KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan Athletics and Broncos Empowered welcomed Eric Woodyard and LZ Granderson to Read Fieldhouse and the Donald Seelye Athletic Center yesterday to discuss the importance of media training with Bronco student-athletes and coaches.
Woodyard and Granderson are both WMU alums who work for major sports news organizations. Woodyard is an award-winning sports journalist who currently serves as ESPN's Detroit Lions reporter, and Granderson is currently a sports and culture columnist for the Los Angeles Times.
The program was introduced as a way to prepare athletes and coaches for the various challenges and responsibilities that come with being in the public eye, while also fostering personal and professional development as it relates to the media.
"It was great to have Bronco alums Eric and LZ take the time to meet with our athletes and coaches, cross country/track and field head coach Kevin Cataldo said. "They provided a different perspective when it comes to interacting with the media that I had not thought about. As well as some great pointers on how we can assist our current athletes on our teams. It was a real benefit having them back on campus."
The program also helped the individual student-athletes and coaches understand the importance of public image and how their words can impact not only themselves, but the institution they represent.
"It was very helpful," track and field junior Mabinty Kebe said of the training program. "It allowed me to understand how to function in front of a camera or just with media in general and learning how to be confident with my answers."
A few athletes got a closer look at what Woodyard and Granderson were teaching the group, including men's basketball senior Titus Wright, who was able to interview Woodyard for his independent study class.
"It was a great event," Wright said. "It was amazing to hear about Eric's journey during Western and life after college and how we can handle the media. I thought he was one of most authentic human being's I've ever met."
The event drew nearly 100 student-athletes, coaches and staff. Both Granderson and Woodyard were grateful for the opportunity to share their experiences in the sports media world and help WMU athletes and coaches prepare for that side of athletics.
"Media training isn't just about what not to post on social media or do in front of cameras after a game," Granderson said. "It's also about how to use that time with the media for your benefit— whether to extend branding or directing attention to a charity or cause. Media is all around us, and the better student-athletes are at interacting with it, the more satisfying the experience."
Woodyard added: "Returning to WMU's campus was surreal. To see so many changes and renovations inside the different facilities, brought a smile to my face, but more importantly being able to return to my alma mater with open arms from everyone that I encountered throughout the different departments gave me so much fulfillment.
But more importantly, it was special for me to share my experiences and tips to help students, athletes and staff members take their lives to the next level. Hopefully, my journey was able to leave someone inspired. WMU is always home."
