Working the Series

Last week the College World Series came through town. The Series is unlike any other sporting event I've photographed. It has been hosted by Omaha since 1950. There are no high level professional sports teams in Nebraska so this and Huskers get an avid following. People come in town from all over the country to cheer for the top eight baseball teams in the U.S. and some people travel here each year just to get in on the action. 

Since I wasn't scheduled to shoot very many games, I used my extra days where I had lighter load of assignments to try something a little different. I'm pretty good at psyching myself out of doing stuff like this. I make excuses in my head like "I don't have time" or "it's a stupid idea." So, this time I decided that I would just go for it. Since I was wandering around the stadium I needed a lightweight setup to take with me. I used one strobe direct or with an umbrella. There are a couple with natural light. 

I had a lot of fun meeting people and I liked the freedom of being able to wander. I was surprised by how may people came from outside Omaha to work the series. Everyone had a different story about why they were there from a teen raising money for her soccer team to a musician on tour trying to get to know the city.

Payton Kothe, 15, of Omaha serves lemonade on June 15, 2015 during the Virginia vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. The money that Kothe makes goes into the soccer fund for her team at Benson High School. She has been playing soccer for 7 years, almost half of her life. "In between (games) is really boring but the rest is really fun and we get to be at a baseball park," she said.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

They cook your food, serve your lemonade and sweep up your popcorn. They make sure the game is a fair match, drive the team buses, and broadcast to viewers at home. They are your first responders— and often the last to leave the park.

They work beneath the stadium or pass you by on the concourse. They travel from coast to coast, and whether it's their first day or their 10th year, these are the people who work hard every second to make the College World Series special.

Haley Whitesel, 17, of Council Bluffs works event staff at the gate on June 15, 2015 during the Virginia vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. Whitesel is in her second year at the CWS. Her favorite part of working the CWS? "cute baseball players, " she said. Who is her favorite? "The pitchers from LSU. All of them." Whitesel said she's not much of a baseball fan. "My family never really took me."  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Umpire Jeff Henrichs of Sacramento pictured in the umpire locker room on June 17, 2015 before the Miami vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. Henrichs, who lived in Lincoln, Nebraska until 1997, has been working the Series for five years. "I love it. No place better," he said. He counted seven different pieces of protective gear that he puts on before each game. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Dave Quinn of Omaha, bus driver for the Florida Gators, stands in the dugout where he often sits during games on June 17, 2015 before the Miami vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. This is his first year working the College World Series. "I’m rooting the Gators. I always root for the team that's on my bus whether it’s a high school, middle school or Division 1 team. My son went to KU and played hockey for four years but I took the (Creighton) volleyball team down there and rooted for Creighton not KU," he said. Quinn says getting along with the team and breaking the ice is key and  "once you do you’re part of the team." SARAH HOFFMAN/OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Dave Quinn of Omaha, bus driver for the Florida Gators, stands in the dugout where he often sits during games on June 17, 2015 before the Miami vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. This is his first year working the College World Series. "I’m rooting the Gators. I always root for the team that's on my bus whether it’s a high school, middle school or Division 1 team. My son went to KU and played hockey for four years but I took the (Creighton) volleyball team down there and rooted for Creighton not KU," he said. Quinn says getting along with the team and breaking the ice is key and  "once you do you’re part of the team." SARAH HOFFMAN/OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Alfrie the dog of the Omaha Police Bomb Response Team pictured on June 16, 2015 before the TCU vs. Vanderbilt College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. This is his third College World Series. Alfrie does bomb sweeps and searches team buses. If something were to go awry, Alfrie would be a first responder.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Cassie Bernier of Portsmouth, New Hampshire works as a Culinary Club Chef and stirs a sauce in the stadium's kitchen on June 17, 2015 during the Miami vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. This is Bernier's second year at the Series through a work program from her school. "I love Omaha. It's a lot hotter than it is in New Hampshire. It's a great opportunity," she said. SARAH HOFFMAN/OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

