For K-State students, pride in their school comes in a variety of packages. Some yell exuberantly at every sporting event, while others quietly acknowledge that K-Staters have many reasons to be proud other than athletics.
    In Brett Eakin, that pride is displayed in the light in his eyes and the lift of his voice as he escorts Big 12 Conference opponents onto Wagner Field with calm impartiality.
    Such is the situation for Eakin, senior in business management and one of approximately a dozen undergraduates who work as operations interns for the K-State athletic department and assist with all 16 intercollegiate sports offered through the university.
    Football gamedays find Eakin at the stadium six hours before kick-off. After completing field-level duties, including coordinating media and the marching band and helping teams get on and off the field safely, interns remain up to two hours after the game before heading home.
    It can make for a long day, but Eakin said he doesn’t mind the extra work.
    “I do this to enjoy life and know I’m working for a cause greater than myself,” he said. “It’s a good day [for the department] if you don’t notice me.”
    At basketball and volleyball games, Eakin might be found escorting the visiting team or assisting with scoreboard operation. The one place where he takes a more noticeable public role is Tointon Family Stadium, where he announces all home Wildcat baseball games.
    Though he sometimes has to suppress his purple pride, Eakin said he considers it just part of the job.
    “I’ve never really experienced being a fan a lot,” he said. “I have a responsibility of making sure that as I represent K-State that we show good hospitality and welcome our guests. At times, you want to clap and cheer, but we have to put our best professional side forward.”
    Eakin had the opportunity to put concern for his home team aside this summer when he interned for the NCAA Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Neb. As one of just two students selected for a summer-long internship, the self-described “sports freak” said he loved working with the NCAA and College World Series of Omaha, Inc. to help plan and run a major event that is loved by its host community and baseball fans everywhere.
    “I arrived right after finals week in May and began helping with planning the last details,” Eakin said. “During the tournament, which takes place during the last two weeks of June, we assisted with set-up and tear-down, worked with national anthem singers and color guards and just did all sorts of behind the scenes work that needed to be done.
    “Then in July, we evaluated how this year’s World Series went and began planning for next year already.”
    The internship was particularly significant to someone who not only loves baseball and said a highlight of the experience was meeting Erin Andrews and Karl Ravech from ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight,” but also hopes to work in intercollegiate athletics as a career.
    “Athletics is where I find my passion,” Eakin said. “I can’t imagine a better place or atmosphere to work in.”
    The Rossville, Kan., native is headed to graduate school in business next year, but said he hopes to return to K-State one day. Eakin has been active in numerous campus organizations outside of athletics, including the School of Leadership Studies, Acacia fraternity and Mortar Board Senior Honorary, but he said he will most cherish memories of the people he has met during every fresh opportunity.
    “Kansas State really is K-State proud and has an opportunity for everyone,” he said. “It’s not necessarily about the Powercat but it’s about the people around us and the family you create and who’s wearing the purple next to you. You can’t Wabash alone.”