(January 30, 2015) If you take a peek at Ryan Myrehn’s future in a crystal ball you’ll see several inches of snow, and a move into full-time sportscasting. An STAA Member, Myrehn is joining WZAM in Marquette, MI as Sports Director. He will be hosting a daily talk show and doing various play-by-play.

“For the first time in my career, I can focus my energies solely on the sports aspect of broadcasting, which has long been my dream. The opportunity to host a daily sports talk show was a huge draw, as was the community of Marquette,” says Myrehn, who is the third consecutive STAA member to hold the position over the past seven years.

A graduate of DePauw University in Indiana, Myrehn gained four years of experience at the campus station WGRE. Since 2012, he has been doing news and sports in Moberly, MO. Myrehn credits STAA with helping him move his career forward.

“As valuable as the job listings from STAA are, the service is just as valuable as a resource for a broadcaster. From the application process to tips for honing my craft, STAA has been an incredible tool for me in my career.”

Myrehn has attained both of his post-college jobs since joining STAA in April of 2012.

“Thanks for your service, it’s been a boon to me and my career.”

Once the Marquette opportunity opened up, Myrehn moved through the hiring process quickly.

“Everything came together very quickly. I applied as soon as I saw the job was available and spoke with Tom [Mogush] at WZAM early in the week. I visited the station a few days later and thought it was a good fit.”

Moving to the third snowiest city in the contiguous United States would make some people apprehensive, but Myrehn is looking forward to the opportunity for winter sports.

“The cold weather wasn’t a factor because there is so much to do during the winter months in Marquette. The opportunity to live a few miles from a ski slope turned the cold and snow into a positive for me!”

(January 28, 2015) STAA member Matt Digby is making his entrance into full-time sports broadcasting in the Mountain State. Digby is the new Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter for WOAY-TV, the ABC affiliate in Beckley, WV.

“This is my first full-time sportscasting job, and being from Ohio, this opportunity to work in West Virginia is very exciting.”

From first notification of the opening to receiving the official offer, Digby moved through the hiring channel rapidly.

“I found out through the job leads from STAA. The day after I sent in my resume materials, I was already talking with the news director, Keith Conner. The following week, I received the formal offer. I’m very surprised by how quick the process went, but it’s been a great reminder of how fast-paced this business can be!”

Digby leaves the Tourbeau Sports Group where he served as a commentator and producer. The Ohio native is excited to be covering familiar territory and teams.

“I’m already familiar with a lot of the popular teams in the region, and the area has played host to some major events. Southern West Virginia loves its local sports, so it’ll be a lot of fun getting to cover them.”

A 2013 graduate of Ohio University, Digby suggests the truly passionate remain steadfast in their pursuit of a sports broadcasting job.

“Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear from an employer. If you are truly committed to getting a job in this business, you will get a job. It may take longer than you’d like, but it’s worth the wait.”

(Visit Matt’s STAA Talent Page).

(January 26, 2015) Just one year out of college, Brandon Liebhaber has landed a No. 1 job in Double-A minor league baseball. An STAA member, Liebhaber has been named Manager of Media Relations and Broadcasting for the Jackson Generals.

The Generals are a Seattle Mariners affiliate.

Liebhaber is taking over for fellow STAA member Chris Harris, who recently left to become the Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting with the Biloxi Shuckers.

“I’m extremely excited and honored to have been given this opportunity by the Generals. I can’t thank Chris Harris and GM Jason Compton enough for making this possible,” Liebhaber said. “To be able to broadcast and work for a Double-A team at this stage in my career is fantastic. I hope to pick up where Chris left off and continue to provide quality play-by-play and comprehensive coverage of the Generals.”

“We are thrilled to have Brandon join the team,” Compton said. “I am sure our fans across West Tennessee will enjoy getting to know Brandon just as I have.”

Liebhaber spent last season as a Broadcast and Media Assistant with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League, the Dodgers’ Class-A Advanced affiliate. Prior, Brandon broadcasted for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) in the summers of 2012 and 2013.

Brandon graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in journalism and history in March of 2014. While at Northwestern, Brandon was Sports Director of the Northwestern News Network while also broadcasting for the school’s student radio station (WNUR). He called games for Big Ten Network’s StudentU broadcasts of Northwestern athletics, many of which re-aired on Big Ten Network. While at NU, Brandon broadcasted various football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball and lacrosse games.

“I’m extremely passionate about baseball, and I’ve been fortunate enough to spend the past three summers broadcasting the sport,” said Liebhaber. “I cannot wait to begin working for the Generals and meet everyone in the community who supports the team. I hope to become an integral part of that community.”

“For as early in his career as he is, he brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the Generals. I am already looking forward to tuning in on April 9th,” Compton said.

