The first thing that struck radio station operations manager Chuck Hanson about William Haynes was his enthusiasm. “[Hanson] was steadfast that attitude was the most important trait a candidate could have, and that’s what set me apart,” Haynes recalls.
A 2023 graduate of Florida State University, Haynes is taking that enthusiasm to his new role as Sports Announcer/On-Air Talent at DRG Media in Mobridge, SD.
“I think the fact that I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and was so eager to move to a small town in South Dakota gave them some slight trepidation. But it also signaled to them that I meant business,” Haynes hypothesizes.
Daily sportscasts, high school football, basketball and volleyball play-by-play, and a daily air shift will be among Haynes’ responsibilities. It fits neatly with Haynes experience as sports director of Florida State’s campus radio station.
Haynes learned of the Mobridge opportunity in an STAA Job Leads+ email. “It’s my first break into commercial radio,” Haynes enthuses. “Being the sports director at a university radio station is one thing, but the [variety of] experiences in this position really brings me into the business. Additionally, the job offers an abundance of football and basketball play-by-play reps, which is vital.”
Haynes joined STAA last year. “I had been reading the blogs on STAA for some time, but was not a member,” he recalls. “Then last May, I was broadcasting a JUCO baseball tournament. One of the guys I was working with suggested that I join. His name is Mike Ridaught, and he himself is an STAA member. He mentioned things like the Group Critiques and the job leads that made it seem worthwhile.
“Ultimately, I joined STAA because I was serious about working in sportscasting. I’m all about giving myself every chance at success, and STAA is a part of that. A listing in an STAA Job Leads+ email led to my first full-time sportscasting job, and I’m sure STAA will help me continue to improve.”
Seeking improvement and thriving in his new role are things Haynes will tackle with his signature enthusiasm. “If you can establish yourself as a grinder and leave people with good impressions, good things will happen.”