Cover photo taken by Austin Trachsel ’18, MFA ’22
Graduates and students from Asbury’s School of Communication Arts gained hands-on experience behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic sporting events
From the roar of the crowd to the intensity of the winner’s circle, Asbury University alumni and students played an important role in covering the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Their work placed them at the center of one of the largest sporting events in the world while showcasing the professional opportunities available through Asbury’s School of Communication Arts.
This year’s Derby team included alumni Will Menser ’21, Jonathan Heffley ’18, Austin Trachsel ’18, Thad Kesten ’96, Grace Bevin ’23 Coleman, Chase Fullerton ’15, Clifton Drew ’20, and Cody York ’26, along with current student Media Communication student Ian Rhodes ’27. Together, they contributed to live production, broadcasting, camera operation, replay systems, and media coverage throughout Derby week.
The Kentucky Derby experience highlights how Asbury University prepares students and graduates to serve professionally in high-pressure media environments while building meaningful industry connections.
Working the Kentucky Derby was a comprehensive experience that put our team right in the center of the action.”
“On Oaks and Derby Day, we spent the entire day gathering interviews and capturing the atmosphere of the crowd. We shot in the paddock, sat right on the track during the race to capture the best content, and stood right alongside the governor for the trophy presentation. You may have seen our footage and interviews featured on NBC, ESPN, and other major networks. It was a fast-paced environment that provided incredible hands-on experience at one of the biggest events in sports.”
Heffley served as the simulcast replay operator for Churchill Downs during his fifth Derby season.
I ran replays of each race, played sponsored ads, supported the paddock show, and archived all the footage from the race and various activities happening around the track.”
“Our control room became a central hub for all of the broadcasts that happen from Churchill Downs, including support for NBC’s show. It was fun to work with so many talented people from around the world.”
Asbury University students and alumni continue to gain hands-on media experience.
This winter, AU students worked at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, serving alongside faculty and alumni in various roles. Asbury first took students to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984, to the Calgary Olympics in 1988, Atlanta in 1996, and then every Olympics since 2002.
We prepare our students with the highest-level cameras and related film gear in the industry within an incredible facility that includes backlots, sound stages, Atmos audio, an animation lab, and virtual production.”
The Asbury University School of Communication Arts offers Traditional Undergraduate programs in Communication, Media Communication, Multimedia Journalism, and Theatre and an Online Multimedia Design degree. Graduate programs include the M.A. in Communication; M.A. in Digital Storytelling; M.A. in Instructional Design, Innovation & Leadership; MFA in Film/TV Production; and MFA in Screenwriting.