Closing in on the homestretch: CU-Lock Haven sport management students finish busy year at Kentucky Derby

Lock Haven University sport management students Taun Evans, of coatesville; Taran Patterson, of York; Lacey Snyder, of Herndon; and Ethan Walker, of Hillsgrove, recently had the opportunity to work at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

This year's Kentucky Derby attracted an estimated 147,000 people. The students' responsibilities entailed transporting clients to and from Churchill Downs, helping fans find their correct seat, answering general questions and ensuring every fan had a positive experience.

The students worked with Quint Events, a sports and entertainment organization with a mission to deliver an elevated experience that the customer will never forget. The students supported Quint's mission by providing specialized customer service in the Homestretch Club.

"I had a great experience working the event and liked seeing how the event is run," Patterson said.

Working large scale events allows students to gain perspective and a taste of the challenging, fast-paced nature of the sport industry. This was the first time LHU sport management students have worked at the Kentucky Derby.

"I never thought I'd be working an event like the Kentucky Derby so that was a cool thing I had the opportunity to do," Walker said.

The Kentucky Derby marked the third time LHU sport management students partnered with Quint this year.