(February 27, 2015) When Ben Creighton left home for a run one afternoon in January, he had no idea it would be career changing. An STAA member, Creighton is joining ABC 9 KEZI in Eugene, OR as a weekend sports anchor/reporter. He will also handle play-by-play for KEZI’s high school and college football and basketball coverage.

As Creighton was jogging that day near his home in Portland, his phone rang. It was STAA’s Jon Chelesnik. “KEZI’s News Director Matt Templeman had found Ben’s demo and resume on the STAA website,” says Chelesnik. “He called me to ask if Ben might be interested in the position. I said ‘yes,’ gave Ben’s number to Matt, then called Ben to give him the heads up that Matt would be calling.”

Within minutes, Templeman called Creighton. Three weeks later, Creighton was offered the job.

“I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of the station and their team due to their hard work in making KEZI’s sports coverage stand out among the rest of the stations in the area,” says Creighton. “Plus, the chemistry and comradery among the sports team, as well as the whole staff, showed that they really do care about each other and want to help everyone succeed and enjoy their time at KEZI. I am extremely blessed to be working at KEZI for my first full-time job.”

Though Creighton is a 2014 graduate of Washington State University, he is an Oregon native and has been broadcasting University of Portland men’s basketball this season. In his new gig, he will be covering both of the state’s Pac 12 schools.

“Considering I’m basically the only one in my whole family who isn’t a Duck or a Beaver, they’re all very excited I’ll be covering Oregon and Oregon State athletics. I also know a lot of people from high school, and from Portland, that still attend U of O and OSU, and I am excited to hear their reactions when they turn on the news and see me reporting on their schools sports programs.”

At KEZI, Creighton will be covering much more than just the two major universities.

“The sports coverage in Eugene is endless…it’s an amazing sports town. Of course, you have the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers just 30 minutes away, but the NCAA Track and Field Championships this summer and the NCAA Golf Championships in 2016 will be in Eugene. There’s also the Eugene Emeralds (Minor League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs), in which I’m hoping I can maybe get involved and become a fill-in play-by-play broadcaster for the club. Simply put, to begin my career in such a huge sports town like Eugene is a dream come true and I intend to take advantage of every opportunity that comes up. “

Creighton tips his cap to STAA for its part in helping facilitate his career change.

“Without STAA and Jon, I doubt I would have been offered this amazing opportunity,” says Creighton. “Having all of my reels and work located on one page, along with having Jon Chelesnik as a reference to help me get closer to potential employers, and to help me with every step needed to receive an offer, are things that I anticipated when I decided to join STAA last summer.

“Quite simply, if you have a passion for sportscasting, join STAA. It’s well worth it and will help you in a variety of ways. I owe it to Jon and STAA for helping me get my start on a career path that has long been a dream of mine.”

(Visit Ben’s STAA Talent Page).

(February 25, 2015) Another seven STAA members have earned play-by-play opportunities in affiliated minor league baseball this summer. Each has been hired as a broadcasting and media relations assistants by their respective teams:

• Mike Baggerman, West Virginia Power
• Kyle Crooks, Jacksonville Suns
• Jess Knaster, Quad Cities River Bandits
• Nick Nollenberger, Kannapolis Intimidators
• Mason Robinson, Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Justin Rocke, Tennessee Smokies
• Jared Shlensky, Cedar Rapids Kernels

With West Virginia, Mike Baggerman is returning to a position he held two years ago. He spent last summer with the Altoona Curve.

Kyle Crooks is new to affiliated baseball. He is a 2014 graduate of William Patterson University in Wayne, NJ., where he broadcast the school’s baseball games.

Jess Knaster spent last summer handling play-by-play and media for the St. Cloud Rox of the Northwoods League. He also broadcast baseball on the campus radio station as a student at San Jose State University.

Nick Nollenberger is a graduate of the University of Arizona, where he called Wildcats baseball. “He seemed like he’d be a good fit for our office, and when you have a staff of just four or five, we can’t really afford to have someone that won’t fit,” says Kannapolis Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Josh Feldman.

