The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Column: Whose press conference is worth attending?

I do my best to do my job. I really do. As a member of the media, I do everything I can to get the most out of a player or coach during an interview.

Though many of them don’t seem to care, I always enter an interview with high hopes. I try to formulate my questions as if I’m a member of the “60 Minutes” team. I huddle with other scribes and speculate on who’s coming out to talk or who might help our stories the most. I always try to prove to athletes and coaches that I am worth their time.

It’s called seeking fresh commentary.

But whether you’re the young buck reporter or the 40-year veteran, interviewing is a constant dose of harsh reality. Attention-grabbing quotes are rarely obtained. Once the interview begins, most athletes and coaches already have visions of (in no particular order) dinner, alcohol and bed, dancing in their heads.

Then there’s people like Greg Cronin.

It’s not that the Northeastern men’s hockey coach enjoys being interviewed or actively seeks the media’s company. But there’s something highly engaging and compelling at work every single time a member of the media approaches him.

His demeanor, intensity (ever seen “Glengarry Glen Ross”?) and resemblance to Ed Harris can be intimidating, but his interview transcript isn’t. You ask him a question and whether he knows (or cares), he’s always helping you.

With Cronin, it’s about forthright honesty, indifference to the so-called “rules” of sports quotes, and a flat-out alluring brand of public speaking. He makes the clich

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