Blake Olson was at a crossroads when he lost his job as the Denver Nuggets studio host and sideline reporter in 2016. “It was a bombshell for me,” he told STAA in 2020.
Though most of his career was spent as a TV sports anchor/reporter and play-by-play broadcaster, Olson longed to call games on the radio. Rather than wait for opportunity to find him, he built an online platform where he could hone his skills. That investment has paid off in an NCAA Division I job. Olson is the new voice of University of Northern Colorado football.
“To me, this is the best job in the state because it’s FCS football,” Olson enthuses.
Colorado Rockies Broadcaster Jerry Schemmel, hired last year as the Voice of the Bears, will continue calling UNC basketball.
Olson spent 27 years as a TV sports anchor/reporter. In addition to his Nuggets responsibilities, he called high school and college football games on Denver’s Altitude TV.
Olson is the 6th STAA member to accept a DI play-by-play job this off-season. Zach Mackey is the new Director of Broadcasting and men’s basketball voice at Virginia Tech. John Fitzgerald will broadcast Illinois State football and basketball, and three STAA members have been hired in positions that have yet to be announced. Olson is as happy as any of them.
“The FCS and Big Sky Conference are special,” Olson smiles. It’s a blessing to be able to work with Coach McCaffrey, his coaching staff, student-athletes and administration.”