Montclair CCOM Students at Center of Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge

Montclair State University students didn’t just get to witness history on September 21 – they also got to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to capture a record-breaking day at Yogi Berra Stadium.

The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center held Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge in honor of what would have been Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra’s 100th birthday, and successfully set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the biggest continuous game of catch.

A star-studded crowd was on hand to watch 2,358 participants successfully set the record on the refurbished Yogi Berra Stadium field, making it an unforgettable day for the thousands in attendance – who included emcee Bob Costas, former New York Yankees legends Ron Guidry, Willie Randolph, Rick Cerone and, and Berra’s sons Larry, Tim and Dale, and granddaughter, Lindsay.

Montclair College of Communication and Media students were at the center of it all, getting the type of unique, hands-on learning opportunities that have become a staple of the Montclair State University experience.

“We’re of course thrilled to have broken the record,” says Museum Director Eve Schaenen. “But the real joy is in seeing so many families, friends, community members and Montclair State University students come together around Yogi’s legacy, playing the game that he loved best. The fact that Montclair students were right in the thick of the action, applying what they’re learning to the execution of our event made it all the more special. We look forward to creating many more opportunities for students to engage with our programming in the future. ”

Hands-On Learning in the House of Yogi

While fans and families lined the field, Montclair students from across the College of Communication and Media put their skills to the test at the high-profile, live event.

Students from Hawk Communications, the University’s student-run PR and strategic communications agency, managed the media organizations who came to cover the festivities. NewsLab student journalists also reported from the concourse and produced stories for Hawk+, Montclair’s digital streaming platform.

Red Hawk Sports Network also served as the primary live broadcasters for the record attempt. A crew of 15 students and three professors produced a 45-minute pre-event show featuring packages, trivia and live on-the-field interviews leading up to the main event.

Student broadcasters from WMSC 90.3 FM hosted a special live two-hour show, featuring interviews with University leadership, museum executives and special guests. Montclair students also assisted the University’s Office of Special Events in all aspects of the event from planning to execution, giving them practical experience in putting on a live outdoor event. And the Montclair baseball and softball teams were fully in the mix, serving as on-field volunteers to facilitate the participant count required by Guinness World Records.

“I always thought that record would stand until it was broken” — Legendary Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra

Alba Rodriguez, an international student from Spain, shared her excitement as her family watched the event from halfway around the world. Alba, who was part of the Hawk Communications group that assisted with media relations, remarked how special the day was for her and her family.

“My grandmother watched the event from Spain. For me, she is like a second mother, and the fact that she had the chance to see everything I’m doing on such an important day has been incredible. She told me how exciting it had been for her to watch all those people coming together to achieve a common goal. She was completely focused on the TV, pointing me out to my mother whenever I appeared on screen, and she was moved to see all the work I am doing here in the United States. It’s truly emotional to see how, on a day when families came together, mine did too. Even though they are thousands of miles away, today they were with me, and they were able to experience a little bit of the amazing adventure I am living here at Montclair.”

“At Montclair State University and in the College for Communication and Media, we’re constantly looking for opportunities to put our students at the center of the action in their chosen fields,” says College for Communication and Media Dean Keith Strudler. “This was a great experience for our students to take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it to a world-record event. That’s something few colleges and universities can offer, and we are proud to give these opportunities to our students and see the professional-quality work they create as a result.”

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