(July 23, 2013) The second time is the charm for Riley Corcoran. After having applied unsuccessfully for the Montana State University women’s basketball job last fall, Corcoran shot again. This time, he scored. An STAA client, Corcoran has been hired as the voice of Bobcats women’s basketball and sideline reporter for Bobcats football.
A Montana native, Corcoran is fired up for the opportunity for several reasons. “It is a Division One job, which for any broadcaster is a goal to have from the beginning, and being able to reach that level at 23 years old has been a dream of mine,” Corcoran says. “It also allows me to return to my home state to get the opportunity, which is a definite plus. I am very familiar with the Big Sky Conference and with the passionate fan base of the Bobcats and I can’t wait to be a voice that they hear on a regular basis.
A Washington State University grad and STAA client since 2011, Corcoran is currently in North Carolina broadcasting baseball for the Wilson Tobs. The end of the Tobs season fits perfectly with the start of MSU football.
“I heard from the MSU Sports Information Director, Bill Lamberty that the position became open and then [STAA CEO] Jon Chelesnik immediately confirmed that with a phone call to me and the wheels were in motion. I updated my STAA Talent Page and made some phone calls to ensure I was near the top of their list.”
The job was publicly announced at STAA’s recent One Day Ticket to Sportscasting Success seminar in North Carolina. Corcoran attended, as did Learfield Sports Broadcast Manager Tom Boman. The two were able to get together to discuss the job.
“Having the opportunity to personally meet Tom Boman in Salisbury was very helpful in helping move the process forward for this job,” says Corcoran. “Tom and I talked about what they were looking for from this position and if I would be a good fit. The next day I had my phone interview scheduled with (Learfield’s MSU rep) Cameron Oliver.”
Corcoran encourages other sports broadcasters to be aggressive about meeting new people. “Develop as many relationships as you can because it can only help you down the road,” he says. “Sportscasters hear it so many times to keep persevering throughout your career. It really holds true when opportunities like this one come up and work out.”
(Visit Riley’s STAA Talent Page).