“I know this wouldn’t have been possible without STAA and your knowledge, advice and feedback,” says Nollenberger.

A 2012 graduate of Texas State University, Mason Robinson broadcast for the Walla Walla Sweets in 2013. He spent last summer as a broadcasting assistant for home games with the San Antonio Missions, making the daily three-hour round trip from his home in Austin.

Jared Shlensky spent last summer as a broadcasting and media relations intern with the Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League. He is a 2014 graduate of North Central College in Naperville, IL.

Justin Rocke has broadcast baseball each of the past three summers. He spent 2012 and 2013 with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod League before moving into affiliated ball last season with Brevard County. He graduated in December from Penn State.

“I am extremely excited about working for the Smokies this summer,” says Rocke. “I am particularly looking forward to working with Mick (Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie). He is an experienced and veteran broadcaster who can help me improve my craft, as well as show me what it takes to be a successful full-time broadcaster at the Minor League and eventually Major League level.

“Thank you [to STAA] for all your advice and support throughout my job hunting process. I certainly would not have known about or got the position without STAA!”

(February 23, 2015) Ben Wilson has a job waiting for him upon graduation in May from the University of Missouri. An STAA member, Wilson has been hired by the Digity Radio cluster in Moberly, MO as an announcer, news reporter and play-by-play broadcaster. Wilson will begin working part-time right away, beginning with calling play-by-play for the high school basketball playoffs. He’ll then transition to full-time after receiving his diploma.

“Having a job secured three months before graduation is extremely satisfying, and even more relieving,” says Wilson. “I knew the closer I got towards graduation without a job, the more nerve-racking the application process would be with thousands of seniors like myself applying for a limited number of sports broadcasting jobs. I feel very fortunate to have found a job that was both a great fit and close in proximity to my current location.”

The Moberly group of stations has employed many STAA members over the years. When the most recently opportunity arose, GM Brad Boyer called STAA yet again. STAA sent the job lead to members on February 2nd. Less than three weeks later, Wilson was offered the position.

On the advice of STAA, Wilson made one key addition to his demo before applying for the job.

“I added a minute-long news update to my radio demo,” Wilson says. “I knew that, in addition to play-by-play, there would be some news reporting elements of the job as well. Versatility is imperative, especially with entry-level positions where you are required to do other things for the station when not calling games. This addition to my demo helped sell myself as an all-around journalist, and definitely played a factor in getting hired.

“ This station is a great fit, as it will allow me to get a lot of play-by-play reps on multiple sports right away, which is exactly what I was looking for in a first job out of school. In addition, the station is a short drive north of Columbia, where I currently go to school. Being able to live in the same city where I’ve spent the past four years made this job opportunity extremely appealing.”

Wilson is also grateful for the chance to work part-time until graduation. “It will give me the opportunity to get comfortable with the staff and get my feet wet before beginning full-time.”

(Visit Ben’s STAA Talent Page).

(February 19. 2015) Ten months ago, Jared Sandler was broadcasting Class-A baseball and hosting a sports talk show in Midland, MI. Today, he is the new pre and post game host and fill-in play-by-play broadcaster for the Texas Rangers.

The opportunity came because Sandler had faith in himself and was willing to take a risk.

A Dallas native and STAA member since 2010, Sandler attended college at the University of Southern California, graduating in 2011. After spending that summer calling games for the Great Falls Voyagers, Sandler moved to Midland in March 2012 to take over as the No. 2 broadcaster for the Great Lakes Loons and Program Director and sports talk host at ESPN 100.9. Two years later, in April 2014, he decided to roll the dice. Sandler left minor league baseball for a major market radio job in his hometown — an anchor/reporter/weekend host position at ESPN Radio Dallas. He banked on the fact that a major market would mean major opportunities.

