A week in January

Sakidra Davis of Alpha Rho Xinos carries an image of Martin Luther King Jr. during the 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration's March/Parade on January 18, 2014 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Tom Bresnahan, left,  Weekly SportsDayHS Hero Winner Killian Bresnahan of Coppell High School, center, and Jacque Bresnahan, right, have their photo taken in front of a green screen during the SportsDayHS Heroes Banquet on January 16, 2014 at the W Dallas Victory Hotel in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Crew members work the lights during the dress rehearsal for Bad Boys of Broadway: In Concert on January 9, 2014 at Casa Mañana Theatre in Fort Worth. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Ash Marie, left,  Dan Shires, center, and Toni Youngblood, right, exit the DART while they participate in the No Pants Subway Ride on January 12, 2014 in Dallas and surrounding areas. Participants split up into groups and rode different DART lines without pants. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Brian Alguire, second from left, and his girlfriend Breonny Lee, third from left, share a moment during the No Pants Subway Ride on January 12, 2014 in Dallas and surrounding areas. Participants split up into groups and rode different DART lines without pants. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Jennifer Foster or "Scarlett Dark", left, Kelly Rybarczyk or "Scully" , center, and Dani Gavit, right, hang from the handles on the DART Rail during the No Pants Subway Ride on January 12, 2014 in Dallas and surrounding areas. Participants split up into groups and rode different DART lines without pants. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

The Watoto Children's Choir performs on January 19, 2014 at Elevate Life Church in Frisco. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

The Watoto Children's Choir performs on January 19, 2014 at Elevate Life Church in Frisco. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Jordan Virata, 10, left,  Jeanine Sanchez, 11, second from left, Aaron Sanchez, center, Margaret Alegria, 13, and Aranza Domond, 14, right, spin while wait for the awards ceremony during the figure skating competition on January 19, 2014 in the Winter Games of Texas at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Plano. The competition features several sports including archery, basketball, figure skating, gymnastics, martial arts, soccer, swimming and table tennis.  (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Parents take photos of their skaters after the figure skating competition on January 19, 2014 in the Winter Games of Texas at the Dr Pepper StarCenter in Plano. The competition features several sports including archery, basketball, figure skating, gymnastics, martial arts, soccer, swimming and table tennis.  (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Ringing in 2014

Santiago Tamayo, 5, rides his new tricycle down Hudnall St. on December 25, 2013 in Dallas. The tricycle was a gift from his grandmother. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Sara Elizabeth Turner, above, performs lyra before the Lone Star Circus' Charivari on January 5, 2913 a the Dallas Children's Theatre in Dallas. Jugglers, aerialists and clowns entertained guests during the pre-show before the circus where acrobats, aerialists, hand balancers, jugglers, clowns and dogs performed on stage. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars left wing Ray Whitney (13) skates down the ice with the puck during the first period of NHL action Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators on December 27, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars right wing Erik Cole (72) scores a goal on goalie Nashville Predators goalie Carter Hutton (30) and is defended at back by Nashville Predators defenseman Victor Bartley (64) during the second period of NHL action Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators on December 27, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14), left, celebrates with teammates Dallas Stars defenseman Jordie Benn (24) and Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) after scoring a goal, assisted by Dallas Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) within the first minute of the first period of NHL action Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators on December 27, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Allen Eagles De'Anira Moore (32), left, Wilmer Hutchins Eagle Brianna Perry (13) and Allen Eagles guard Anna Horowitz (4) fight for the ball during the Allen Eagles vs. Wilmer Hutchins Eagles game at the Dallas ISD/Coca-Cola girls basketball tournament on December 27, 2013 at Ellis Davis Field House in Dallas. The Wilmer Hutchins Eagles won with a final score of 36-35. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Dallas Mavericks center DeJuan Blair (45) celebrates after scoring during the first half of NBA action during the Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs game on December 26, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Seth Kaplan, left, Kathryn Kaplan, second from left, Lindsay Garrett, back left, Ian Bradburn, back right, and Laurie Barenblat, right, dine on December 21, 2013 at Toko V in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Violeta Sebastian looks out into the empty trailer at Dallas West Mobile Home/RV Park on December 26, 2013 in Dallas. Sebastian and her husband have lived in the park since the early 2000s. In November they moved their trailer to Irving with their nine-year-old son but their gas has not been turned on so they lived in the pictured trailer with permission from by another resident who left. The residents have been told to vacate by Jan. 31. In summer of 2013 residents faced an August deadline to vacate but after a request from a letter by residents they were granted to stay until Jan. 31. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Violeta Sebastian looks out in front of an empty trailer at Dallas West Mobile Home/RV Park on December 26, 2013 in Dallas. Sebastian and her husband have lived in the park since the early 2000s. In November they moved their trailer to Irving with their nine-year-old son but their gas has not been turned on so they lived in the pictured trailer with permission from by another resident who left. The residents have been told to vacate by Jan. 31. In summer of 2013 residents faced an August deadline to vacate but after a request from a letter by residents they were granted to stay until Jan. 31. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Kristen Smith, 18, left, Jennie Smith, second from left, wife of Lt. Ladd Smith, center, who hugs his daughter Claire Smith, 13, and stands with Firefighter EMT Mari Sanchez and Driver Paramedic John Hampton, right, as they prepare for lunch at the Dallas Fire Department - Station 11 on December 25, 2013 in Dallas. The Dallas Fire Department worked on Christmas and celebrated with friends and family at the station. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News) (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

