For Wichita State sport management student Liam Crawford, working behind the scenes at the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in Wichita in March offered an opportunity to put classroom learning into practice.

As a Media Host Relations Assistant, Crawford supported visiting media outlets from across the country by managing credentials, helping with press conferences and interviews, distributing game statistics, and troubleshooting technology issues in real time. It was a fast-paced environment that offered hands-on insight into what it takes to coordinate a national sporting event.

“This is a sport management experience that you can’t get anywhere else,” Crawford said. “I am so grateful that I had a role in putting on such a great event for the City of Wichita.”

Beyond the technical responsibilities, Crawford found the most rewarding part of the weekend to be the networking opportunities. He made meaningful connections with professionals across the sports industry—relationships he hopes to carry into his future career.

Crawford also gained a deeper understanding of public relations and event operations. In class, he had studied concepts like crisis management and media coordination, but seeing it in action solidified his learning. When internet issues arose on the first day of the tournament, for example, he got a firsthand look at how teams respond and adapt under pressure.

“My whole vision of sports has changed,” he said. “When I sit down and look at any sporting event, I see more than just the game—I see the behind-the-scenes and what coordinators are doing just to put on that sporting event.”

He also came away with a greater appreciation for the scale and impact of such events—not only for the fans and athletes, but for the city itself. From coordinating travel and security to setting up media spaces and locker rooms, Crawford saw just how much effort goes into pulling off an event of this size.

“It’s just really cool to be a part of something so beneficial to the city and community,” he said.