Hello, and welcome to 8th Street Films blog! My name is Caleb Kammerer, and I have the privilege of working with my six journalism and communication peers and friends to tell of the story of the 90 years of the Wartburg College Knights in Waverly.
I am the writer, an editor and videographer for 8th Street Films. It has truly been an honor to research and write the story of the Knights. It is a significant milestone. It’s not every day that an establishment spends 90 years in one location. But that’s enough about the documentary, you will all have the opportunity to enjoy it. I think it is time to tell my story, and how I ended up as a Knight.
The reason that I chose to be a journalism and communication major is a fun one. During my time in high school, I was heavily involved in sports, and I did not think much of it. I was taking college engineering classes, and then it hit me: I hated math. It was not for me. So, I had to go back to the drawing board. I knew that my athletic career was likely over once I graduated high school, but I love sports. Then one day, I was watching basketball with my dad. I was analyzing the plays and I mentioned an adjustment that the team should make. Two minutes later, the announcer on the broadcast said the same thing! And my passion was born.
Once I had decided on that, the next step was choosing my college. Once I visited Wartburg, I knew that it was the place for me. Wartburg was hands on; I immediately jumped into color commentary and play-by-play analysis of Wartburg athletics. The professors built personal connections, the classes were smaller, more catered to my comfortability. I knew that it was exactly where I wanted to be.
My plans for post-graduation are still up in the air right now, as I have a multitude of avenues that I could take. I have started to apply to graduate programs as a sports information assistant. I have also taken an interest in sports information in general. The goal, of course, is to be a play-by-play announcer for basketball or baseball. I am planning to potentially spend time in Iowa, but the likeliest path for me resides outside of Iowa.
Finally, reflecting on my time here, I have been blessed to have amazing people surrounding me. From graduated friends and cousins to the people that I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Losing the shared time is going to be a difficult pill to swallow, but I know that these connections are going to last a lifetime. There isn’t a single thing that I would trade from my time here. I’ve had so many opportunities and chances at Wartburg, from calling games on ESPN to radio broadcasting high school basketball playoffs. It was an incredible four-year run full of memories and opportunities, and I am so grateful for the professors and friends that have supported me through it all.
My hope for my future is to do something that is fulfilling. I want to enjoy going into work every day, I want to come home and feel proud of the work that I have done. Self-fulfillment is something that is key to my success, but I also want people to be able to share memories with me. That is just as important. I have been blessed with amazing memories, and I hope that my 8th Street Films members have made lifelong memories as well!
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