Brandon is a proud native of Los Angeles, California. Recently, he has worked as a freelance broadcaster for the women’s basketball teams at UC Riverside and California Baptist University in Riverside, California.

(Visit Brandon’s website).

(January 19, 2015) Being talented and bilingual continues to pay dividends for David Iniga. An STAA member, Iniga is joining Telemundo in Austin, TX as a sports reporter.

Iniga’s career to date has been built largely upon his ability to speak two languages. Most recently, Iniga worked in Laredo, TX where he anchored sports on the 9 pm newscast for Fox affiliate KXOF, and for the 5 and 10 pm newscasts on Entravision’s Univision affiliate.

A 2004 graduate of the University of Miami, Iniga started his career as a Reporter/Producer at KWHY TV 22 in Burbank, CA. His next on-air gig was at CBS 19/Azteca 18 in Tyler, TX where he spent one year before moving to NBC 17/KKEY Telemundo in Bakersfield, CA.

Iniga has also worked off-air at NBC/Telemundo 52 in Burbank, CA and KRCA-TV in Los Angeles.

(Visit David’s STAA Talent Page).

(January 14, 2015) Brad Barnes wanted it all and found it in Colorado. An STAA member, Barnes is joining Three Eagles Communications’ four-station cluster in Salida. He will be hosting a daily show on country station KBVC, providing sports coverage and play-by-play for all four stations, and handling some sales.

Salida represents a perfect fit for Barnes, both professionally and personally.

“I wanted to go somewhere where I would get opportunities to focus on the talent side of the industry, and that is what Three Eagles Communications is giving me. Plus, with the sales accounts on the side it will help keep some extra money in my pocket. I’m also thrilled to be in an area where I can continue to do the things I love away from work, like hunt and enjoy the outdoors. This is the opportunity that I have been searching for.”

Barnes moves to the Rocky Mountain state from 101.1 KFNF in Oberlin, KS where he spent the past year and a half as Sports Director. The transition came with the help of friend and fellow STAA member, Three Eagles Sports Director Andrew Stossmeister.

“I met Andrew in my first job in Oberlin when he helped hire me, and after he left we kept in touch. When I was ready for a new challenge, I called Andrew up to see if he knew of anything. They (Three Eagles) were looking to hire another broadcaster, but were not planning to do it until the summer. We had a few conversations, but it seemed like the timing just wasn’t going to work.”

After a change in circumstances, things did work out and Barnes was offered the gig.

“Patience paid off,” Barnes smiles.

Barnes is a Kansas native and a 2013 graduate of Baker University in Baldwin City. A willingness to relocate, and the ability to do a variety of things are two traits that he believes are key to sportscasting job market success.

“I am completely open to moving away from home and experiencing new things. I accept it as a challenge and a new opportunity, and I think that is what you have to do in this field. I also believe that finding a job doing everything under the sun helped me tremendously. I have gained a ton of experience in just a year and a half out of school.

While Barnes found the Salida opportunity on his own, he gives a tip of the cap to STAA for its assistance.

“STAA has been a huge help. First and foremost, the instruction and tips that I have received have been tremendous. Before I was with STAA, I was sending e-mails loaded with attachments to employers. Having the ability to throw a link [to my Talent Page] with all my material at the bottom of an e-mail is worth more than I would have ever imagined.

“STAA has been a huge reason as to why I am where I am.”

(Visit Brad’s STAA Talent Page).

(January 9, 2015) Making the transition from radio to TV is often challenging, but Danny Mata has accomplished it. After spending the past four years broadcasting mostly on radio and Internet, Mata has been hired as Sports Director at KVIA-TV in El Paso.

“It’s the biggest opportunity of my career to date. It gives me the final bit of experience and resources I need to eventually make it to ESPN,” says Mata.

“I never would have known about the job without STAA. Turns out I had a major connection who helped me get the gig. Without the website, I never would have known, let alone applied.”

A 2010 graduate of the University of Houston, Mata has spent the past four years broadcasting high school play-by-play for the Texas Sports Radio Network. For the past three years, he has also worked as a sports anchor/reporter at News 92 FM KROI in Houston.

Though his resume is heavy in radio, Mata does also have some on-camera experience. After graduating, he spent a year as a sideline reporter on Houston High School Sports’ Friday night Game of the Week productions. He also has shooting and editing experience.

Mata’s advice for other sportscasting job seekers is to be aggressive and never say no to opportunity.

“Everything in life comes down to a few simple questions. How bad do you want it? Are you willing to do what is necessary or what is convenient? Your career will reflect the choices you made. Never be too good to do anything. Learn everything you can from behind the scenes work to stuff outside of sports. It will make you better and will open doors.”

(January 6, 2015) Caleb Burggraaf is moving closer to his Rocky Mountain roots. An STAA member, Burggraaf is joining Cook Brothers Broadcasting in Evanston, WY. The opportunity came when the station contacted STAA seeking a recommendation.

