Ability Media, Q30 students cover events leading up to Super Bowl LVI

Words and Photos by Ephe Nicolakis '23, MBA '24 February 09, 2022

A student stands under an colorful display of TV screens

Six School of Communications students are gaining a unique perspective of Super Bowl LVI.

In a partnership between Ability Media, Q30 Television and Quinnipiac University in Los Angeles, the students are covering the various events and celebrations leading up to the big game — and talking directly to Super Bowl MVPs and industry leaders.

Santino Maione speaks with Kurt Warner on the sidelines of a football field Kurt Warner, two-time NFL MVP and quarterback, is interviewed by Ability Media sports reporter Santino Maione ’23 at the Snoop Dogg Stars ‘N Stripes Flag Football Charity Event in Inglewood, California.

Santino Maione interviews Rob Mendez outside in front of a camera  

Ability Media sports reporter Santino Maione ’23 interviews Rob Mendez. Born without arms and legs, Mendez quickly gained an interest in sports, using video game joysticks with his mouth to create sports plays through video games. Now he serves as a motivational speaker and football coach for a high school team in southern California.

Dave Stevens interviews athlete and social media star Zion Clark in front of cameras 

Adjunct Professor and Professional in Residence at Ability Media Dave Stevens interviews athlete and social media star Zion Clark. Born without legs, both Stevens and Clark share their stories and experiences through social media and motivational speeches.

Lo Yarnall interviews Zion Clark in front of a colorfully lit wall 

Q30 Television Associate Producer Lo Yarnall ’21, MS ‘22 interviews social media star and athlete Zion Clark. Clark, born with caudal regression syndrome, set a Guinness World Record for being the fastest man on two hands.

Santino Maione speaks in front of a camera in the NFL locker room 

Q30 Television member Santino Maione ’23 is recorded by Aaron Roberts ’22 inside the NFL Locker Room in the Super Bowl Experience, where a replica locker room holds cases filled with jerseys and gameday outfits.

A student stands under an colorful display of TV screens 

Second-year public relations major Sydney Handler ’23 stands underneath one of the Super Bowl Experience immersive displays — a tunnel lined with TV screens where fans can enjoy watching behind-the-scenes clips of various NFL teams.

A student wearing press credentials stops to read a wall in the LA Convention Center  

Senior journalism major Lo Yarnall ’21, MS ‘22 stands close to the Chronology of Pro Football exhibit at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This exhibit included old jerseys, history, and even the evolution of the NFL logo since its conception.

A staff member hands out rapid COVID tests near various tents 

Outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center, staff were handing out at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for individuals and families. Amid a global pandemic, the NFL is keeping health and safety its top priority. Each test kit contains two at-home tests.

Dozens of fans walk through the hallways of the Los Angeles Convention Center 

Fans who bought tickets for the Super Bowl Experience on Sunday, February 6, explore the Los Angeles Convention Center. The NFL Experience included games, rides, fields, and even an inclusive space for individuals with specific sensory needs.

Sydney Handler holds up a computer with teleprompter words in front of a camera 

Public relations major Sydney Handler ’23 acts as a human teleprompter as the on-desk reporting team reads through their script. On-the-go, the Ability Media and Q30 teams have learned to adapt to their surroundings and use the technology they have to the best of their abilities.

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