Mike Stevens, the city of Salem’s communications director since 2008 and a former sports anchor and reporter for 24 years at WDBJ, the CBS affiliate in Roanoke, Va., reflects on his most memorable events.
The 2009 Snow Bowl (Division III football championship/Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl):
“Looking back, it is almost unimaginable that the game happened. With staffing and personnel issues as they are now, I am not sure that could happen these days. It was all hands on deck and then some.”
2009 NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball National Championship game
“The fans from Washington University along the baseline decided to copy LeBron James’ famous powder clap at the opening tip.
“It was quite a sight, but unlike when LeBron does it, the powder created a mess and a hazard. The powder rose and the Salem Civic Center’s ventilation system helped it spread and settle all over the court. Almost immediately players were slipping and sliding, and play had to be stopped.”
Heated paint
Many of the 25 years that the Stagg Bowl was played in Salem, the weather managed to take a downward turn right as the teams arrived.
Most worried about game conditions, but one person stressed about field conditions. Salem Stadium Manager Scott Sampson had to heat the field paint before it could be applied to create the game-specific logos because of the freezing conditions.