“Moving to Dallas was a risk but one I wanted to take,” says Sandler. “My program director with 103.3 FM ESPN, Jeff Catlin, told me I’d have opportunities to host various programming and hold certain roles. And, I want to make it clear that he delivered on everything he told me, and then some. Beyond the opportunities he promised me, I was willing to bet on myself to eventually earn roles with greater responsibility. I didn’t know when that would happen or what that next step would be, but I knew I was going to work my tail off to earn that next step.”

Not even Sandler thought a big-time play-by-play opportunity was realistic at age 25. “Haha, no,” he laughs. “But there are two things to note. First, that opportunity is more a reflection of the tremendous support I’ve received from [various] people. If I don’t take the time to thank the people who’ve played a role in this along the way, I’m letting myself down. Secondly, I don’t get this role if I’m not in Dallas already, and it was a possibility like this as to why I wanted to come back home.”

Less than eight months after Sandler joined ESPN Dallas, the Rangers gig opened across town at 105.3 The Fan. After getting the job, the first person Sandler shared the news with was his father.

“It was important for me that my dad was the first to know. He’s been there for me every step of the way, encouraging me at every turn, and supporting the journey, which, for a father probably isn’t always easy. Our exchange (after sharing the Rangers news) wasn’t loud and boisterous. It was more that quiet demonstration of pride and gratitude.”

Sandler feels deep appreciation for his new opportunity He never imagined that being part of the broadcast crew for his hometown team could become a reality.

“As I became more and more familiar with how tough this industry is, I really didn’t think it was possible at all,” he says. “After spending three seasons in minor league baseball, I have so much respect for the talent pool of broadcasters. Thinking this was a strong possibility would almost be disrespectful to them. I’m not close to the best play-by-play guy in my age range, but I know that no one will outwork me and that I’ll continue to strive to be better and better each day.

“Some kids grow up listening to Vin Scully or Jon Miller or Ernie Harwell–I grew up listening to (Rangers voice) Eric Nadel. I’ve been so fortunate to develop a friendship with him over the years as he’s become more than just a mentor and getting the chance to share a booth with him and Matt Hicks is truly an honor.”

Sandler joined STAA five years ago, when he was still a junior in college.

“I believe so much in the services STAA offers,” he says. “Thanks to the hard work of [Jon], Melodie, and everyone else that is a part of the efforts.”

(Visit Jared’s STAA Talent Page).

(February 18, 2015) One week after reactivating his STAA membership following a year away, Derek Diesner has been chosen to fill-in on four broadcasts this week for Learfield Sports and the University of Oklahoma.

Diesner will call play-by-play for the Sooners baseball games this week in Tempe, AZ.

Learfield routinely consults STAA when they have free-lance opportunities for men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball. Last week, when Learfield VP of Broadcasting Tom Boman used STAA member Grant Tunkel on a University of Maine men’s basketball broadcast, Boman said, “As usual, when I’m in a pinch, I go to the Talent Search on the STAA website and listen to Jon’s client’s,” says Boman. “More proof that the website works.”

Diesner’s baseball play-by-play experience is extensive. It includes Arizona Western College, the Charleston RiverDogs and the Lake County Fielders. He is currently the Sports Information Director at Arizona Christian University in Phoenix.

“Getting this chance to call Division 1 baseball for a prominent program like Oklahoma, is something else,” says Diesner. “This was very unexpected, but I couldn’t be more thrilled! I feel like being able to call these games and meet some of the people from OU and Learfield can only help my career and hopefully help me land a full time job for calling baseball games either at the collegiate or professional level.

“I am super excited for this opportunity and really appreciate what STAA did for me.”

(Visit Derek’s STAA Talent Page).

(February 17, 2015) Since starting in television as a news anchor/reporter in 2012, Alex Egan has aspired to move into sports. Mission accomplished. An STAA member, Egan has accepted a position as Weekend Sports Anchor and Sports Reporter for Valley News Live KVLY in Fargo, ND.

It is the second job Egan has gained since joining STAA. He moves to Fargo from North Platte, NE where he has been a news anchor/reporter for nearly three years.

