Just call me a road warrior.
All 5 feet, 6 inches and 125 pounds of me.
But since I care so much about covering the women’s basketball team, I’ve agreed to follow the team like a little lost dog throughout the tournament.
The gracious student media employees have agreed to fly me to Nashville since I’m the only Reveille writer going to the tournament.
Flying is probably the best option because I still find ways to get lost while driving around the great city of Baton Rouge. Plus, driving nine hours by myself would get boring quick.
And because I’m not driving, I can make a firm promise to this paper’s readership.
I promise when you pick up the paper Monday morning there will be enough expert analysis to quench your thirst for women’s college basketball.
I would like to try something while on my business trip. In my first full semester covering sports, I’ve only received one e-mail from someone who had read an article I wrote.
If anybody has any thoughts or questions about the team while I am at the tournament, e-mail me at the address at the end of this column. I will reply and answer your questions.
I’d especially appreciate any advice on what I should do while I’m there.
I can face the reality that the Days Inn in downtown Nashville probably isn’t the party capital of the city.
One thing I do plan to do in Nashville is make a name for myself by using my childish appearance.
I’ve heard all the jokes in the world about looking like I am 12 years old – when you’re 30, you’ll look 20; the girls love the baby look; blah blah blah.
But my apparent youth has distinct advantages.
For example, after the whole Pokey Chatman-Kim Mulkey-Robertson scuffle, I called a reporter in Waco, Texas, to ask a few questions about Mulkey-Robertson’s past.
When I talked to the reporter, I politely introduced myself as “the student reporter who looked like he didn’t belong in the press room.”
The reporter laughed and said, “I know who you are,” then shared some interesting information about Mulkey-Robertson’s past.
And with all the media members at this event, I will definitely make some more friends.
My appearance will most definitely cause some pretty serious problems though.
When I get to the hotel, are they going to let an 18-year-old check in? Isn’t there an age limit? And if they don’t, where will I sleep?
I don’t think I could use my childish charm on the street, but who knows.
I’ve decided instead of going barhopping in the Music City, I will settle for the Grand Ole Opry. Carrie Underwood is scheduled to play there Saturday night.
I’m sure I would meet some really interesting people there.
And I’ll introduce myself to them as the road warrior.
 
Kyle is a public relations freshman.
Contact him at [email protected]