(September 5, 2017) It’s uncommon for a recent college grad to land a sportscasting job in a market the size of Topeka, KS. However, Brendan Dzwierzynski has an uncommon background. The 2017 University of Kansas grad and STAA member is joining 580 WIBW as a sports talk host, anchor and reporter.
Dzwierzynski learned of the opening through a job lead that was shared exclusively with STAA members. “Already being familiar with the Topeka area made that one an easy choice to apply to,” he says.
In his new position, Dzwierzynski will co-host and co-produce a daily sports talk show, record daily sportscasts for network stations, and cover games for KU, K-State, Washburn University, the Kansas City Royals, Chiefs and Sporting KC soccer.
What makes Dzwierzynski an uncommon candidate among recent college grads is that he’s been broadcasting since his high school days in LaGrange, IL. “I’ve been doing sports talk on and off since I was in high school and consistently for my last four years at KU. I went to Lyons Township High School. WLTL-FM was our school radio station where I got my start.”
The WIBW sports staff has been comprised entirely of STAA members for the past three years. Dzwierzynski joins Jake Lebahn, Dan Lucero.
Something Dzwierzynski believes helped his application was the promise at the end of his cover letter to follow-up with a phone call. “It showed I was serious about the opening,” he says. “Also, I was completely open and honest during my interviews, so that they were aware of any other interests/conflicts I had in my mind. I think that built a bond of trust and respect right away.”
Dzwierzynski had been with STAA just two months before learning about the WIBW job. “I wouldn’t have found this opening without STAA. And getting emails with tips for resumes, cover letters, demos, etc. and having that info always available to me as a member helped prepare me for the job and present myself as a worthy candidate.
“I’ve always dreamed of covering sports for a living. Doing it in an area I love is a perfect fit.”
(Visit Brendan’s STAA Talent Page).