“I received a phone call in early December from [station owner] Val Cook after he had heard about me through STAA,” says Burggraaf. “I was also in the running for another job I had heard about from STAA, and it came down to who was going to call me first. Val was the first to make the decision. It really happened so fast that I was shocked when I received the call.”

Burggraaf will be doing a variety of things for Cook Brothers Broadcasting, but his main role will be calling football, basketball and volleyball for the Kemmerer High School Rangers. He will also be covering KHS student activities and other community events.

A 2011 graduate of Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO spent the 2011-12 academic year broadcasting sports for Western Nebraska Community College. He spent the following 10 months with MBC Broadcasting in Grand Junction before taking a News and Sports Director position with Elkhorn Media Group in Eastern Oregon. Burggraaf’s duties there included play-by-play for high school sports and Eastern Oregon University.

Before joining STAA, Burggraaf says the job market was a hit and miss proposition.

“I didn’t join STAA for a while after finding the site, instead just using the job forum to apply for jobs I saw. Once I did join after finding a rough patch in my second stint at a station in Grand Junction, CO, I decided to test it out for a year. After four months, it had already gotten me in contact with four or five stations and helped me land a job in Oregon.

“Since joining STAA, I have confidence that no matter what happens with the job I have, I will be able to be a force on the market, and be able to stay in the view of [employers]. It is a great feeling of confidence.

“I really can’t describe how happy I have been with my STAA membership. I was extremely nervous about signing up, not sure if it was worth the money, but I have definitely become a believer. It still takes work on my end, but STAA has been a life, and career saver for me.”

(Visit Caleb’s STAA Talent Page).

(December 23, 2014) When Ben Gellman-Chomsky was out of baseball last summer, he was disappointed but not defeated. Now he is back in the game. Gellman-Chomsky is the new Broadcasting and Media Relations Assistant for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Fisher-Cats are the Class AA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

New Hampshire is Gellman-Chomsky’s first opportunity in double-A ball and he couldn’t be more excited.

“First and foremost, they’re giving me both experience and mentorship in sales, something I’ve wanted for some time. Second, it’s a chance to get back to work in media relations and broadcasting — two areas where I’ve worked hard to develop my skills. I’m also fortunate to be returning to New England, where I went to college (at Brandeis University) and where I still have lots of friends and family.”

Gellman-Chomsky last worked in minor league baseball in 2013 as Lead Broadcaster and Media Relations Assistant with the Clearwater Threshers. He has also worked for the Hudson Valley Renegades and Hickory Crawdads.

Support from family and friends and belief in himself were critical for Gellman-Chomsky as he spent last summer at home instead of at the stadium.

“About a week into April, I noticed I had way too much energy at 6 PM, when I’d have been preparing for a game. I missed broadcasting baseball terribly, but I was blessed to have a number of friends and mentors across Minor League Baseball encouraging me to get back into the job market this year. My family and friends have also been constant sources of support, and I’m so grateful to have them behind me. More than anything, I knew I had the skillset and experience that could make me valuable to a team, and I was determined to show it.”

For other baseball broadcasters who have been out of the game, Gellman-Chomsky suggests strengthening old connections and creating new ones.

“I have to thank the many International League broadcasters (Jeff Levering, Josh Maurer, Patrick Kinas, Ben Wagner, Josh Whetzel, Matt Provence, Will Flemming and Howard Kellman) who put up with me hanging around their booth when I visited them at Durham Bulls home games. Their advice and patience made a big difference for me. I also leaned on my old boss Andrew Buchbinder (now of the Springfield Cardinals), who gives me way more time than I deserve and picks up entirely too many of my calls.”

Gellman-Chomsky also suggests that out-of-work broadcasters stay sharp by any means necessary.

“My options for doing mock broadcasts of minor league baseball games were limited, [so] I turned instead to my living room, using my Playstation 3, an MLB.tv subscription, a microphone and my laptop to do some mock broadcasts of MLB games at home.

“Above all else, stay positive. Channel any frustration into new energy to make yourself better and more valuable to your next employer. I held two temp jobs this year, and used my work at both to enhance my graphic design skills and ability to edit effectively. I can sell myself on way more than just my on-air ability now.

“Coming off a year where I couldn’t get a baseball job, this was a way better outcome than I could have reasonably hoped for.”

(Visit Ben’s website).

(December 16, 2014) When California native Luke Tanaka graduates from college in Chicago next spring he’ll be headed for a summer of baseball in Michigan. Tanaka will be the 2015 broadcaster for the Battle Creek Bombers.

The Bombers play in the Northwoods League.

“This is the perfect opportunity for me to gain experience as a full-time broadcaster. Also, I am very excited about the freedom that I will have to prepare for the broadcast and make sure that the on-air product is as good as it can be. On top of the broadcasting, I’ll also be helping out in the media relations department, which will give me invaluable training and experience.”

