KYLE CURTIS: My First Assignment In The Press Box

A dull moment was rare and with an epic view of the field I was able to take in Anthony Richardson’s awesomeness from one of the best spots in the house.

My work station on Saturday night. Not bad, huh? (GatorBait Photo)

By KYLE CURTIS

GatorBaitMedia.com

I could not have asked for anything more for my first experience at The Swamp as a journalist. Quite honestly, it was something I have dreamed of my whole life. Growing up, I always looked up to guys such as Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso, among others, and to be steps away from TV analyst such as Dan Orlovsky really put things in perspective.

While I tried my best to fit in with the rest of the seasoned vets, I had a few slip-ups. My orange and blue came out of me a few times during the game, and I almost disregarded the "no cheering" mandated for media. I gave it my all to keep in, but the emotion sometimes took over. Not only was it my first time in the press box, but the crowd at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field was lit, which help produce one of the coolest atmospheres in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium history.

I found myself, with Buddy Martin to my left, analyzing and predicting each play and being transfixed on by the combination of the on-field competition and the ambiance of the crowd. I could not stop myself from constantly leaning back in my chair while banging my hand on the table with a subtle, but noticeable, foot tap in an attempt to hold in my emotions.

Sitting next to Buddy. Bird's eye view. (GatorBait Photo)

The game was everything I could imagine and more -- an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. I felt Gator nation get behind Billy Napier in the closing moments. A dull moment was rare and with an epic view of the field I was able to take in Anthony Richardson’s awesomeness from one of the best spots in the house.

There were two key moments in the game where I was able to look around the Norm Carlson Press Deck and monitor other reactions of people from what had just occurred on the field. Richardson’s two-point conversion spin move had everyone gasping for air not believing what had just happened.

I even heard a fellow journalist behind chime in and say, “That definitely tops his hurdle from USF last year.”

While Richardson’s spin-move is now an iconic play sketched in Florida’s history book, the same could be said about Amari Burney’s game-sealing interception. Leading up to the interception, I was overwhelmed with emotions as a fan but also felt a sense of contentment that the Gators were back.

After Ventrell Miller dropped what could have been a game-saving interception, you could feel the air almost exude from all 90,799. The stadium, along with a few members in the press box (including myself), erupted when Burney made the game-clinching interception, sending chills down my spine. But I held my ground despite momentarily breaking contain.

I must not forget, that Tom Petty’s Won’t Back Down was one of the most inspirational things I have seen in a while. I have experienced the tradition as a student in the stands but being able to take in everyone flashing their lights in a sold-out night game at the swamp is almost life changing.

Nonetheless, I can confidently say this was one of -- if not the greatest -- experiences of my life. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in this media industry. My love for the Gators and sports, in general, run deep in my bones. I am ready to show it to the world.

While I have a few learning curves to conquer as I make my way upward, this was one of the best places to begin. I am excited for the rest of the season to be a working journalist for GatorBaitMedia.com and be fortunate to have a good seat to gain my perspective. Even if there is no cheering in the press box.

Me on the hallowed turf of Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. (GatorBait Photo)