Courtesy East Tennessee State University

(June 11, 2010) ETSU senior John Stevens was named a finalist for the prestigious Jim Nantz award, the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA) recently announced and was later chosen as an STAA All-American. The award is regarded as the sports broadcasting’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

Stevens, a native of Charleston, S.C., finished as the No. 5 ranked college broadcaster in the country after the final voting, which was 12 spots better than last year. Stevens is a mass communications major with a concentration in broadcasting and plans to graduate in December or in May 2011. He is the executive producer of ETSU’s Buccaneer Sports Radio Network, as well as the nationally televised show “Inside Buc Sports” and the local show “ETSU Courtside.”

“John has proven to be one of our network’s best assets,” said Jay Sandos, Director of the Bucs Sports Network. “He is a tireless worker, who has gone the extra mile since stepping on campus. He works hard to improve his craft and seeks innovative ways to improve our broadcast, both on the radio and TV side of the network.”

The STAA All-America program recognizes the most outstanding collegiate radio sportscasters in the country. Each June, the nation's most outstanding collegiate sportscaster is presented the Jim Nantz Award, named in honor of the award winning CBS sports broadcaster. In addition, the top five runners-up will be awarded STAA All-America status.

“The aim of the STAA All-America program is to encourage collegiate sports broadcasters nationwide to strive to achieve their professional best,” says STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik. “We also want to recognize those students who have worked exceptionally hard to develop their sports broadcasting skills.” The Jim Nantz Award, named in honor of the 5-time Sports Broadcaster of the Year from CBS Sports, is the crown jewel of the STAA All-America program.

Jim Nantz Award candidates are ranked according to their ability across multiple radio and TV sports broadcasting genres, including play-by-play, sports update anchoring and sports talk show hosting. To be eligible for consideration, sportscasters need to demonstrate expertise in at least two sports broadcasting disciplines.

Stevens’ play-by-play experience includes ETSU women’s basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer, as well as the Southern Collegiate Baseball League’s Tennessee Tornado. His color commentary experience includes ETSU men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball. Last summer he was the public address announcer for the Johnson City Cardinals, an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as Milligan College men’s basketball team last winter. Stevens has accepted the play-by-play position with the Elizabethton Twins for the upcoming season.

Stevens is very appreciative of everyone at ETSU that has helped him get his career off to such a strong start.

“A hearty thanks to everyone who helped me along the way to this achievement, your encouragement, your praise, and your patience,” said Stevens.

Sportscasters Talent Agency of America CEO Chelesnik evaluated the sportscasters and chose the finalists. A panel including Learfield Sports Broadcast Manager Tom Boman, Indiana Pacers broadcaster Mark Boyle, veteran Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Tech University sportscaster Wes Durham, Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State University play-by-play broadcaster Paul Keels, New Orleans Hornets broadcaster Bob Licht and Virginia Tech University play-by-play broadcaster Bill Roth helped judge the finalists.

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