By Michael Rose ('10)
I spent my summer in Western Massachusetts interning at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Basketball Hall of Fame (HOF) is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, “The Birthplace of Basketball.” Throughout the summer, my main job responsibilities included working with the staff to help track the flights of Hall of Fame Members, coordinate ground transportation, and booking hotel rooms for Hall of Fame Members and their guests.
As part of my internship, I had the opportunity to return to Springfield for the 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement. I arrived in Springfield on Tuesday and began to help make preparations for our guests’ arrivals beginning on Wednesday. On Wednesday the HOF began to bristle with activity as the ESPN and NBA Entertainment prepared for the Friday news conference. Wednesday also brought the arrivals of our first guests, including the HOF Class of 2009 Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Jerry Sloan, John Stockton, and their families.
Thursday was filled with activity as the weekend began to shift into high gear. During the day I hosted the hospitality suite for the Class of 2009 and their guests. That evening, the HOF hosted a reunion dinner for all the members and select guests. The night also honored the late Bulls' radio announcers, Johnny Kerr, Doug Collins, and Peter Vescey. Thursday was truly special as the Hall of Fame honored those who have helped share the game with all of their readers.
The Enshrinement ceremony was on Friday night at historic Symphony Hall. This was truly a great event as I witnessed three members of the original "Dream Team" reach the pinnacle of their careers. Afterward, the Hall hosted a gala allowing ticket purchasers to rub elbows with some of basketball’s legends and current NBA stars, such as Glen “Big Baby” Davis.
On Saturday I was privileged to spend the morning at breakfast with many of the hall of famers. Interacting with people like Wayne Embry, Medowlark Lemon, and former Oklahoma State great, Bob Kurland, was possibly the highlight of the weekend, as they are living history of the game of basketball. The festivities moved to the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Connecticut. The highlight of the event came as the Class of 2009 and a selected guest were on stage for a Q & A. This event was unique, as we heard from the people who helped support the newest hall of famers reach the top of their sport.
Working the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement weekend was an event I will never forget. From having breakfast with the old timers to spending time in the hospitality suite with many of the new Hall of Famers, I was given the opportunity to soak in some basketball history that most people will never have the same opportunity. Although the weekend was stressful, I cannot think of a better ending to my summer internship.
