Newhouse Grads Hit the Field: NFL Training Camps Become Classrooms

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Ten Newhouse broadcast and digital journalism graduate students will work at a Nexstar TV station covering NFL Training Camp this summer across five cities.

For students who wanted to become political reporters, the Newhouse School partnered with Nexstar for numerous years so broadcast and digital journalism graduate students could complete their capstone in Washington, D.C. In 2019, the Newhouse Sports Media Center and Nexstar teamed up to provide students with a sports capstone opportunity.

In the summer of 2025, NFL training camp will be the classroom for the ten students selected.

Jill Schumacher and Patrick Scanlon are heading to the Ocean State to work for WPRI-TV 12 in Providence, Rhode Island. They’re covering the six-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots’ training camp.

Jill Schumacher and Patrick Scanlon are covering the Patriots. Photo credit: Matea Kanicki

Maria Wainscott and Caleb Spinner are heading west to Indianapolis, Indiana, to report on the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp for WXIN-TV Fox 59.

Maria Wainscott and Caleb Spinner are covering the Colts. Photo credit: Matea Kanicki

Rich Rosa and Cedric Derecho are heading to the Badger State to cover the 13-time champion (four Super Bowls) Green Bay Packers’ training camp for WFRV-TV Local 5 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Rich Rosa and Cedric Derecho are covering the Packers. Photo credit: Matea Kanicki

Lalia Rogers and Kobe Scales will report for WDVM-TV DC News Now and attend the Washington Commanders’ training camp.

Laila Rogers and Kobe Scales are covering the Commanders. Photo credit: Matea Kanicki

Geraldine Paglia and Andrew Watson are heading south to the Queen City: Charlotte, North Carolina. They’re covering the Carolina Panthers’ training camp for WJZY-TV Fox 46.

Geraldine Paglia and Andrew Watson are covering the Panthers. Photo credit: Matea Kanicki

Syracuse professor Olivia Stomski, the Director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center, said Newhouse’s relationship with Nexstar stations has been valuable for our students.

“It has shown to be an incredible experience. At training camp every day, [students] are telling stories, shooting footage, they are really honing in on those technical skills, storytelling skills, and making the connections that end up leading them to a full-time job in the future,” Stomski said.

Stomski said Nexstar is a fantastic community of reporters, journalists, and producers.

Everyone begins the NFL Training Camp capstone in mid-July. Students, faculty, parents, and alumni who want to stay updated with training camp stories can follow the students on X and go to the TV station’s website.