UToledo Media Communication Senior Finds Success as a Live Sports Storyteller

UToledo Media Communication Senior Finds Success as a Live Sports Storyteller

Creating memorable game experiences for sports fans requires mental agility and skilled adaptation to keep up with the fast-paced action.

Graduating from UToledo on Saturday, May 2, with a bachelor's degree in media communication, James "Trip" Floyd III has exceled at broadcasting the excitement of live sports.

"I have served as a production assistant for UT ESPN+ broadcasts since my freshman year, operating cameras, graphics and replay for countless broadcasts in a variety of sports," Floyd said. "I am also in my fourth season with the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye organization, serving as both part of the video board production crew and in-game host for select Walleye games."

Studio Facilities Coordinator Jess Delaney in the Department of Communication and Media first saw his potential as a replay operator working in-house broadcasts in Savage Arena and encouraged Floyd to take his talents to the Toledo Walleye and Toledo Mud Hens.

"I had brought up the idea of working for the Mud Hens and Walleye because I thought he'd be an amazing member of that team," Delaney said. "He loves the Toledo community and had incredible potential to do even more. He was humble, attentive and ready for a challenge."

As an alumnus of the department herself, Delaney understands firsthand how transformative and rewarding it can be to gain real-world experience.

"We have so many alumni, myself included, that are back here, doing what we love - teaching, mentoring and working within the department and I think that is so special," Delaney said. "This program built us and our careers, and we came back with professional experience to build the next generation of communication professionals."

This past fall, Floyd also joined the Detroit Pistons game presentation team as a game night staff member, helping to put on a variety of halftime and timeout activations by working with and preparing their entertainment teams for show time. He recently worked on his first two NBA playoff games and looks forward to continuing to deepen his expertise in the industry.

As impressive as his professional experiences have been, at first Floyd wasn't sure about his next steps after high school.

Although he was active at Toledo Central Catholic High School, it wasn't until he was invited to explore academic programs at UToledo that he found his path forward.

"It was the impromptu suggestion to tour the TV studio in Rocket Hall that changed everything," Floyd said. "I distinctly remember rolling the focus and zooming in with the camera handles in the station and just how cool that felt to do. And when they showed me the broadcast truck and told me they produced nearly all Rocket Athletics broadcasts, I knew right then and there UT was home."

Cost was another factor that influenced his decision to choose UToledo.

"By being able to work through college and the generous scholarships provided by our donors, I will graduate from college on May 2 with no college debt," Floyd said.

Floyd also credits his other professors and instructors in the Department of Communication and Media for helping to build his confidence and prepare him to overcome the demands of live broadcast.

In addition to his love of live sports production, Floyd is also passionate about UToledo's student-run radio station, 88.3 WXUT. With encouragement from Tisha Mays, an assistant lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media, he became an advocate for the radio station, helping grow its membership and programming.

Last year, Floyd was honored with a Press Club of Toledo Touchstone Award, winning the "Student: Radio or Podcast" category for his show "STAFF MEETING: Off the Air - Outsider Music." His leadership and commitment to WXUT have been an integral part of the station's increased momentum and success.

"In terms of revival, I stand on the shoulders of those who wanted better for the station before I arrived. The efforts of people like Sydney Schauwecker and Logan McCrory inspired me to keep carrying that passion for the station and to grow it as much as possible," Floyd said. "Being able to see the spark in a new member ignite when they realize how fun, easy and expressive it can be is all I really want from it."

Another highlight of his UToledo education was being part of the Palmer Global Fellows program, which supercharges academic and professional development through fully funded international travel.

"Being a Palmer Global Fellow is an unbelievable memory that saved my college experience and cemented my pride in being a Rocket," Floyd said. "Going to Sorrento, Italy was my first time ever leaving the country, let alone flying across the Atlantic."

Through the program, Floyd also scheduled his own solo trip to Toronto and some of the western parts of the Northeast U.S., where he was able to shadow the game presentation and production of a variety of professional baseball clubs.

"Seeing how different departments operated - whether it was with a big budget or no budget - and their motivation to put the best game experience out for their fans was inspiring," Floyd said. "I have learned that even in the face of adversity and hardship, I can always strive to do my best for the people I am serving."

Floyd was one of six upcoming graduates who received a Tower of Excellence Award. The awards are an annual recognition of students who embody the spirit of UToledo, with winners selected by a committee of faculty and staff.

"Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of watching Trip grow, not only as a student and professional, but as a person," Delaney said. "Throughout his time here at UToledo, he continued to climb, and he's lifted those around him as he rose. Trip has had a truly remarkable evolution and I am so, so proud of him."

As he reflects on his time at UToledo, Floyd said he's grateful for the experiences and growth he's gained. He plans to pursue a career in game presentation or production.

"I never would have imagined how much confidence I would gain by being here and being encouraged to believe in myself and my work. I am on track to be the best version of myself that I can possibly be. None of that is possible without UToledo," Floyd said. "I feel prepared, confident, and ready to make an impact wherever I go."