KOKOMO, Ind. - Everyone loves an underdog story - especially in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

A team of Indiana University Kokomo students outperformed teams from IU Indianapolis, Indiana State University, Butler University, Ball State University, and University of Indianapolis to win the culminating competition of a class hosted by the NCAA and the Indiana Sports Corp. as part of March Madness.

"We were the smallest program involved in the competition," said Larry Jinkins, assistant professor of sport and recreation management, who led the class at IU Kokomo. "We were the only NAIA school involved. I think it proved to them the quality of education they've received. It wasn't just this class; it was the culmination of everything they learned from all their instructors. They applied what they learned in the last three to four years to create solid presentations."

The winning team included Cameryn Rector, Danville; Kylie Wagaman, Freelandville; Clayton Miller, Greentown; Jacob Scofield, Indianapolis; Cameron Karns, Noblesville; Zachary Sparks and Dean Stoll, Peru; Alexis DiOrio, St. Charles, Illinois; and Alexis Baney, Summitville.

IU Kokomo students applied for one of 16 spots in the class, which met in person weekly, and connected with the other five universities for collaborative sessions. They also participated in an orientation before serving as "point guards," or volunteers deployed on a street team to answer questions and direct fans during the NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis.

Hayden Williamson said the experience gave him a greater appreciation for the importance of the tournament.

"It really was amazing to see it hosted in Indianapolis, but you meet people from all over the country and all over the world," he said. "I interacted with a couple who were there from Texas, and they had no allegiance to any team, but they've gone to every Final Four for the last 25 years. They live for the Final Four, and they love basketball. That was an awesome story from a volunteer perspective."

For Jaydi Jones, the class confirmed her career path.

"It was reassuring that I do want to go into major events, specifically major sporting events," she said. "We got to learn from a lot of women in the sports industry, who are constantly underrepresented. It was nice to connect with them."

Miller appreciated meeting people in the industry, including JoAn Scott, NCAA vice president of men's basketball.

"It was a good opportunity to heard from leaders in the industry and learn what it takes to put on these large sporting events," he said.

Karns found it interesting to hear how many people in the field started out as unpaid interns and worked their way up.

"We learned right out of college don't worry about what position you get, but use it as a steppingstone," he said. "That's something I got some peace from, knowing they were in the same position I'm in now, and that we have to start somewhere."

It was impressive to have this kind of prestigious opportunity at a small school, Sparks said.

"At a smaller university it's harder to find classes that work with big corporations, especially in the sports world, and the NCAA is one of the largest," he said. "Being able to work hands-on with the NCAA and learning what it takes to work in that field can open your eyes to things you would never know about without having that kind of experience."

Wagaman said their final project was the best team project she's completed in her time at IU Kokomo.

"This was probably the most realistic project I've ever worked on," she said. "We were preparing with pressure, with real deadlines. There's no professor extending anything for you, the final deadline was the final deadline. The team I was on, and the class was the most supportive group I've been in. Everyone had their strengths and everyone learned."

For the final project, the class split into two teams, and each created a presentation about how to get more college students to volunteer for the NCAA and Final Four. Requirements included a one-page summary, a 30-second video and a one-minute commercial, and a five-minute presentation.

The two teams presented to IU Kokomo judges, who selected one to represent the campus to NCAA officials. Jinkins said either team would have done well at the final presentation.

"I would have put our second team up against any of the other schools' best teams, and they would have been competitive," he said. "I couldn't be prouder of both teams."

The second team included Payton Herr, Logansport; Hannah Hodgen, Monticello: Jaydi Jones, Noblesville; Hayden Williamson, Peru; Moriah Crawford, Springfield, Illinois; and Gannon Davis and Briana Madrigal, Walton.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.

Student Success and Opportunity

IU Kokomo will ensure the long-term success of all students through a quality education filled with enriching opportunities.

See our full plan here.