Just a stepping stone – honored to be named to STAA’s watch list for the Jim Nantz Award

In the broadcasting business, praise is very hard to come by. You are judged by everything you say, how you say it, and many believe they can do better.

But they also don’t understand the circumstances behind a broadcast, whether it’s a producer in your ear talking or technical difficulties. I know about both, and more, very well.

Each year, Sportscasters Talent Agency of America recognizes the top college broadcaster of the year with the Jim Nantz Award. The winner will be announced on May 4th.

STAA is one of the top resources for young broadcasters out there. “The STAA All-America program recognizes the most outstanding collegiate radio and TV sportscasters in the country and encourages collegiate sportscasters nationwide to strive to achieve their best.”

Well just a week ago, I was named to the watch list, consisting of 20 favorites to win the award this summer and I am very honored to be listed. I haven’t sent in clips and applied for the award before but I will this year. It is a nice honor and especially cool because it an award named after CBS leader guy Jim Nantz.

I had the chance to spend an afternoon with Nantz a couple years ago during the Big Ten Tournament. He was very friendly and aware how much his time meant to me. We talked hoops, we talked broadcasting, and we definitely hit on golf. Three loves we have in common.

This isn’t a big deal because ultimately we are judge by winning. It is however, another step in the direction I want to head. I go into every broadcast with the mindset to make it my best ever because you never know who is watching. When I called an IU women’s game on BTN the other day, I didn’t know that a (different) national sports figure I respect would be watching and later tell me.

Always working. Always improving.

I’m very eager for my first full-time play-by-play job and what’s to come.

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