Kee On Sports Magazine Volume 1: “The Genesis”

My Internship Experience at Kee On Sports

By: Zachary Horvath

Throughout this past summer I was searching for an internship opportunity. I wanted my internship location to allow me the chance to write sports stories and be hands on wherever I possibly could. That has been fulfilled to the umpteenth degree here at Kee On Sports.

However, it would be unfair if I did not thank this person for helping me find this gig. To bolster my chances of finding an internship, I texted and emailed some people I have met at John Carroll. The one who presented this job to me was Kyle Kelly. He graduated from JCU this past spring and is currently attending graduate school at Northwestern-Chicago Medill. It is one of, if not the most respected of journalism schools in the country.

Its cliché but, the day that changed my life was July 12, 2021. Kyle texted me a link to a tweet from Kee On Sports.

“We are hiring High School Football writers ASAP for the coming season. Your work will be seen by over 55,000 people per month at Kee On Sports. Please contact me with your resume and we will be happy to review you for placement.”

I was shooting to start an internship during the spring semester of my senior year. It would have been a more seamless fit with my schedule. Kyle being the good mentor he is, responded, “Doesn’t hurt to still get experience if you want to be a sports writer.”

I had that mindset as well, but deep down I was nervous that was not going to be able to be an asset. I sent in my resume — with not much faith in it — hoping to hear some good news.

To my surprise I received an email very quickly and a gentleman, Vince McKee, said that he was “blown away” by my resume. We emailed back and forth over the next few days and I agreed to come on board. Let’s just say that choice has been nothing short of pure genius.

My first official day on the job was August 20, 2021. Like all new experiences, I was excited but more nervous than anything. Before getting out of my car I started to get butterflies in my stomach. But, I knew that this was an important and exciting moment for me. I shook off the nerves, gathered myself and headed towards the front gate of Eastlake North’s football field. Being able to say, “Hi, my name is Zach Horvath. I’m here for the press,” was so cool even though it seems so insignificant. When I took those steps past the ticket booth and before I knew it my feet were on the artificial turf taking pictures of the players.

However, not everything went smoothly to say the least. I did not know where the press box was (even though there was a large box on top of the bleachers), I forgot to bring each team’s roster, and I left my laptop at home so I could not write my story. I was a fish out of water.

When I finally made my way into the press box I shrunk at the mere sight of everyone in there. They must have thought I did not know where my mom was and that I had lost any sight of where I was. I even took a seat inside the coach’s booth to boot. It was a shaky beginning but everything worked itself out. I got my story written and turned in on time and I had a great time sitting in a press box for the first time.

Now, I am not going to detail how each game went and bore you until you pass out.

But, what I will say is that each week was better than the last. I did not leave any important things behind, my coverage and writing became more natural and free flowing, and I got to see new teams. Every Friday night was more fun, but, more importantly I have gotten better as a journalist.

Am I an expert yet… absolutely not. I still am not confident to go up to a stranger and interview them and ask them “What went well for you in this game?” or “What did your tell your guys at halftime to get them to play better?” There are lots of glaring things I need to improve on.

What I can tell you is that I know I will be better because I have an awesome support group here at Kee On. Vince McKee, Brandon, my editor, and everyone else here have been the best group of guys and gals I could have ever asked for. They are so easy to talk to about anything and I know they will always be willing to help me in any way they can.

Tony Bogan, our top videographer and journalist, always reaches out and praises the work I have been doing and I just want him to know that it means the world to me! It really makes my day and I appreciate it brother!

Brandon has been a life saver. He always encourages me but, gives me great advice on how to improve my grammar and structure. I really could not dream of a better mentor early on into my journalism career. Always appreciate your feedback and assistance!

Last but certainly not least, Vince. When you brought me aboard this summer I knew I made the right decision. Your cooperation, assistance, life and work advice have helped me navigate this world of sports writing. I cannot put into words how value you have brought into my life at this point. Its been a blessing to work alongside side you and not underneath you. I feel at home at Kee On and I am proud to call you a friend.

I enjoy it here so much that I have accepted a full time job and that was also an easy and life changing moment for me, so thank you Vince for everything. I cannot wait to see what the future holds!