The KVLY position for which Egan initially applied was Sports Director. When the station decided to promote Beth Hoole to that position, it created the opportunity for which Egan was eventually chosen.

“When I first got into journalism in college it was to cover sports,” says Egan. “After taking my first job at KNOP in North Platte as a news anchor/reporter/producer, I’ve been trying to find a way to cover sports. I got opportunities to cover Nebraska football and even had the chance to cover Super Bowl XVLII, but I was still primarily doing news. So this job is a great chance for me to be more focused on sports, which is what I’ve wanted all along.”

One aspect of his new gig about which Egan is especially excited is the opportunity to report on many different programs.

“I get to cover a ton of different teams, including two Division 1 Universities — North Dakota State and University of North Dakota — plus Minnesota State University-Moorhead. It’s a hot bed for sports from high school, minor league baseball, and USHL hockey, and the colleges. NDSU and UND are both FCS football teams, which I’m very familiar with since my college, University of Northern Colorado, is also an FCS football team, and in the same conference as UND.”

A 2010 graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, Egan joined STAA in May of the following year. “STAA has been an invaluable resource,” says Egan. “When I began searching for new jobs I was constantly on STAA checking for openings. But what I found to be the most useful was the weekly emails with tips of how to be better sportscasters. Even though not everything in those emails applied to me, it helped me be aware of what good sportscasting is, no matter the medium, and how to strive for it in whatever way I could.”

(Visit Alex’s website).

(February 11, 2015) Growing up near Cooperstown, NY, Scott Montesano has always been passionate about baseball. Now, he is going to be broadcasting the sport full-time. An STAA member since 2008, Montesano is joining the Traverse City Beach Bums as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations.

Montesano moves to Traverse City following six seasons with the Des Moines, IA Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League where he was the broadcaster and lead sales executive. With the Buccaneers he handled all the game broadcasts, media requests, social media accounts and worked directly with corporate partners.

Additionally, Monstesano spent the previous two summers calling games for the Waterloo, IA Bucks (2013-2014) and five summers with the Eau Claire, WI Express (2006-2010), both of the Northwoods Baseball League. Scott’s career started a decade ago with a flurry of baseball and hockey stops in Sanford, ME (2003-2004), Fargo, ND (2004-2007) and Montpelier, VT (2005).

The Utica, NY native is a graduate of Marist College and is relocating to the area with his wife, Angela and preschool age children, Derek and Alexia. He is going to be a year-round presence in the region, working with corporate and media partners as well as the rest of the Beach Bums’ staff to further grow the organization.

(Visit Scott’s STAA Talent Page).

(February 9, 2015) For someone with major college play-by-play aspirations, the chance to showcase their skills for syndicators Learfield or IMG is a golden opportunity. STAA member Grant Tunkel is getting that chance.

Tunkel will be filling-in for Learfield on the University of Maine’s men’s basketball broadcast, February 14th at Stony Brook University in New York.

Learfield has employed nearly two dozen STAA members in full and fill-in positions over the past seven years. Tunkel’s opportunity came when Learfield VP of Broadcast Operations Tom Boman, called STAA for recommendations.

“As usual, when I’m in a pinch, I go to the Talent Search on the STAA website and listen to Jon’s client’s,” says Boman. “More proof that the website works.”

A 2010 graduate of the University of Southern California, Tunkel broadcast Trojans basketball on campus station KSCR. Since graduation, his play-by-play endeavors include Jamestown Jammers baseball, New York Aviators hockey and Mahoning Valley Scrappers baseball.

(Visit Grant’s STAA Talent Page).

(February 5, 2015) Most minor league baseball broadcasters scramble to find additional play-by-play work during the off-season. Not Chris Vosters, An STAA member, Vosters is joining the Great Lakes Loons as Play-by-Play Broadcaster and ESPN 100.9 as Program Manager.

For ESPN, Vosters will also serve as lead announcer for high school football and basketball. He’s been the preps broadcaster for 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee since last September.

Vosters spent last season as the number two play-by-play voice of the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders.

