To say that Dane Richardson is highly motivated is an understatement. He graduated from Ithaca College in May. Shortly after, he commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army through an Army ROTC program. He will be serving as a military intelligence officer in the New York Army National Guard.
But wait, there’s more.
This fall, Richardson starts a play-by-play graduate assistant position at Kent State University. He’ll broadcast at least seven different sports.
“Everyone is able to call football, basketball, and baseball. Not everyone is able to call volleyball, field hockey, soccer, etc. Having the ability to call a variety of sports will make me a more marketable broadcaster,” he states.
Military discipline
Richardson credits his uncommon determination and motivation to his mother and father. “The foundation comes from my parents and how hard they worked as I grew up. My mom is a teacher and my dad in the Army.”
Regarding his own military commitment, Richardson states, “Having the responsibility of serving my country and learning the values of leadership, discipline, and working in stressful environments pushes me to work hard and succeed.”
That motivation to work hard and succeed is how Richardson found the Kent Sate opportunity.
Anticipating opportunity
“In early May I was searching for jobs and mainly was landing interviews for MMJ or sports reporting openings. I was open to multiple avenues to begin my career, but my heart was with play-by-play. I figured the person that currently held the Kent State position at the time, Tyler Henry, was wrapping up his time there, so I sent him a DM on Twitter asking if his position was opening. Sure enough it was. He told me to reach out to their head of athletic communications, Dan Griffin.”
Henry warned Richardson there was already a handful of candidates for the GA position but Richardson says, “I reached out anyway. After a bit of waiting, Dan said he was a fan of my work and offered me the position.”
Richardson is eager to embrace the high volume of play-by-play reps he will get in a variety of sports. “Everyone in the broadcast business knows the most optimal way to improve are reps,” he states. “In two years, I will likely be able to call over 100 athletic contests. That will be extremely valuable in polishing my on-air craft.”
STAA connections
Richardson joined STAA this spring. “I am relatively active on Twitter and it was difficult not to notice STAA. I became a member as I approached graduation to help with my job search.”
One thing Richardson appreciates about his membership is connecting with other broadcasters. “Through the years, STAA has compiled such an extensive network. You never know where a connection could lead you.”
Now, a connection – one he created on his own – has led Richardson to the play-by-play opportunity at Kent State. And he’s demonstrated that he has the motivation and hard work needed to succeed.