A man in a Santa costume watches firefighters work after a four alarm fire broke out on December 22, 2013 on Gaston Ave. in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Sterling Brown (3) dunks during the second half of the SMU vs. Connecticut basketball game on January 4, 2014 at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Yanick Moreira (35) lifts Jalen Washington after winning the SMU vs. Connecticut basketball game on January 4, 2014 at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Jay-Z performs on December 21, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Fans cheer as Jay-Z performs on December 21, 2013 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Wilma Riley-Jacobs, left, and Martha Blair, right, volunteer during the Christmas Day Meal on December 25, 2013 at The Salvation Army in Dallas. Volunteers prepared free meals and served guests. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Andy Reece, left, Pat Reece, second from left, holding Avery Reece, 1, Linda Reece, center, Harriet Schwarz, 1, held by Jay Schwarz, second from right, and Mary Schwarz, wait to have a photograph with Santa as part of the Merry and Bright Nights on December 19, 2013 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. Children and guests sat on Santa's lap and had their photograph taken. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Kate Mullen watches her dog play at the White Rock Lake Dog Park on a cold winter day on January 5, 2013 in Dallas While there was a high of 62 on Saturday temperatures are expected to drop going into next week. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Morris Koroma, 11, left, and Gerald Druilhet, 9, right walk through Druilhet's apartment complex in Vickery Meadow on a cold winter day on January 5, 2013 in Dallas While there was a high of 62 on Saturday temperatures are expected to drop going into next week. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Cotton Bowl 2014

I had the opportunity to cover the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It was an especially exciting game for me because my alma mater, the University of Missouri, was playing against Oklahoma State. I'm not usually a huge sports fan but I believe being familiar with a team and it's players can help you better anticipate the action, reaction and traditions.

Missouri fans cheer at kickoff during the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive tackle Calvin Barnett (99) defends against Missouri Tigers offensive linesman Mitch Morse (65) during the first half of the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

I covered the game with Staff Photographers Tom Fox and Vernon Bryant. Before the game we delegated tailgating locations and then discussed a plan for game coverage. I ended up spending most of the first quarter and halftime shooting above in the upper concourse. With a big game like this it's great to be part of a team so you can get multiple perspectives simultaneously without worrying about missing a play.

Sam Roth of Marching Mizzou, center, plays at the University of Missouri tailgate party on January 3, 2014 outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Fans gather at the University of Missouri tailgate party on January 3, 2014 outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Karen Moore, left, and Larry Moore, right, watch their grandson ride a mechanical bull at the University of Missouri tailgate party on January 3, 2014 outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri Tigers running back Henry Josey (20) dives for a touchdown during the second half of play in the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri quarterback James Franklin is tackled during the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Murphy (6) pushes past Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon during the first half of the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri Tigers running back Henry Josey (20) runs the ball during the second half of play in the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

The Kilgore  Rangerettes perform during the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri Tigers running back Henry Josey (20) runs the ball in for the first touchdown of the game during the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

I really enjoyed trying to capture the atmosphere of the Cotton Bowl and getting to shoot from above. As the game got close and deadline was near, Vernon began to edit and we made a plan for Tom to shoot the winner and for me to shoot dejection. Oklahoma State didn't show a lot of emotion in their reaction so after they left the field I joined the scrum around the trophy.

Oklahoma State Cowboys fans boo after a pass interference negated a touchdown during the second half of play in the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 atAT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Oklahoma State Cowboys watch the clock run out on the bench in the last thirty seconds of the Cotton Bowl during the second fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 outside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Marvin Foster, center, and Missouri players celebrate after winning the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri Tigers offensive linesman Evan Boehm (77) celebrates after Missouri wins the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri Tigers offensive linesman Max Copeland (61), right, screams while celebrating Missouri's win during the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Missouri players hold up the trophy and celebrate after winning the Cotton Bowl game between Oklahoma State and Missouri on January 3, 2014 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Heart of Dallas Bowl

North Texas Mean Green wide receiver Brandon Johnson (46) takes the field before the the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Cheerleaders Brianna Delashaw, left, Jordyn Solorzano, center, and Krysta Brewer pray before the the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

A  North Texas Cheerleader runs her fingers through her hair during the halftime show at the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green running back Brandin Byrd (24) runs the ball during the second half  of the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. North Texas Mean Green beat UNLV Rebels with a final score of 36-14.((Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Fans cheer as the Green Brigade Marching Band plays before the the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Ian Campbell, 17, center, cheers for North Texas Mean Green with his friends Garrett Dawson, left, and Liam McNichols, right, just after kickoff during the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. Campbell is senior at Marcus High and he has seen more than 90 of UNT's home games. He thinks he's been to every one since he was born. Campbell plans to attend UNT after high school. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green wide receiver Brelan Chancellor (3) is chased by UNLV Rebels defensive back Brandon Baker (25) during the second half  of the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. North Texas Mean Green beat UNLV Rebels with a final score of 36-14.((Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green tight end Drew Miller (86) celebrates after North Texas Mean Green scores a touchdown in the end of the fourth quarter during the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. North Texas Mean Green beat UNLV Rebels with a final score of 36-14.  (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green players dance on the field while waiting for the punt during the second half  of the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

UNLV Rebels linebacker Tau Lotulelei (55), left, tackles North Texas Mean Green running back Brandin Byrd (24), right, during the second half  of the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. North Texas Mean Green beat UNLV Rebels with a final score of 36-14.(Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green defensive back Chad Davis (16) cheers as he takes the field before the the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green wide receiver Darvin Kidsy (4) enters the field before the the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green players grasp the trophy after winning the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. North Texas Mean Green beat UNLV Rebels with a final score of 36-14.(Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

North Texas Mean Green players and fans cheer after winning the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1, 2014 at Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas. North Texas Mean Green beat UNLV Rebels with a final score of 36-14.(Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)