James Priester of Buffalo, New York, who works custodial, takes a smoke break outside the stadium on June 15, 2015 before the Virginia vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. This is his first year working the College World Series. Priester is a musician and performs as the artist "Facey." Priester picks up part-time jobs as he travels to interact with the cities. "You go to New York and the only baseball game you can be interested in is the Yankees," he said.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Betty Winrow takes calls on her walkie talkie from the housekeeping office on June 16, 2015 during the TCU vs. Vanderbilt College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. Winrow, of Omaha, has worked the College World Series for ten years. "I love the College World Series, I always have. It's a lot of work for all of us we are busy all the time." Winrow said that with the tens of thousands of attendees a day they try to make sure the place looks really good. "I’ve been a single mother my whole life and raised my kids by myself so I get tired sometimes but I have to get out there and take care of business." One of Winrow's daughters works the Series as well. "I've worked really hard. I try to teach my girls to be responsible like I am and they do."  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Betty Winrow takes calls on her walkie talkie from the housekeeping office on June 16, 2015 during the TCU vs. Vanderbilt College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. Winrow, of Omaha, has worked the College World Series for ten years. "I love the College World Series, I always have. It's a lot of work for all of us we are busy all the time." Winrow said that with the tens of thousands of attendees a day they try to make sure the place looks really good. "I’ve been a single mother my whole life and raised my kids by myself so I get tired sometimes but I have to get out there and take care of business." One of Winrow's daughters works the Series as well. "I've worked really hard. I try to teach my girls to be responsible like I am and they do."  SARAH HOFFMAN/OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

ESPN's Jessica Mendoza practices her swing for a live broadcast on June 19, 2015 in ESPN's studio during the TCU vs. Vanderbilt College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. The Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist from Southern California has been covering the Series for four years. Mendoza says her favorite aspect is the family atmosphere. "The fact that it's not just the game, it's the city, the people, it's the culture all around this," she said. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

ESPN make-up artist Sarah Jane Hunt of Omaha looks into a mirror with a makeup pad in ESPN's studio on June 19, 2015 during the TCU vs. Vanderbilt College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. This is her seventh year doing make-up for ESPN's on air personalities. "I love how Omaha gathers around the teams. It's an innocent sport, America's past time, and there's no place I'd rather be," she said. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

ESPN make-up artist Sarah Jane Hunt of Omaha looks into a mirror with a makeup pad in ESPN's studio on June 19, 2015 during the TCU vs. Vanderbilt College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. This is her seventh year doing make-up for ESPN's on air personalities. "I love how Omaha gathers around the teams. It's an innocent sport, America's past time, and there's no place I'd rather be," she said. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Taylor Lucas of York, left, and Gina Grizzle, of Pawnee City, work the shaved ice booth during the College World Series. on June 15, 2015 during the Virginia vs. Florida College World Series baseball game at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb. Grizzle has been working out at the CWS for four years. "I just come because it's a great atmosphere. You can hear the crowd and the excitement, it's like sitting in the stands," she said. Grizzle's favorite flavor is Bahama Mama. It was Taylor Lucas' first day. "I've been handling the cash which I like the best because I'm going to be a CPA in September," she said. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Running for Trey

I recently was able to work on a story on teen track star Ty Hansen from Fremont, Nebraska. Ty lost his twin bother, and one of his biggest supporters, Trey in a car accident in 2013 and has him on his mind as the state track meet approaches. Ty pictures Trey at the end of the finish line each time he runs. He whispers "this one's for you Trey,'' before the gun goes off.  When Ty crossed the finish line winning first place in the 800 and 1600 meter run he pointed to the sky.

Read the powerful story by Dirk Chatelain here.


You can watch the video below.

