Collaboration across Slippery Rock University’s student media and academic programs is opening doors to real-world experiences. Nowhere was that more evident than at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, April 23-25.
A group of SRU students attended the draft as credentialed members of the media, gaining rare, behind-the-scenes access to one of the NFL’s biggest events. Through WSRU-FM and The Rocket, two student-run media organizations at SRU, students secured official media credentials that allowed them to cover press conferences, attend media availability sessions and operate within a fast-paced, professional environment.
The student media team included:
- Landon Pagley, a sophomore strategic communication and media major from New Castle (Union HS), who is the WSRU-FM sports director.
- William Trubic, a sophomore strategic communication and media major from Carlton (Lakeview HS), who is the assistant news editor for The Rocket;
- Noelle Paratore, a senior English writing major from Johnstown (Westmont Hilltop HS), who is The Rocket sports editor;
- Garrett Dollin, a junior strategic communication and media major from Harmony, who is The Rocket assistant sports editor.
In Pittsburgh, they stepped fully into the role of professional journalists, asking questions during press conferences, interacting with national media and producing content in real time.
“Their preparation and professionalism stood out amid the intensity of the event, reflecting the strength of SRU’s hands-on learning approach,” said Nick Artman, assistant professor of strategic communication and media, the faculty advisor for WSRU-FM who accompanied the students. “Their experience highlights SRU’s commitment to hands-on, immersive learning, as well as the collaboration between student media outlets like WSRU-FM and The Rocket.”
Beyond media coverage, approximately 20 sport management students also contributed to the draft’s operations, working in various roles with P3R, Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Allied Universal Staffing.
More information about communication and sport management at SRU is available on the program webpages. More information about The Rocket is available at theonlinerocket.com and WSRU-FM is available at wsrufm.com.
