Covering Division I sports presents many challenges to a college journalist.

At major universities, covering high profile sports is intimidating and humbling, even for the most self-righteous individuals.

It is a series of firsts that many times leaves you feeling in last.

The first pregame: Attempting to find the correct entrance without circling the arena three times.

The first time inside a press box: Trying to find your labeled seat without spilling your hot soup down the back of a top beat reporter.

The first set of pregame notes: Sifting through pages of statistics that tell you everything from points per game averages to the average numbers of bowls of corn flakes eaten by each player per day.

The first period: Scrambling to take notes that tell exactly what happened on each play.

The first breakthrough: Realizing that someone in the sports information department is paid to do that for you.

The first plagiarism experience: Stealing glances at the scribbles of others around you, at least trying to figure out what sport is being played.

The first question to another reporter: “So, do you come here often?”

The first halftime: Milling around for someone to talk to, or at least someone to show you where the restroom is located.

The first press conference: Gazing at dozens of veterans in the business, recognizing their mug shots, knowing that they know exactly what questions to ask, and which to avoid.

Still at the first press conference: Taking notes on the other reporters. “Great point! Why didn’t I see that?” The first realization at the first press conference: Understanding that the primary need of a reporter, besides tough skin and a sense of humor, is a tape recorder.

The second realization: Your tape recorder needs batteries.

The first trip home: Relieving yourself at the nearest available spot during the walk home. (Remember, during halftime, no one helped you.)

The first story: Writing a 12-column inch story that will never make your portfolio if you ever want a job after graduation.

The first complaint: Listening to criticism by coaches, fans, players and everyone except your mother.

The first compliment: Talking on the phone to your mother.

But finally, something happens — about two months later. By midseason, you feel like you’ve got everything figured out.

You turn in your nervous look for a cocky face. Your hands carrying sloppy foods become steadier. You begin flipping open your laptop at the games, daring others to read over your shoulder to see your story. You start gaining respect from peers. (Not really, but maybe it happens to some people.) You fill page one of your portfolio. You become on a first-name basis with the coach. You rip out page one of your portfolio.

You finally take a breath. After nine months, you’ve learned an amazing amount. But most of all, you realize that covering Division I sports is a challenge.

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Drew Harris is a senior in journalism and mass communication and political science from Peosta.