Collaboration within Converge: CSS stops by “Back2Besa” and “The Day with Trae” to discuss Seattle’s sports as 2024 begins
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – While we’ve got major plans for Circling Seattle Sports in the year 2024, early into the month of January there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the sports world and what’s happening here in the Emerald City. The Kraken have just hosted the Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park, the Seahawks just wrapped up another winning season, and Washington Huskies were just in the College Football Playoff National Championship, and offseason news for the remaining teams is ramping up. Over the past five days, I’ve had the honor of joining two queens of Converge to discuss everything happening around the Sound when it comes to our sports teams, and I’d be lying to you if I said it didn’t make me stop and reflect on our journey here and what’s to come.
Back2Besa
Just a few days after the game itself had taken place on the festivities had finished up, I sat down with my good buddy Besa Gordon to recap the events of the past weekend as the NHL’s Winter Classic had just been hosted at T-Mobile Park. While we’re both used to seeing the infield dirt and outfield grass, it was remarkable to witness the home of our Seattle Mariners get transformed for a once-in-a-lifetime event and everything that happened leading up to New Year’s Day when our Kraken defeated the Las Vegas Golden Knights in shutout fashion. Besa had checked in with me during the middle stages of the rink build, was at the media skate with me, took in practice day and the food tasting, and was there to watch the big win, so it only made sense for us to reflect together. While I’ve been on Back 2 Besa before, as Seattle Kraken radio voice Everett Fitzhugh joined me to talk before the team's home opener, this moment felt a bit bigger considering the event we were recapping and how both of us were present in the Black Media Matters studio to talk.
It’s been incredible to see Besa in her element throughout the past two years as she’s been more active in the Seattle sports scene, and it’s safe to say that she fits right in. Being able to collaborate with her on events and just see her at games is always a joy, bringing her fun and energetic personality to spaces that may not always have that. Besa has also given me a few points of advice since I joined Converge, so being on camera with her or joining her for projects has a little deeper meaning to me as I continue my journey throughout this world and as I push Circling Seattle Sports forward.
Besa Gordon and Chuck Hamaker ahead of the recording of “Back2Besa”
The Day with Trae
For Tuesday’s episode of “The Day with Trae,” Traeanna Holiday invited me onto the show to briefly recap the events of the Winter Classic and to discuss Circling Seattle Sports in addition to the motivation behind my work. While I deeply appreciate Trae taking the time to speak with me about what we’re building here at CSS, I wanted to take the time given in my segment to highlight two of the longest-tenured photographers: Liv Lyons and Liz Wolter. My desire to do so was based on their efforts, while different to an extent, in pushing our work further and truly bringing the work of Circling Seattle Sports to life through the imagery they capture. The stories of the athletes and teams that we tell daily are elevated and possible largely because we’ve got such a great group of photographers, and these two have led the way.
Since becoming our lead photographer in November of 2022 and even before then, Liv Lyons has brought a welcoming and patient approach to guiding our group, whether it be with newer photographers or navigating the different challenges that covering professional sports brings and has done so despite changes in her own career. Liz Wolter, since joining our group in the summer of 2022, has quickly learned the ropes of sports photography since largely working in aviation photography and has captured several big moments in our coverage history, from the Seattle Thunderbirds winning the 2023 WHL Championship on home ice to more recently the 2024 Winter Classic, all while providing feedback on how we can improve. Elevating our photographers has always been a goal here at Circling Seattle Sports, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t give these two their respective flowers.
Photos taken during the recording of the January 9th, 2024 episode of “The Day with Trae.” (Taken by Jordan Somers)
You can tune into Back 2 Besa every Saturday at 10:30PM PST on FOX 13, and Sunday’s at 10AM on FOX 13+. You can find more Besa here on the Converge Media YouTube Channel.
You can tune into The Day with Trae weekdays at 11AM via Converge Media platforms. You can find more Trae here on the Converge Media YouTube Channel.