MHC Dish From the Pitch 2013 MHC Dish From the Pitch 11 | Page 2

We start with the games. Each writer is assigned a game to write. We each have our
method for taking notes on a game. As mentioned, Jason takes very detailed notes. Some
people take notes on their phones while lounging around. We all agree that the addition of
the team secretary this year has made a huge impact. “We would not be able to produce the
best Dish possible without the secretary reports. They have been invaluable this year for
helping us write games because we get the unique team perspectives and quotes. It helps us
point out individuals and highlight achievements,” said Rob Berrones.
Jack Harrold records the scores for each quarter of each game. When asked why he
does this, he replied, “I use these as a virtual outline to my articles. They help me
remember what happened each quarter. With hurling being so fast paced, we as writers
need something to help us sort through everything. Scores do that.”
Once the final game whistle sounds and the goals are put back in the can, the real
work begins. It is true, we only have about 40 hours or so to enter in the secretary reports,
enter our notes, gather images, write, edit and format The Dish before we send it out to
you. All of this gets put into a Google doc by Monday morning, giving Andy McKee a loose
script for the podcast. We have until Tuesday morning to craft our stories and proofread
each other’s articles for final submission.
From there, our fearless leader, Aislinn Leonard, formats the content and proofreads
everything. She also writes for the U7 games and edits photos. She loves the experience she
is getting putting this publication out. “I’m a little shy, but having a notebook and a camera
gives me an excuse to talk to new people and pulls me out of my comfort zone,” Aislinn
remarked about her experience this year.
We also attend meetings to generate ideas for feature stories and how we can improve
what we currently do. We plan on bringing you a monthly (at least) offseason Dish with new
features, game strategy and theory, analysis like Joel Travis’ goalie write ups, Meghan
Neuenschwander’s tips for rookies, Faces from the Pitch, and anything else we can find to
keep you informed.
We write on our lunch breaks, at home after work, at work, or whenever we have free
time. We do so because we believe The Dish is more than just scores. More than just
something we hope you read with as much enthusiasm as we write it. It is our way of
making the MHC the best it can be.
Why do you write for the Dish?
“I write for the Dish because it satisfies two of my passions in life, writing and hurling. I also feel that
contributing to the club is an aspect of keeping the MHC alive and growing.” - Ivan Baker
“As a second year hurler, writing for the Dish has given me an amazing opportunity to learn more about the
sport and some of the amazing people we have in the MHC.” - Jason Kirkpatrick
“As a captain, writing for the dish forces me to take an analytical look at the games. It’s good for scouting out
the other teams. Also, as a captain, I personally feel a responsibility to the club and especially the sponsors to
make sure that as much as possible receives a positive spin. We’re all playing to have fun.” - Jack Harrold
“I like doing the Dish because I’m meeting new people and getting to know more about people I have played
with and against for many years.” - Aislinn Leonard
“Writing for the Dish this year has given me a chance to really learn our club. As a second year member, it can
be tough getting to know names and faces. I don’t say, ‘Who is that again?’ as much.” - Rob Berrones
“As a rookie, the Dish has shown me many aspects of the club I wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to.
Seeing how tight-knit the club is and seeing how much time and energy goes into making it what it is has
really changed how I view both the club and the sport as a whole.” - Chris Patrick