If you’re listening to play-by-play, what sounds better? “Jones passing; Smith running,” or “Jones passes; Smith runs”?
For me and for most listeners of play-by-play, “passes” and “runs” is preferable.
I never knew why until a sportscaster, who was working on his master’s degree, studied it and explained it to me.
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When Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA, he was asked about his post-career plans. He replied that he wanted to write books and make documentaries.
He said he wanted to inspire through stories.
Everybody loves stories. It begins in childhood with bedtime stories, and we never really outgrow them.
There are ways you can use stories to distinguish your sportscasting.
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There are two sports talk radio shows I especially enjoy listening to. One is Jim Rome. The other is a local show. I love the content from both shows. However, I’m prone to tuning out the local show.
Why would I do that? Because sometimes the local show buries the main topic under five minutes of small talk. When they do, I change the channel even though I’m otherwise dedicated to the show.
On the other hand, Jim Rome immediately gets to the topic. If I tune in to hear his take on the big story of the day, I don’t have to wait long for him to get right to it.
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Do you remember the scene in Slap Shot when Strother Martin starts calling other teams because he knows the Chiefs are folding?
Here’s how to utilize your contacts to help you in the job market without sounding desperate like Strother Martin.
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A sports broadcasting employer shared this story with me.
A guy arrived for a job interview wearing jeans and a polo shirt.
The outfit is a fine choice if you’re going to pick up a gallon of milk. It’s a terrible choice if you’re interviewing for a sportscasting job.
I share this story because we all have extra time on our hands until the games resume. One way to use it wisely is to build a personal website.
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Dear Sportscaster,
Our industry lacks diversity. It’s especially evident at the highest levels of play-by-play and sports talk radio.
Regretfully, STAA has reflected the disparity.
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For the first time, an Arizona State University student is the winner of the Jim Nantz Award. Sundevils senior Scotty Gange takes the trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate sports broadcaster by Sportscasters Talent Agency of America.
“Scotty’s been on our radar since his freshman year,” says STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik. “Back then he was much more style than substance. Now, though, he’s found a terrific balance.”
Gange ranked 16th in last year’s voting. He earned honorable mention as a sophomore in 2018.
Ironically, Gange is a graduate of Torrey Pines High School in Del Mar, CA – the same high school alma mater as Chelesnik.
Also earning honors are five 2020 STAA All-Americans:
Karp is an All-American for the second straight year. Berbari’s inclusion is the first time since the initial All-America class of 2009 that Fordham is represented in the AA class.
This is also the first time students from Virginia Tech and Maryland have earned All-America honors.
The Jim Nantz Award has been presented annually since 2009 by Sportscasters Talent Agency of America as a way to encourage collegiate sportscasters to strive to achieve their best. The award is named in honor of the award winning CBS sports broadcaster.
View the complete Top 20 and Honorable Mentions
Judges for the 2020 Jim Nantz Award included Chelesnik and former Nantz winners Josh Appel, Adam Cavalier, Katie Emmer, Alex Faust, Kevin Fitzgerald, Eric Gallanty, Nate Gatter, Ross Lippman and Bill Spaulding.
Congratulations to @Scotty_G6, the winner of the 2020 Jim Nantz award.
WATCH as @STAAtalent CEO Jon Chelesnik makes the announcement on @CBSSportsHQ
Pretty nice reel coming out of @Cronkite_ASU 🎥🎬🏈⬇ pic.twitter.com/OeUIQBKaNS
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) May 29, 2020
I am overwhelmed with emotion right now. I can’t begin to thank @STAAtalent enough for believing in me with this incredible honor.
What I’m most proud of is representing @commvt on this list. I feel so lucky to attend @virginia_tech to study Sports Media and Analytics. #VTSMA https://t.co/mzL12JPOj6
— Evan Hughes (@EvanKHughes) May 29, 2020
Syracuse was the right choice for me. I share this honor with @MattPark1, @OliviaStomski, @DDeninger, @JSmithWAER, @SteveInfantiNC9, @jblee883, and all those who have helped me reach this point. Thank you @STAAtalent for recognizing SU year after year! 🍊🍊🍊 https://t.co/gX6pFbFQJC
— Jonah Karp (@jonahkarp82) May 29, 2020
To say I was not expecting this is a HUGE understatement. To everyone who’s helped me, worked with me and supported me over these last four years, thank you for everything. Forever proud to represent @IUMediaSchool and @IUSportsMedia. This one’s for you, dad https://t.co/AJr2i9kZZc
— Mary Kate Hamilton (@MaryKateHamilt1) May 29, 2020
Certainly was not expecting this, but I am so appreciative. Thank you to @STAAtalent, Jim Nantz, and everyone I have worked with at @BTNStudentU, @WMUCSports, and everyone in the @umterps department.
Congrats to @Scotty_G6 and everyone else recognized today!#JimNantzAward https://t.co/3A0NImuOB7
— Brendan Hartlove (@bhartlove) May 29, 2020
Truly an honor to be mentioned alongside so many talented broadcasters I have come to admire. Thanks so much to everyone who has helped so far! https://t.co/3s29jRf2v4
— Emmanuel Berbari (@BerbariOnAir) May 29, 2020
BREAKING: The winner of the 2020 Jim Nantz Award is Scotty Gange (Arizona State, Sr) @Scotty_G6 @Cronkite_ASU @CBSSportsHQ #JimNantzAward 🧡 pic.twitter.com/RMCi58p0VQ
— STAA🎙 (@STAAtalent) May 29, 2020
When COVID-19 prompted the cancellation of sports, athletes didn’t stop training. They didn’t stop trying to improve themselves. You should take the same attitude with your sports broadcasting career.
Here are six ways to improve your career while sidelined.
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Two people I especially admire are Oprah Winfrey and former Philadelphia Eagle turned magician, Jon Dorenbos. I love the two because they both exude joy and gratitude.
Feeling gratitude is critical to feeling joy. Here’s why: it’s impossible to experience negative emotions like frustration, disappointment, or anger when you’re feeling gratitude.
Here are a few things you can do to feel grateful while waiting for the games – and your sportscasting career – to resume.
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The San Diego Chargers had a player in the 1990s named Darren Carrington. His locker room nickname was Prison Body because he was so ripped and had washboard abs. He looked like he’d been in prison where he’d had nothing to do except work out.
He looked a lot like me.
Well, maybe not.
While I can’t promise you washboard abs, I can share ways for you to strengthen your career by wisely investing the extra time we all have on our hands right now.
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