Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a sports writer. Being immersed in the world of professional sports and writing about them seemed like the ultimate fantasy. Years later, I still have this dream, and last semester I took a step towards following it by taking the Freelance Sports Writing course at the U of T’s School of Continuing Studies.
The course is taught by Perry Lefko, a Canadian Football League columnist for Roger’s Sportsnet and former Toronto Sun journalist. The course involves writing a weekly article, growing in complexity, with changing styles.
Weekly guest speakers prominent in journalism and sports ranged from Hockey Night in Canada journalist Elliotte Friedman to former Toronto Argonaut quarterback Damon Allen. They gave us tips on everything from how to improve as sports writers to how to get into the business. Basic tips included starting off with a strong lede and using verbs with impact, but they also talked about the sacrifices made to follow your dream. Friedman shared the tale of one Victoria Day when he had to choose between working a voluntary weekend at the FAN 590, or spending time with his then girlfriend. Ultimately, Friedman sacrificed his relationship for voluntary work, and hasn’t looked back since. While that one night didn’t solidify Friedman’s place in the world of journalism, it was sacrifice and a strong work ethic that made him a household name, and a recent Gemini winner.
While Friedman put the work and sacrifice of getting into the business into perspective, there was something surreal about being able to ask Damon Allen any question I wanted. I found out that Allen was drafted as a middle relief pitcher by the Detroit Tigers in the 1984 Major League Baseball draft. When I asked why he dropped his baseball career for football, he said he wanted to participate in the game regularly, and baseball didn’t allow for that. The potential money and prestige of major league baseball didn’t deter Allen from pursuing football. Even when bypassed by the NFL, he still followed his dream. After taking the sports writing course and meeting Allen, I felt I could truly understand the man behind the 72,381 career passing yards, the most in professional football. I was able to build my own perspective of a player I previously only knew from what I’d seen on the field.
Throughout the entire semester, the greatest experience did not happen in the classroom, but happened because of the classroom. The class gave me the chance to work the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s International Bowl at the Roger’s Centre. Taking Friedman’s advice to not let any opportunity pass by, I jumped at the email from Lefko to contact the director of communications about volunteering.
While the International Bowl may not garner the same attention as the Rose Bowl or the Cotton Bowl, the experience was still incredible for me. I felt like Wayne’s World’s Wayne Campbell at the Alice Cooper concert, thinking, “I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy!” I never thought I’d be on the field of a NCAA bowl game. I still get chills thinking about it, and not because I remember the feeling of the Gatorade bath I received being a little too close to University of South Florida running back and MVP Michael Ford during an interview. The International Bowl experience has to be one of the coolest things I have ever done and I owe it all to the Freelance Sports Writing course and the advice given to me by Lefko and the weekly speakers.
I am by no means a fantastic writer, nor a walking sports almanac. I have learned from the course that you can be a good writer, but not necessarily a good sports writer. I may seemingly know everything about sports, but that may not translate in print. In order to achieve my dream of becoming a successful sports writer, I need to take advantage of opportunities that are offered to me. Others may help me along the way, but only I can achieve my dreams. I had wrestled with the decisions to take Lefko’s course but looking back, I don’t for one minute regret taking it.
Lefko is about to start the second running of the course from Jan. 25 to March 22. If you have dreams like mine, or just have a love for sports and want a unique experience, this course is for you.
Registration can be done by phone by contacting the School of Continuing Education at 416-978-2400, or by clicking here.