Ty Hansen rests his head in his hands over the grave of his twin brother Trey Hansen on May 20, 2015 at the cemetery in Fremont, Neb. Trey Hansen was killed in a car accident in 2013. Ty Hansen, a track star for Fremont, recently graduated high school and will be running in the state track meet this year. He has Trey in his mind as the state meet approaches. "Trey is a really big motivator for me," Hansen said. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Ty Hansen drives through Fremont on May 20, 2015 in Fremont, Neb. Ty Hansen, a track star for Fremont recently graduated high school and will be running in the state track meet this year. He lost his twin brother in a car wreck in 2013 and has him in his mind as the state meet approaches. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Ty Hansen looks at medals won by his brother Trey Hansen, who died in a car crash, in Trey's bedroom on May 20, 2015 in Fremont, Neb. Ty sleeps in his brother's bed every night. Ty Hansen, a track star for Fremont recently graduated high school and will be running in the state track meet this year. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Ty Hansen, center, warms up with teammates in the gym on May 20, 2015 during track practice at Fremont High School in Fremont, Neb. Ty Hansen, a track star for Fremont recently graduated high school and will be running in the state track meet this year. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Ty Hansen, center, runs drills on the track on May 20, 2015 at Fremont High School in Fremont, Neb. Ty Hansen, a track star for Fremont recently graduated high school and will be running in the state track meet this year. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

 Ty Hansen, second from left, practices with his team on the track on May 20, 2015 at Fremont High School in Fremont, Neb. Ty Hansen, a track star for Fremont recently graduated high school and will be running in the state track meet this year. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Ty Hansen relaxes in the tent with Fremont athletes on May 23, 2015 during the NSAA State Track & Field Championships at Omaha Burke in Omaha, Neb. "I usually take a deep breath right before the gun goes off and I say this is for you Trey" SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Ty Hansen, third from the front, races in the Class A boys race in the 1600 meter run on May 23, 2015 during the NSAA State Track & Field Championships at Omaha Burke in Omaha, Neb. Hansen won the 800 meter run and the 1600 meter race. "I usually try to picture trey at the end of the finish line," Hansen said. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Ty Hansen crosses the finish line winning the Class A boys 800m run on May 23, 2015 during the NSAA State Track & Field Championships at Omaha Burke in Omaha, Neb.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

 Ty Hansen, left, embraces his coach Sean McMahon, right, after winning the Class A boys 800m run on May 23, 2015 during the NSAA State Track & Field Championships at Omaha Burke in Omaha, Neb.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

 Ty Hansen brushes freshly cut grass from the grave of his twin brother Trey Hansen on May 20, 2015 at the cemetery in Fremont, Neb. "If I win I'll probably go tie my medals to his grave or his wreath," Hansen said. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Spring has sprung and gone

Here's a quick update of daily's from the spring.

Selena Munoz, 14, left, and Citlally Lara 11, right, dance on L Street on May 2, 2015 following the Cinco de Mayo Omaha parade down S. 24th St. in Omaha. The parade featured dancers, a race, floats cheered on by large crowds. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Reina Rosa, left, sister of Jesus Ismenia Marinero, is embraced by her daughter Veronica Rosa, right, niece of Jesus Ismenia Marinero, after speaking at a press conference on May 12, 2015 at their home in Omaha, Neb. The 25-year-old son of Jesus Ismenia Marinero, Roberto C. Martinez-Marinero, has been booked on suspicion of first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony in connection with her death. He reportedly told investigators that he killed his mother, and his 4-year-old half brother Josue Ramirez-Marinero by throwing him in the Elkhorn River and put his 11-month-old brother Angel in a dumpster. Angel was found alive and well. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD 

The casket of Jesus Ismenia Marinero is carried out during the funeral of Jesus Ismenia Marinero and Josue Ramirez-Marinero on May 30, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Omaha, Neb. The 25-year-old son of Jesus Ismenia Marinero, Roberto C. Martinez-Marinero, has been booked on suspicion of first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony in connection with her death. He reportedly told investigators that he killed his mother, and his 4-year-old half brother Josue Ramirez-Marinero by throwing him in the Elkhorn River and put his 11-month-old brother Angel in a dumpster. Angel was found alive and well. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

