Age: 24
Occupation: Reporter, host, writer
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Hometown: Upper Arlington, Ohio. Home of Jack Nicklaus and Ashleigh Ignelzi
College/Degree: Otterbein College/Double Major in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations

Brian Dryfhout: You've been fairly successful in early in your career. Can you tell us a little bit about where you've been and what you're doing now?

Ashleigh Ignelzi: I was lucky my first job at the Ohio News Network was the result of an Internship. I worked on a sports program called the "Average Joe Sports Show."  A bit like "Best Damn Sports Show", the guys and I had a great time! The show was live, so I always had to be ready for curve balls!

Currently, I am a remote reporter for ESPN the Magazine. I also work as video reporter for columbuswired.net which is an online magazine. I cover all sports for Columbus Wired. From golf to soccer and of course football, I get to take in all the action!  My pride and joy is something I started: www.foxyfrenzy.com, it's my web page/sports blog, it is fun and it has the potential to be something great. Needless to say, I'm keeping busy!

BD: If I'm heading to an Ohio State football game, what are three things I have to do before/during/or after the game?

AI: Before the game, a visit to the Varsity Club is a must! The VC always draws a great crowd and it's not to far from Ohio Stadium aka "The Shoe." To be honest, there is not a bad seat in The Shoe, so during the game just be prepared to yell...a lot.  Also, if you don't have tickets, just walk around the parking lot at Ohio Stadium and people in Columbus are friendly and know how to tailgate! There are plenty of TV's, corn hole and everything you need to enjoy some football! After the game, the festivities continue! Win or lose (hopefully a win), Columbus is a great city with a fun night life and game-day Saturdays in Columbus are like no where else!

BD: You've been named by one website as a "2009 College Football Sideline Reporter Hottie." How does that make you feel getting that type of exposure? Do you feel it takes away from your knowledge of covering these sporting events?

AI: I was a bit surprised when I saw it, being new to the industry, I was just focused and working hard at my job and didn't realize people noticed me.  But, I guess it was nice to know people were taking notice?! It's not my intention to be a sideline hottie and I don't think it takes away from my work. As the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. My work speaks for itself and viewers and readers know I am knowledgeable and deliver an accurate report. 

BD: Are men intimidated by your sports knowledge? Does that make it hard to date?

AI: I was afraid of this question...I think they are. Fellas', I don't mean that in bad way! It's a great way to converse with guys and if they are intimidated, well, I guess that's their problem. Most often I find that men are initially surprised when sports are the topic of conversation, but I think they are typically impressed that I know my sports. Does it make it hard to date? I haven't had too many bad experiences, but it is a bit weird when the guy I'm dating gets competitive with me!

BD: Have you been on your "dream" vacation yet?

AI: I spent time in Hawaii right after I graduated college, I was there for the Billabong Pipeline Masters Surf competition and it was an amazing trip, but, not my dream vacation. I'd say Fiji, Bora Bora or Tahiti would be a dream. I might even throw in Dubai, I hear it is incredible there!

BD: What is one thing a viewer would be shocked to know about you?

AI: Growing up, I had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time in Europe. I moved to Bratislava, Slovakia, shortly after the fall of Communism, I was in elementary school at the time. It provided me with the chance to experience different cultures and going to an international school with kids from all over the world was incredible. I am still in contact with some of them. Coming from the suburbs of Columbus it was a shock to the system at first!  Eventually, Bratislava grew on me. I am so thankful to have had that opportunity, and at such a young age!

BD: Did you play any athletic events growing up?

AI: I come from a family of all girls and when we were really young we played all sports! My parents wanted us to try everything and I did, but my love was horse back riding. I started taking lesson when I was in third grade and was hooked from that point on. It eventually grew from a hobby to my life! I attended a high school that was willing to work with me because I was absent so much. I was always on the road competing in the American Quarter Horses Circuit. When my showing career as a youth was over I held numerous National and World rankings. It wasn't your typical after school sport but, it taught me a lot!  And, for those of you who say being an equestrian isn't a sport, I say hop on and then you tell me it isn't a sport. Plus, it's in the Olympics!

BD: What is the weirdest interview you've ever been a part of?

AI: I have been really lucky with not only who I've interviewed, but to date, the interviews have all been relatively smooth!  However, this year at The Memorial Tournament it was right after Tiger Woods had won. Tiger and Jack Nicklaus where in a press conference, tons of reporters were in the room. All of a sudden, this guy (who looked like he had one to many) stood up and said "Excuse me Mr. Nicklaus, you're going to hate me for this but, I'm just a regular patron, I snuck in here and I just want my badge signed by you and Tiger."  The staff in the room didn't know what to do, it was chaotic for a minute, then Mr. Nicklaus was kind enough to sign the badge and Tiger did as well!

BD: What are you future plans in terms of your career? Any specific goals?

AI: I would love to work as a sideline reporter for a major cable network. When I'm on the sidelines, I feel I am in my element!  I love it!  No matter the sport, there is a certain energy being to so close to all the action. I would love to have the opportunity to share that energy and conduct interviews for the people at home. Also, I think it would be awesome to have my own column. I would love to turn the Foxy Frenzy into a column or something bigger than what it is now. Hopefully, in the near future, I will be able to do so!

BD: Do you Twitter? Why or why not?

AI: Yes, I tweet! I am new to the world of Twitter and I think it's great. I tweet because I have access where others don't.  Although I am not sharing mind blowing information, I think some people might get a kick out of the fact that at Browns training camp they were playing the song "Poker face" by Lady Gaga! I know I did! I actually tweeted while I was filling this out! Ha-ha, please follow me at http://twitter.com/foxyfrenzy

BD: Extra Credit - Anything you want to plug or promote?

AI: Please check out my work at www.foxyfrenzy.com and www.youtube.com/thefoxyfrenzy. I love to hear feedback on my work! Also, if anyone has any cool ideas or questions don't be afraid to send them my way!

BD: Ashleigh thanks for your time and good like with all that you do.

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