Students behind the madness

Since the NCAA First Four (as we know it now) began in 2011, the University of Dayton and UD Arena have been the host for the games that have marked the beginning of March Madness.

UD’s commitment to experiential learning allows for dozens of students to work during the games, press conferences and practices, not to mention in the facilities and operational crew preparing for the games. Whether they are working as photographers, physical therapy students or media assistants, students have their hands in and hands on.

This year as the First Four falls in the middle of UD's spring break, fewer students than usual are in town to work the games, but those who have stayed to help kick off the most exciting month in basketball.

Patrick Sableski ’26

Major: English
Hometown: Dayton

“The main thing I’m doing is press conferences. For a lot of the lower-seeded teams that don’t have a lot of media come, they’ll put us in there and we'll ask some questions. During the games, it’s really just making sure everyone in the media and on the teams has what they need, whether it’s delivering stats or water, whatever they need. I’m very excited — it’s my third year doing this, and it’s always fun to learn about the teams and get to see them play.”

Saija Cleveland ’26

Major: Cybersecurity
Hometown: Houston

“I’m with UDit [University of Dayton information technologies] and I am here to make sure everybody’s technology works. So if someone’s network goes down, I have to help get it back up and running. I’m excited I get to combine my love of sports with my major in cybersecurity and have this experience, and of course I’m excited to see someone get dunked on.”

Claire Hand ’26

Major: Sport Management
Hometown: Dayton

“Today I’m escorting the players back and forth behind the curtain during press conferences. My major is sport management, and I work in the athletics communications department, so this is definitely a unique experience I get to do. I’m thankful for my bosses for being able to incorporate us, because it’s crazy to see everything it takes to put on a huge event. It’s exciting. I wish those Dayton Flyers were in it, but it's always fun to just track what’s going on with upsets and big games.”

Luke Perry ’26

Major: Photography
Hometown: Cincinnati

“I am freelancing for Alabama State University and working underneath the UD athletics department to shoot marketing photos for them. I’m excited for all of the networking opportunities with all the other photographers and creators here. Just seeing a different environment in the arena is really interesting to me as well. I think there is a lot of experience to be learned with networking and meeting people you don’t know.”

Olivia Shirk ’25

Major: Communication 
Hometown: Downers Grove, Illinois

“I’m taking photos for Flyer News, UD’s student-run newspaper. This is my second time working at the First Four. I’m excited to be back and especially to see Xavier play because they are so close to us. It’s a more professional environment with people from all over the country, so it’s interesting to see and get exposure to such a big event.”

Justin Harris ’27

Major: Communication
Hometown: Chicago

“This is my second time doing the First Four. I am doing all sorts of media: I’ve done things from credentials to asking questions at press conferences. I’m most excited to see high-level basketball in person. As a communication major, being able to talk to the players and ask them questions before and after the games is really interesting. A benefit that I think I’ll get from this experience is being able to meet new people and broaden my network. Working in sports has always been a dream of mine, so seeing behind the scenes is very beneficial.”

photos by Maggie Endres ’26 and Sai Sandeep Vunnam ’25