"I never really liked speaking in front of people," he said.

And yet, the 33-year-old broadcaster for Winona's HBC-TV 25 speaks to thousands of viewers.

Barrientos is being recognized for his play-by-play announcing with an Emmy nomination from the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

"Just growing up and listening and watching sports on TV and radio - it seemed like something I'd like to do," Barrientos said.

HBC-TV 25 General Manager Mary Malloy said Barrientos is a natural.

"He's so comfortable with the subject of sports, I don't think he sees a camera," Malloy said. "I think he's been a sports fan in vitro."

This is HBC's first Emmy nomination.

Barrientos, who has worked for HBC for eight years, is up against Fox Sports Net announcer Anthony La Panta and Timberwolves announcer Tom Hanneman.

The awards will be announced Sept. 26 at Pantages Theater in Minneapolis - although Barrientos might not attend.

He's busy planning his wedding - plus there's a game that night.

"I'd feel weird to skip out of a game to get an award," he said.

Barrientos said he tries to stay objective when he's announcing games, but sometimes it's hard. Like in 2006 when the Cotter girls basketball team broke a 20-year 47-game losing streak against Rochester Lourdes.

"There was just such electricity in the gym," the Cotter grad said. "That was one of my favorite games."

Barrientos prides himself on being able to remember names, numbers and statistics - something that can be particularly challenging when he's covering four games in one night.

His love of sports has made

its way into the wedding. Every-one is dressing up as his or

her favorite sports person for

the rehearsal dinner. Barrientos said he'll likely sport a Vikings

jersey.

Yes, it may be a cliché, but Barrientos is happy just to be nominated.

"I hope it shows the quality of stuff we do in Winona. A lot of times, the focus is on the Twin Cities," Barrientos said. "If we can get some recognition down here, that's good."