UT MARTIN STUDENTS RETURN FROM SUPER BOWL 51

UT MARTIN STUDENTS RETURN FROM SUPER BOWL 51

MARTIN, Tenn. – Nine students and two faculty members from the University of Tennessee at

Martin worked behind-the- scenes at Super Bowl 51 in Houston, Texas. This is the fourth

consecutive year UT Martin has been represented at the event, and this year the university was

one of only two permitted to send students.

Participants worked hospitality with visiting players and helped them stay on schedule for

autograph signings and other appearances. The group was also able to work the New England

Patriots’ after-party celebrating their 34-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

“This experience went above and beyond what I thought it was going to be,” said Jakeb Wylie,

of Kenton. “I was able to work a couple of shifts at Volunteer Experience, and I had a blast being

able to contribute to the excitement of all the fans. But the experience on game day, from

escorting to working the Patriots’ post-party was like no other experience I have ever had. I was

also able to work with On Location Experience and the NFL to help make Super Bowl 51 a

success, and being able to say that is pretty remarkable. I can only hope that other students who

have the opportunity to go on this trip in the future take full advantage and enjoy the historic

experience.”

The students worked a 15-hour day on Super Bowl Sunday and ran into a few obstacles, but were

able to overcome the challenges and make sure their visiting players got where they needed to

go.

“The main thing I learned from this experience was that not everything is as it seems. Many

different people are responsible for anything and everything that goes on during the biggest game

of the year,” said Jake Rogers, of Dresden. “You have to work through adversity during a big

event. I have learned many lessons from this experience, but the main thing is that I will always

expect the unexpected.”

Dr. Dexter Davis, associate professor of sport business, has a longstanding relationship with the

National Football League and is able to accompany a group of UT Martin students to the game

each year. Students are chosen largely from the sport business program and undergo a rigorous

application and interview process before being selected to participate.

For more information, contact Davis at 731-881- 7369 or by email at ddavis78@utm.edu.