View from the Gondola

Pay it Forward

I appreciate the Mavericks allowing me to give students the opportunity to sit with me and see what a play-by-play broadcast looks like from the announcer’s view.

I’ve been joined by college students  Josh Zans and Ryan Gibson, who was hired by Troy Snyder to be the “voice” of Truman High School Athletics on Free Tap Sports Radio.

Broadcasting is not a one-size-fits-all business but I hope these future announcers have gained something from their trip to the Gondola at the IEC.

I am thankful for assistance I received from announcers at the beginning of my ascent up the PBP ladder.

While living in Houston in the late 70s  Jerry Trupiano, then PBP announcer for the Aeros of the WHA suggested I record then critique myself.  Great advice.

After returning to Missouri  I befriended two hockey announcers who were more than willing to assist an aspiring broadcaster in discovering the joy they  found in becoming a hockey “voice.”

Eric Nadel, then with the Fort Worth Texans and Ted Robinson, then PBP “voice” of the Oklahoma City Stars of the CHL, encouraged me to learn to say the same things several different ways, taught me how to manage business on the road and  how to  get noticed.

Those who helped me have prospered in their careers…..Trupiano called Boston Red Sox baseball for many years, Nadel is a longtime announcer for the Texas Rangers and is in the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame and Robinson, now the “voice” of the San Francisco 49ers, has also covered several Olympic games.

When I reached the pro ranks with the Kansas City Attack soccer team Bob Kaser, who called Blades hockey for ten years, phoned to offer help.

I am grateful I’ve received assistance from several people “in the business”  and thankful that now I can help others seeking guidance.   

I am fortunate to be part of a small group of people who can say “I am a hockey announcer.”