People exit the church following the funeral of Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco on May 26, 2015 at Creighton's D. J. Sokol Arena in Omaha, Neb.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Rick Fowler, who is depicted in the mural, plays piano with his dog Beastie at inCOMMON as crews prepare to hang a 10-story mural by Watie White on May 8, 2015 near Park Ave. and Woolworth Ave. and Park Ave. in Omaha, Neb. The mural, a project with inCOMMON Community Development, depicts residents of the neighborhood nominated by other local residents. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Summer Miller prepares Strawberry Shortcake with Rhubarb Compote, a recipe by Michael Haskett, from her new cookbook "New Prairie Kitchen" on April 23, 2015 at her home in Elkhorn, Neb. Miller is releasing her new cookbook which focuses on regional farmers, chefs and artisans. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

 Summer Miller cooks Braised Chicken Soup with Potato Gnocchi and Morel Mushrooms, a recipe by Nick Strawhecker,  from her new cookbook "New Prairie Kitchen" on April 23, 2015 at her home in Elkhorn, Neb. Miller is releasing her new cookbook which focuses on regional farmers, chefs and artisans. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Christer Andre Olsen sniffs an aquavit at the Skål! Scandinavian Spirits exhibit on April 25, 2015 at the Museum of Danish America in Elkhorn, IA. The museum examines the cultural history of alcoholic Scandinavian beverages. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Food is prepared in the kitchen at Astoria Biryani House on May 26, 2015 at 10841 Q St. in Omaha, Neb. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

People dine on crab legs and steaks at Dude's Steak House on June 2, 2015 in Sidney, Neb. On a Tuesday evening the restaurant was packed with diners. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

The sun sets over Sidney on June 2, 2015 in Sidney, Neb. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

The moon over Sidney and the Cabela's water tower, right, pictured on June 2, 2015 in Sidney, Neb. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

A climber competes in the Midwestern Chapter Tree Climbing Championship on June 6, 2015 at Hansom Park in Omaha, Neb. Climbers competed in various tasks including aerial rescue, speed climb, secured footlock, work climb and throwline. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Class D girls compete in the 3200 Meter Relay on May 22, 2015 during the NSAA State Track & Field Championships at Omaha Burke in Omaha, Neb.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Autumn Graham crosses the finish line to give Plattsmouth first place in the girls 3200 meter relay on May 22, 2015 during the NSAA State Track & Field Championships at Omaha Burke in Omaha, Neb.  SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Millard North's,  AJ Perrault (6), left, and Creighton Prep's Jacob Mueller (6), right, go for the ball during the first half of the Class A Creighton Prep vs. Millard North boys soccer game on May 15, 2015 during the NSAA State Soccer Championships at Morrison Stadium in Omaha, Neb. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

 Dustin Roberts prepares to throw out a first pitch on April 20, 2015 before the Omaha Storm Chasers baseball game at Werner Park in Papillion, Neb. Roberts, a Royals fan, watched the World Series from his hospital room while waiting amputation. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

The entrance of the "old corporate" building displays mounts and the blueprints from the John Deere offices in downtown Sidney on June 2, 2015 in Sidney, Neb. The building, built in the '20s by John Deere and purchased by Cabela's in the '60's, currently houses the property development and IT functions. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

05/03/2015 Ashley Sanchez, left, Kimberly Fonseca, second from left, Dayana Rodriguez, Kelsey Sanchez, and Tara Dudycha, right, of Lincoln stretch before Lincoln National Guard Marathon on May 3, 2015 in Lincoln, Neb. Runners had the option of running a full or half marathon through downtown and residential areas of Lincoln. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

Jackie Oswald hugs her son Risor in the park on May 27, 2015 in Pilger, Neb. The one year anniversary of the destructive tornado that killed two and left widespread destruction is coming in June. SARAH HOFFMAN/THE WORLD-HERALD