Nobody likes to be lead on. It doesn't matter the scenario. But heading into this week's track and field events, the TV listing Olympic schedule that we had been receiving every morning and afternoon from NBC programming had a perfect record. You could count the events to the second.
Morgan Uceny's first round of the 1500 meter went off without a hitch. Then came Tuesday. We were rolling on the numerous afternoon broadcasts because that's when we were suppose to see Molly Huddle's first round event. So when it didn't air, we waited, and was then told it was moved to the prime time coverage. So we waited, and still no Huddle.
As evident by your numerous phone calls, you were anxious to cheer on Huddle, as were we. Over the past week, we spoke to programers in Los Angeles, New York, Charlotte, and what I'm sure will be a very pricey cell phone call to London to try and figure out if they missed a window, or whether or not Huddle's race will be shown. In many ways we are still waiting.
So the fingers were crossed for Friday, today. Once again we received the early morning email announcing that we would be carrying her race, LIVE on WETM. But while at Watkins Glen International, we were informed that NBC had bumped it back to prime time coverage.
Phone calls poured in, along with e-mails, and Facebook posts. Eventually, Huddle's medal round race popped up at 10:00 P.M. It was a long time to wait to see Huddle, but I hope you feel as I do, that it was worth it to see an Elmira native, who use to run these streets, run the lanes of the world's most elite stage.
At the same time, I want to apologize to those of you that hosted viewing parties, or set their day's schedule according to when Huddle's race was suppose to originally run. As a news station we pride ourselves on reporting truth; facts, so when some one gives us information that we believe to be from a reliable source (NBC), and it turns out to be anything but, it makes us look bad, and even worse, betrays your trust that you put in us.
If we could have pushed a button to get any signal at any time, we would have, but unfortunately, it was out of our control.
We thank you for patience, and for your calls. You at the very least, confirmed how passionate the Twin Tiers sports fans truly are. I honestly hope no one would think any of would choose to run men's water polo over Huddle's run.
I'll see you at midnight...after the Olympics coverage...I think.
-Alex
