I knew I wanted to be a broadcaster a long time ago. I developed a passion for sports even before that. So, you might say, my career path was decided at a young age.
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| On a live remote for WIUX at Indiana University. I'm in the Cubs jersey. |
After graduation, I was able to intern at WGN Radio in Chicago. It would be cliche to say I learned a lot, even though it's true. I will always view my experience at WGN as invaluable to my career, wherever I end up. The connections I've made and keep to this day are not only valuable industry contacts, but they're good friends, too. After my internship, I was hired as a part time sports producer, and continued in that role until I began my current job in Wisconsin.
I spent ten months at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting beginning in September of 2010. There, I broadened my radio horizons and got to try my hand at something new: television. While at ICB, I had the chance to get back on the air, hosting my own sports talk show on ChicagolandSportsRadio.com. I controlled every aspect of the show. I planned it, produced it, booked guests, ran the board, wrote and delivered sports updates, did the production, etc.
I also had the opportunity to do play by play for local high schools and colleges. I covered football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball. Believe it or not, I had an absolute blast covering volleyball. I didn't know much about the sport the first time I called it, but I found the action to be exciting and impressive. I called high school football for PlayOn Sports, basketball for ChicagolandSportsRadio.com, volleyball for Loyola University and the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC), and baseball and softball for UIC.
In November of 2012, I began as the News/Sports Director at WTKM Radio in Hartford, Wisconsin. I hit the airwaves at 5 AM, playing music (polka, anyone?) and reading the news, weather, and sports. I also handled the organization of our sports play by play schedule, then handled the broadcasts myself. I cultivated relationships with local coaches, players, and athletic directors.
In March of 2014, I moved home to become part of 87.7 FM The Game in Chicago. I was a producer and update anchor, mainly on the weekends. I worked as the Executive Producer of the Dylan and Doyle Show with Tim Doyle and Dylan McGorty. I also did updates on the show, and filled in for other producers and update anchors as needed. Even though the station ultimately folded at the end of 2014, that was an unforgettable and invaluable experience.
