Summer. It’s that time of year that makes me both happy and sad as a sports broadcaster. It’s sad because high school sports is finished for the school year, and I have nothing to broadcast for a few months unless I pick up a stray freelance gig or two. I am happy because I can take a deep breath and not have to worry about game prep for a while – plus my car gets a temporary break.
Covering high school sports in West Texas means thousands of miles are put on my vehicle. I arrive home late from games and on the drive home I am playing my own game of “dodge that wildlife” on highways and back roads. The past school year I was lucky to only hit birds, skunk and possum. A friend of mine actually hit a Cougar coming home from covering a football game in Graham, TX. Let’s just say the result was bad for my friend’s car and the cougar.
My wallet takes a bit of a hit during the summer. Like most broadcasters I receive a stipend for each game plus money for mileage. I am fortunate to be full time in radio, and I still have my morning show and programming duties but that extra cha-ching from calling games is nice. (ie: Beer money)
Summer means I actually have time to listen to the games that were recorded and grade my broadcasts. One thing I notice is that I always need to work on pacing myself. It is not good to sound like I am tired during the 4th quarter of a football game or the sixth inning of a baseball game, especially when they are blow outs. Another thing I need to focus on is finding different ways to describe a rebound, hit, tackle, etc. Time to dig out the Thesaurus!
My body gets a bit of a break during the summer months. Climbing bleacher steps as you drag equipment behind can get old at times. What’s even worse is getting the dreaded call or email from the Athletic Director telling you visiting teams have to set up on the roof! Climbing that flimsy ladder from the press box to the roof is no fun. I need to look into hiring a Sherpa for some schools.
I have already gathered many football schedules for the upcoming football season. Looks like my first game will be September 1st as Stamford hosts Brock. Can’t wait!