With his senior year at Elmhurst College approaching, Tanaka spent the summer months preparing to enter the job market. A chance encounter with a childhood friend granted Tanaka the opportunity to record his demo with a broadcaster’s view at an Oakland A’s game.

“When I wasn’t interning at KNBR, the flagship radio station of the San Francisco Giants, I was practicing my play-by-play in front of the TV. Then, I contacted Bob Rose, the PR Director of the Oakland A’s, through his son who I played Little League baseball with. He allowed me to use the vacant Spanish broadcast booth twice over the summer, where I recorded my mock broadcast with my own equipment.”

“My encounter with Bob Rose’s son was complete chance. We are both college students studying far away from the Bay Area (me in Chicago and him in New Orleans) and ended up bumping into each other in the Oakland Airport’s security line. After talking about our career interests, he mentioned his dad and that he would be willing to connect me with him. I cannot thank him or Bob enough.”

Once his demo was recorded, Tanaka decided the next play was to join STAA—a move that directly led to the Bombers gig.

“I kept tabs on the STAA job boards, but felt that it was time to join because play-by-play broadcasting, specifically baseball, is my passion. Upon joining the STAA a couple of months ago, they connected me with Kelly Cartner of the Kalamazoo Growlers. I sent her my cover letter, resume, and demo tape, talked to her on the phone, and was offered the internship a couple of weeks later. I realized that this is the perfect first step for me in the business and took the job.”

In addition to the internship with KNBR, Tanaka has packed in the broadcasting and athletic experience while at Elmhurst. He is the News and Sports Director at WRSE, a play-by-play and color commentator on BluejayTV and works in the Sports Information office.

Despite the youth of his career, Tanaka has a couple sharp observations that should encourage fellow job hunters to be bold in the market.

“Most of my opportunities came about because I made the extra effort to make a good impression on those around me and ask for the opportunities that I wanted.

“This summer, I met five different sets of play-by-play broadcasters. I was taken aback with how willing the broadcasters were to meet with me and answer my questions. I would have never guessed this, but all I had to do was ask through my connections. I feel so fortunate that I was able to meet these people and I could not thank them enough for their time and advice.”

(Visit Luke’s website).

(December 9, 2014) The most effective networking happens when you are looking out for opportunities to help others instead of helping yourself. STAA client Ashlea Bullington’s timely offer to help turned into a job opportunity. American Sports Network, Niles Media, and Sinclair Broadcasting have hired Bullington as a TV Studio Host and Sideline Reporter.

“I might not be the most tenured anchor or reporter, I’m 22 you can’t expect that, but because I work hard and am willing to put time in for the team I got the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Bullington.”

Bullington was working as a general news reporter at KATC in Lafayette, LA despite knowing that her true calling was in sports. To stay close to the athletics atmosphere and build her resume, Bullington spent some of her downtime crewing University of Louisiana-Lafayette TV games.

“I was working a game with a director named Sean Moore out of Birmingham, Alabama. One of the cameras broke and everything looked like it was going south. That’s when I offered to run a camera, EVS and audio. I wanted to make their lives easier. His words were ‘You know how to do all of that.’ That day I did stats like I was hired to do, but Sean was impressed. After the game was over he got my information and sent it to Kevin Shank with Niles and ASN.”

Soon after, Bullington was flying to Kansas City for an interview with ASN. A few days later she had a job offer.

A 2013 TCU graduate, Bullington left college with a wide range of skills gained through internships and working in TCU student media. Versatility paired with a team-focused attitude proved to be the key factors in landing at ASN.

“They loved my resume because I had the production background, and ASN being a startup, they needed talent that is willing to write, edit, anchor, report, and if need be go freelance on the weekend running equipment.”

Working in sports media requires long hours; working in a sports media startup makes those long hours even more critical for success. For a young sports broadcaster like Bullington, the huge benefit of those hours is the opportunity to grow and thrive.

“This opportunity for me is perfect because I am learning from some of the best in the business. Working with ASN, my director worked for ESPN so he is helping with my writing and it has already improved leaps and bounds. Our other anchor and all other talent have been in the business for ten plus years. Mick Shaffer, our other host, works for Time Warner Sports KC and has been in the business for 20 years. Just watching him in studio is a learning experience. Every producer, director, camera op I work with has a different eye and that makes you versatile, having to learn to adapt to the people you are working with in the field.”

“The best part of it all is that I have a voice here. We are new and the team relies on me to do more than just anchor and I love that. I have creative freedom and a personality. The best is getting to voice my opinion on things. Also, I love being in a place that challenges me. Not only does my sports knowledge gets challenged here, but so does my ability. I’m extremely blessed to be a part of ASN.”

(Visit Ashlea’s website).