Today was my final day spent with the organization. I will miss the people I worked with over the past couple months. This internship was all encompassing when it comes to running an organization. I learned in abundance how a professional sport organization should be ran, and at times how it shouldn't. It pushed me to come up with ideas outside of the box as well as pushing me to make connections throughout the industry. Overall this experience was a great opportunity and I can take a lot out of it.
Today practice was conducted as usual. We set up and helped the coaches run their position specific drills. A guy I brought in this week showed some promising skills. He was defensive back and held our wide receivers down pretty well. It was noted by multiple coaches and personnel directors. By using waiver wire guys it helps us develop a practice squad and gives us quality looks at players who may fit in on the team as a viable piece.
The past holiday week the entire league was off. I used the time to write up scouting reports on the opposing teams, and on players that will be coming in on waivers. The practice today had an upbeat feel as the players are ready to face 3-time defending ArenaBowl champions, Arizona, this weekend. Changes are being continually made to the organization from a front office stand point to keep things running smoothly as the regular season begins to wind down and post season is on the horizon. Also I continued my learning and assisting with defensive and offensive linemen.
The Outlaws beat the Thunder, 48-46, in an awesome, nail biter of a finish. As time is winding down to around a minute left we are down 42-46. We are driving and our new quarterback throws an interception. After the minute warning Portland starts to run the ball to kill the clock. However following a bad exchange between their quarterback fullback the ball is fumbled and is pounced on by All-Arena Jack, Tanner Varner. We drive down the field and score a touchdown with no time remaining on the clock. Playoff hopes just got higher.
The Portland Thunder are another team vying for one of the two final playoff spots and they have been a tough team all year. The team prepares for a home game and a playoff atmosphere. The scouts clean up the field and load the truck so it is ready to go to the arena. We discuss the challenges scouting with the organization being in the hands of the league.
The team has made some new acquisitions, gaining a defensive back in an elaborate trade as well as a veteran defensive lineman. Numerous players have been in on tryouts and it is really helping push our team to get better and have a stronger connection between our contract guys as waiver guys look to earn a spot. It helps that there is a seasoned veteran at each position to help build this chemistry and focus on the task at hand, Portland.
The team has now officially been taken over by the league and they now regulate every transaction and operation performed for the team. This was caused by a lack of organization and the owners not communicating with each other. The team will continue to play underneath the supervision of the league as the search for potential owners is on.
We lost to San Jose today and it was a big loss, we performed well in the first half and came out flat in the second. I performed in routine game day operations and preparations. With a loss like this it is demoralizing as we were poised to fit into the playoff picture. Hopefully the other games will fall in our favor and keep us i contention. It is hard on the guys after a loss at home to a top team, who we can usually compete with. After game operations lasted longer than normal due to the players lack of urgency.
Today was a usual prep day for the upcoming home game. The players had a light walkthrough practice and the scouts loaded the truck with all the game day essentials and equipment. We also see out all of the players equipment in an orderly fashion by positions. We also made sure the field set up was going appropriately and that they didn't need any help with that. Afterwards some of the scouts met for lunch and to discuss current position needs. Also we shared advice, tips and connections we have developed with each other.
Outside of all my game day football operations and assisting coaches at practice my main responsibility is scouting. Scouting is behind the scenes and is usually a task I delegate a few hours to every night. This entire internship I have been compiling lists, speaking with agents and players about their interest in tryouts and coming out on a waiver. I spoke with numerous agents and players and have a list of guys coming to tryout. Scouting in this organization is a mix of evaluation and recruiting, some guys have other offers, it is my job to court them to tryout with us.
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