Photo by Tony Klimas, Copyright 2004
Of course I was there for the local paper's web site to shoot the drama surrounding the game - the tailgaters, the fans and my toughest assignment...the cheerleaders (someone had to do it...why not me). But when I wasn't doing these other things, I got to stand, kneel and crouch on the sidelines side by side with guys who do this for a living. I got to run up down the field and try to anticipate what the game would do next. I even almost got nailed by a very large player attempting to catch a pass who would not have cared for a moment if he had crushed me like a bug (okay maybe he would have a little bit, but you get the idea). I was a little outclassed on equipment (I do not own any $7000 primes or a pro digital body) but I was there with my Canon EOS 20D, EOS Rebel, 70-200L and an eagerness that a kid would bring to Christmas morning. I didn't do what those guys do...they have to watch the game intently and put themselves into position to capture the shot that Sports Illustrated or USA Today will run, but I did get to practice my art and for a moment live out a fantasy held by many. Every so often I would forget where I was and just get in the zone. Then something would happen and 60,000 screaming fans behind me would remind me where I was. I haven't even looked at my game pics yet (no time) - I was busy uploading stuff for the paper and had to leave on a trip - but when I do, I know I will have some keepers, and more importantly, an experience to never forget.
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