Students interview an NCAA basketball player in the locker room
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Solid scarlet background color

These students are the magic behind the madness

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Ohio State student Isabel Mangus transcribes an interview with a phone up to her ear during NCAA mens basketball regional practice sessions.

Ohio State students were hard at work behind the scenes at Nationwide Arena for the first two rounds of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Students Gabe Payne and Jack Weller holding a laptop and preparing for their work on the floor of Nationwide Arena.

Gabe Payne and Jack Weller rushed stats to broadcasters and media members during timeouts. “It's a lot of running,” Weller says. “It's not as simple as it sounds. We have to make it look nice, and we have to hurry, too.”

Students Isabel Mangus and Sharon Nimye using their phones to get quotes in the locker room

Students like Isabel Mangus and Sharon Nimyel gathered quotes from players in locker rooms, which were then used in stories by journalists covering the games.

Peyton Purpura had to work quickly to transcribe the quotes before heading back for more interviews.

The days were long but the students got hands-on experience and a rare inside look at one of the biggest events in college sports.

“The hours — that's nothing,” says Lauryn Luderman. “I'm here for it.” The highlight of her weekend was interviewing Purdue star Zach Edey, which she called “a top-10 experience.” 

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