“We are excited to have Chris as the new voice of Loons baseball,” said Loons Vice President and General Manager, Scott Litle. “He has a great ability to call a baseball game and will continue to make Loons baseball fun to listen to all summer.”

Vosters, a native of Brookfield, Wis., comes to the Loons with extensive broadcast experience. A 2013 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Vosters is a nine-time Wisconsin Broadcasters Association award winner. He was the Sports Director of WSUM-FM 91.7, the student voice of Wisconsin athletics, and covered three Rose Bowls and two Big Ten Championship football games.

Vosters’ baseball broadcast experience also includes two seasons in the collegiate summer Northwoods Baseball League, where he provided play-by-play for the league’s All-Star Game, Big League Dream Showcase and select postseason games.

“I’m really excited to join the Great Lakes Loons and to be part of an organization that plays such an important role in the community,” said Vosters. “I’m looking to add my own element to Loons broadcasts while continuing the great work that Brad Golder has done over the years.”

At Wisconsin, Vosters was a Windhover Foundation Scholar, a two-time Wisconsin School of Journalism & Mass Communication scholarship recipient, and a Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation Scholar.

The Great Lakes Loons are a ninth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. For tickets and more information, call 989-837-BALL or visit www.loons.com.

ESPN 100.9-FM (WLUN, Pinconning) is a 24-hour all-sports station owned by the non-profit Michigan Baseball Foundation. It is the flagship station of Great Lakes Loons baseball and carries a weekday lineup of Mike and Mike in the Morning, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, SVP & Russillo, and the Huge Show with Bill Simonson.

ESPN 100.9-FM also carries the Saginaw Valley League Football and Basketball Games of the Week, Michigan State athletics, and the NFL Sunday doubleheader.

(Visit Chris’ STAA Talent Page).

(February 3, 2015) Tyler Murray is excited about his first full-time job in minor league baseball. An STAA member, Murray is joining the Daytona Tortugas as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. He moves to Daytona after spending last summer in a seasonal position with the Dunedin Blue Jays.

Both the Tortugas and Blue Jays are full-season, Class-A teams. In Daytona, though, Murray enjoys the benefits of full-time employment.

“Health insurance, 401K, salary etc. aside, I’m looking forward to being involved in every aspect of the organization.”

“[The Tortugas] have a great fan base, incredible radio station, and I’m already in touch with a few other (non-baseball) teams in the area about calling games in the offseason (including PA announcing for Washington Nationals Spring Training.)

When Daytona’s former Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Robbie Aaron left the team for another opportunity in January, the Tortugas didn’t solicit applications for his replacement. Instead, they called Murray who had interned with the team in 2012.

“Glad to know my hard work that season paid off,” Murray grins.

Murray cites his ability to contribute to an organization in many different ways as one of his strongest selling points in the job market.

“I firmly believe that I would have never made a dime as an MiLB broadcaster if I didn’t know how to use programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and Final Cut.

“The teams I’ve worked for have needed more than just a voice for 140 nights a year. They need someone to run a website, write press releases, design graphics, produce game notes, put together game programs, sell sponsorships, handle interview requests, and the list goes on.”

Murray says he starting learning the non-broadcasting skills in college and during his 2012 internship with Daytona. He adds that YouTube tutorials have also been useful in helping him to develop his Photoshop skills.

“I can confidently present myself as a candidate for an MiLB broadcasting job because I know how much they value media relations skills.”

Murray has been an STAA member since October 2013.

“The job postings and talent pages are a huge help, but the benefits go way beyond that,” he says. “When I joined STAA, it felt like my career had been reinvigorated. In an industry as competitive as this one, you want to feel like you’re doing everything you can to give yourself an edge, and the advantages of STAA’s member services are second to none. [STAA’s] attention to detail and genuine care for their members provides us with much-needed confidence and encouragement during a job search, when it’s all too easy to get discouraged.

“With the support of STAA and it’s resources at your disposal, no career goal feels unattainable.”

(Visit Tyler’s STAA Talent Page).