Students, Staff Members Help Out at Super Bowl XLVII

A group of the LWC students and staff members who worked at Super Bowl XLVII in
New Orleans gather in front of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- A group of 22 Lindsey Wilson College students and staff members got to enjoy one of the world's biggest sporting spectacles up-close.

Students in LWC's tourism, recreation and sport management program spent nearly a week in New Orleans, where they worked for the NFL at the 47th Super Bowl.

The LWC students were among students from 10 U.S. colleges and universities who assisted the NFL with the event.

"A trip to the Super Bowl and working for the NFL is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said student K. Grant Darnell of Mount Sterling, Ky. "I will be forever grateful to Lindsey Wilson College for this lifetime memory."

One of the LWC students' responsibilities was to work at the the NFL Experience, a kind of sports carnival for football fans of all ages. The LWC students did everything from running a punt-return program, route-running and quarterback drills; helping children make penalty markers; and coordinating pictures for a mock NFL draft.

The excursion to New Orleans was led by LWC residence-life staff member Justin Cason, who is also an adjunct instructor in the college's tourism, recreation and sport management program.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for students because they get to put this event on their resume," Cason said. "Not every college student can say they worked at a Super Bowl. That's something employers will notice."

The LWC students also participated in the St. Bernard Project, an organization dedicated to helping New Orleans residents rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. LWC staff member Cam Mueller has worked with that organization in the past with several LWC students.

On game day, LWC the students assisted with events inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and then once kickoff was held between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco '49ers, they got to watch most of the game, including its over-the-top halftime show.

"My favorite part about this trip was having the opportunity to experience the Super Bowl firsthand working for the NFL," said student Isaac Martinez of London, Ky. "I never would have had the chance to do this if I had not chosen to attend Lindsey Wilson College, and I'm sincerely thankful for this opportunity."