Courtesy Brockton Enterprise News

(March 3, 2009) Peter Czymbor’s cell phone reads like a Who’s Who list, an eclectic mix featuring everyone from rock stars to prominent athletes. But for the 21-year-old Brockton native, a local radio and television broadcaster, the unique road to success has taken countless hours of work and an intrepid approach to journalism.

When he was 9 — an age when most kids spend their days playing with video games and action figures — Czymbor was getting his start in broadcasting. After seeing a show on New England Cable News called “Kids Company’s Sports World,” which was a sports program designed for and worked on by kids, Czymbor wanted to get involved.

“Because I started at 9, I already have 12 years of experience. It has given me a jumpstart on my career, where a lot of people are just starting at my age,” said Czymbor.

Though kids involved with the show were supposed to be 10 years old, Czymbor was given a shot and recorded voice-overs for the program. One day Czymbor was given a rare opportunity to step into the spotlight for his on-screen debut.

Former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest had been scheduled to appear on the program, yet he failed to show. At the last second, producers ask Czymbor to appear on-camera as an impromptu replacement.

“It’s probably the only time in my life I’ll ever get to fill in for Willie McGinest,” laughed Czymbor.

Keeping busy

Czymbor hosts his own radio show — “Saturday Mornings with Peter Czymbor.” — on WXBR (1460 AM) from 11 until noon. Described by Czymbor as a “variety show,” guests on the program have ranged from former NFL quarterback Archie Manning to eccentric hip-hop artist Flavor Flav.

Additionally, Czymbor — who has been doing commentary for Brockton High sports since the late 1990s — is responsible for broadcasting all of the Brockton High basketball and football games, which he finds to be an enthralling experience.

“I love the excitement of calling games and how you’re in the moment. It’s like you are part of the game yourself,” said Czymbor.

For Miles Jackson, who has worked with Czymbor on Brockton High basketball telecasts, the sky is the limit for his partner.

“He can go a long way in this business,” said Jackson, who has known Czymbor for 15 years.

“He has the voice for broadcasting and he is very knowledgeable. He flows very easily with his words. ... He used to do the color commentary to the games while I did the play-by-play. But over the past few years, he has improved so much that I turned over the reigns to him.”

Proud parents

Czymbor is working on launching his own Web site, called nesportstv.com, which will feature on-demand sports video showcasing full-length games as well as reporting. The focus of the Web site will be niche sports, such as boxing and arena football.

Czymbor got the idea for the Web site after producing a video for a boxing match that ultimately accrued over 100,000 views on Youtube.

“I saw how successful on-line video can be,” said Czymbor. “There is a huge audience for it. It provided this spark that showed me how new media can be used.”

For Czymbor’s parents, his success comes as no surprise, given his rigorous approach to journalism.

“Peter has an amazing work ethic and thoroughly researches his subjects before interviews,” said his mother, Kathy Czymbor. “I was always amazed by how serious he is about each and every interview. As his mom, I may be biased, but I think that he has great potential and is he my favorite media personality.

“As a parent, you are always encouraged when your child finds a positive interest. I am fortunate that my son discovered his passion at a young age. I am proud of his accomplishments and enjoy watching him grow in his chosen profession.”

Czymbor graduated from Massasoit Community College in 2008 with a degree in media studies and will continue his education at Bridgewater State with a focus on communications.

Czymbor, who was the 2007 recipient of the Victoria Snelgrove Media Internship, hosted the pre- and post-game shows for the Brockton Rox radio broadcasts in 2007, among his many other broadcasting endeavors. According to Czymbor, in past years, it was not unusual to find him working from 4 a.m. until midnight.

In addition to broadcasting, Czymbor helps out Jimmy Young — who gave him his start at the NECN program — with his program called Young Sportscasters of America, which is based in Natick. Czymbor assists in teaching a younger generation about the art of sports broadcasting.

Czymbor has interviewed major names from across the sports and entertainment world. Among his favorite interviews are ESPN’s Peter Gammons, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, boxer Shane Mosley, former Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan, and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider.

Ultimately, Czymbor would like to call play-by-play for the NFL, college basketball or college football games for major television networks or radio stations. He cites Gil Santos, Jim Nantz and Jim Lampley among his major influences.

Hometown kid

According to Czymbor, growing up in Brockton has provided a wealth of opportunity to help his broadcasting career grow the way that it has.

“There is more opportunity in Brockton than people may think,” said Czymbor.

“There is a radio and a television station. There is a great program at the high school. There are a lot of platforms here in Brockton to help people progress in their careers.

“Without its great football team, I would have never had the chance to call a game in Gillette Stadium. Without its great basketball team, I would have never had the chance to call a game at the Garden. Because of its great boxing tradition, I had the opportunity to interview Marvin Hagler at the Fairgrounds.”