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Get off the field and into the bleachers

Dave Finocchio, Zander Freund, Bryan Goldberg, and Dave Nemetz students, from East Dillon High School in San Francisco were upset about the lack of coverage the Giants and 49ers getting. They knew if given the opportunity, the everyday sports fan could provide quality opinion and analysis on teams. Knowing this the four students developed BleacherReport.com.

BleacherReport.com is the fifth largest sports media website in the world, and features more than 700 columnists publishing more than 500 new articles a day.

Dominic Perilli is a columnist for BleacherReport covering the Philadelphia Flyers. As a columnist, Perilli is required to write two or three articles per week on the Flyers.

“I've always loved to write about sports,” Perilli said. “But [I] lacked a medium in which to do so. Thus, I joined Bleacher Report.”

To write for BleacherReport, one must complete an application process that includes a writing sample. Only 20 percent of applicants are accepted so they recommend writers provide their best work. Writers can cover any sport from baseball to cricket. The writer is not limited to just one sport or team; instead, they are free to contribute to whatever sport they choose.

Bob Cunningham covers the Philadelphia Eagles. Because he has not yet been approached by any newspapers or magazines for job opportunities Cunningham started his own website called 2MinutesToMidnightGreen. com, from which he makes money via advertising.

BleacherReport has a staff of editors who make comments and corrections on articles submitted by the writers. “The editors are very helpful in providing feedback on your writing.”

Perilli said. “They take the time to help you correct any mistakes.”

Only a few writers receive payment to write for BleacherReport; however, the website allows the writer to build a fan base and potentially find a career in sports writing. A student internship program is also offered at BleacherReport. The program was designed to teach students the inner workings of online reporting. The best of the interns are offered paid positions at BleacherReport.

Former DCCC student Donald Wood is a featured columnist and intern at BleacherReport. As an intern, Wood, 23, is required to work 9am to 5pm on Mondays writing three stories the editors assign to him, and three additional articles throughout the week.

Wood has had his articles featured on NHL.com and Philly.com, among other publications.

“I love it,” Wood said about his work being published on other website. “It’s a great feeling. You feel vindicated. You get to see your work on these highly respected websites and you know a wide range of people get to see your work too.”

BleacherReport is partnered with local newspapers and websites such as the LA Times and Philly.com. Along with local partners, national media like CBSsports.com and USA Today inquire about the use of BleacherReport articles.

“We get stories from BleacherReport on a daily basis,” Alex Riethmiller of CBSsports.com said. “Some come via an automated feed and others our news desk looks at to see if want to use them on CBSSports.com.”

Michael Fogliano, 14, an analyst for BleacherReport, has had success in furthering his dream of becoming a sports writer. “When I applied for [writing] opportunities, they loved the resume I had and Bleacher Report was the main reason.” Fogliano said. “I was accepted to be a Contributor for Yahoo Sports, but unfortunately the age requirement is 18. I have also been offered other opportunities that could not be lived up to because of age or time dedication.”

Tim Racobaldo, 20, a business major at DCCC, is a fan of BleacherReport. “I check BleacherReport almost everyday,” Racobaldo said. “I love being able to read new articles about the Eagles or the Phillies anytime I visit. Best of all, it is from a fan’s perspective.

So you know the writers are passionate about their articles.”

Contact Andrew Rose at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu

The Communitarian Opinion Policy: The opinions expressed on the editorial and the op-ed pages do not necessarily reflect those of The Communitarian staff or college. We welcome your comments on any matter relating to Delaware County Community College, and responsible rebuttal is encouraged. Write to communitarian@mail.dccc.edu. Please write “letter to editor” in the subject box.