. Getting to do what I love with two great friends was really cool. This is an experience I’ll never forget. From the weird flight times, to being in and around an NBA stadium, or talking with the players in the locker room, it was truly unbelievable .
That’s not to mention how electric the calls were, or the time exploring the city and surrounding states in our free time. I’m thankful for everything that KJHK has done for me, the things that I’ve gotten to do is what people dream about. Joining the group my first semester was one of the best decisions of my life.
From left to right: Junior Federico Moreno, Sophomore Trenton Kraxner, Senior Joe Blake during Kansas’ first-round game against Samford