SPORTS BROADCASTING JOB FINDS VICKER

(June 29, 2009) Kevin Vicker knows first hand that one advantage of being an STAA client is that sports broadcasting jobs can find you. Vicker has been hired as a play-by-play broadcaster and account executive at KIUL radio in Garden City, KS. It was an opening he didn’t even know about.

The opportunity in Garden City was never publicized. Instead, KIUL parent company, Stecklein Communications turned straight to STAA. The company has used STAA to help fill past openings. When Stecklein Regional Manager Chad Jones called STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik, Chelesnik recommended Vicker. Vicker’s play-by-play ability and the sales experience he gained last summer working for the Dayton Cubs baseball team made him a good fit.

Vicker was working at an office supply store in Centennial, CO when he received a call from Jones.

“Chad got my name from Jon Chelesnik at STAA and he wanted to talk to me about the open position, Vicker says. “I wasn’t even looking for a job; I had been in Chicago. On my way back to Colorado I got a call about this unadvertised opening that I didn’t even know about.”

When Vicker came to STAA in the spring of 2008, he had been in the job market for more than a year without success. Just two months after STAA built Vicker a new demo and resume package and showcased his work in the STAA Talent Search, Vicker was hired by the Cubs. Now he has landed his first full-time broadcasting job.

“It’s definitely appealing when you can click something (his STAA Talent Page) up on the Internet and get people calling you with jobs,” Vicker says. “It’s not something I ever expected happening because there is so much demand for these jobs but it’s not a bad way to go.

Vicker graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2007 from Mesa State College in Colorado. In addition to his stint in Daytona, Vicker has worked at radio and TV stations in Grand Junction, CO.

“Thank you again to STAA for all the good work you put in for me.”

HARP LEADS NEW CHARLESTON STATION ON AIR AS PD

(June 19, 2009) Charleston, SC has a new sports radio outlet. 99.3 FM and 1390 AM WSPO have launched as Charleston's Sports Leader with STAA client Seth Harp at the helm. The new job also sees Harp return to the airwaves as the afternoon drive host.

Harp most recently served as Program Director at WNSP-FM in Mobile, AL. When he found out about the Charleston job through STAA. Harp was quick to submit his material for the opportunity with Apex Broadcasting, WSPO's owner.

"I updated my STAA Talent Page, contacted them via email and sent my Talent Page link,” Harp says. "By [applying] that way, I am able to jump to the front of the line when it comes to getting myself right in front of them.”

Harp's STAA Talent Page highlights his impressive background in raising ratings as a program director, sports director and sports talk host at WQSN in Kalamazoo, MI, ESPN 1480 in Lincoln, NE, and more recently as the morning drive host at WUMP in Huntsville, Alabama. Apex Broadcasting Operations Manager Bryan Taylor even had Harp's Talent Page printed out his desk in front of him when Harp arrived for an in person interview.

Starting at WSPO on March 22, Harp has been pulling together the finishing touches on the new station, including finalizing licensing and network broadcast agreements, and building the tower. He also worked on building the staff and cemented the station's lineup:

The Tony D. Morning Show (with Tony Desiere): 6 am - 9 am
Dan Patrick: 9 am - noon
Tim Brando: Noon - 3 pm
Southern Sports Now with Seth Harp: 3 pm - 7 pm
Tim Montemayor: 7 pm - 10 pm
Tony Bruno: 10 pm - 1 am
Sporting News Radio: 1 am - 6 am

Harp is excited about the fresh opportunities offered by the Charleston area, saying, "This market offers what no other market I have worked in does, and that is ability to reach two different platforms of fans, the ACC and the SEC. I get the best of both words. I get SEC football and ACC basketball, the two premiere conferences in their respective sports. They aren’t too shabby in baseball either.”

SCHEMMEL TAKES PLAY-BY-PLAY JOB AT COLORADO STATE

(June 19, 2009) Denver Nuggets broadcaster Jerry Schemmel is adding another play-by-play gig to his resume. Schemmel has been hired as the new play-by-play voice of Colorado State University football and basketball.

Schemmel has had radio and TV demos built by STAA and has used additional STAA services.

Schemmel has been the voice of the Nuggets since 1992. Last season he tailored a home games-only schedule with the Nuggets in order that he could simultaneously serve as head baseball coach at Metro State University in Denver. Metro State was a one-year commitment but Schemmel will continue his reduced Nuggets schedule. He will also serve as a host and analyst on selected programs for the Altitude Sports & Entertainment television network.

"Our fans listening over the air and on CSURams.com will have one of the most reputable and well-known announcers in the country painting a picture for them," Colorado State Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk said. "I'm ecstatic that we've secured an individual with the talents, skills and experience Jerry possesses."

DEMOS LANDS SPORTS BROADCASTING JOB IS CLOSE TO HOME

(June 8, 2009) Mike Demos didn’t have to go far for his next minor league baseball sports broadcasting job. An STAA client, Demos is the new play-by-play broadcaster for the Tri-City ValleyCats.

The ValleyCats are the Class A New York-Penn League affiliate of the Houston Astros. Their stadium in Troy, NY is less than 10 minutes from Demos’ home.

"It is a tremendous opportunity anytime you can call affiliated baseball,” Demos says. "Especially when the opportunity is right on your door step.”

It was last fall when ValleyCats Assistant GM Vic Christopher first told Demos that there might be a sports broadcasting opportunity with the team. Demos sent Christopher a hard copy of the demo and resume package that STAA had built for him, along with a link to his STAA Talent Page. Christopher and Demos spoke again this spring and Demos was offered the job.

Demos is no stranger to the New York-Penn League as he served as the radio broadcaster for the Lowell Spinners during the 2007 season.

A 2006 graduate of Elon University in North Carolina, Demos has additional professional baseball broadcasting experience serving as part of the Appalachian League's Burlington (N.C.) Indians broadcast team during the summer of 2006.

Demos suggests that being aggressive is critical when looking for sports broadcasting jobs.

"Aggressiveness is key, getting out there, calling people, attending the baseball winter meetings,” Demos says. "Even if you don’t get a job at the meetings, you meet people, you talk to people and things can sometimes work out down the line.”

A native of Canton, Massachusetts, Demos has spent the past three years in the Capital Region serving in various capacities within the Siena College Athletic Department. He is currently the broadcaster of Siena women's basketball as well as numerous other Siena sports.

KAYAL TAKES UNUSUAL ROAD TO PHILADELPHIA

(June 3, 2009) Nick Kayal has taken the road less traveled to his first major market sports broadcasting opportunity. Still, he has ended up right where he wanted to be. An STAA client, Kayal has been hired by WPEN 950 ESPN Radio in Philadelphia as a sports update anchor. Kayal will deliver news and scores every 20 minutes weeknights from 7 pm to 1 am.

Kayal’s path to WPEN is unusual. He has worked as a sports talk host in both Easton and Allentown, PA but has always had large market ambitions. When WPEN advertised a sports update position last summer, Kayal applied. The station end-up filling the responsibilities from within but Kayal stayed in touch, regularly emailed sports updates to WPEN and soliciting feedback. In January, they offered Kayal an internship. Figuring it was a great way to get his foot in the door, Kayal accepted. He eventually started doing some fill-in sports updates before earning the Monday through Friday opportunity.

In addition to updates, Kayal will be working as a producer and is hopeful of earning some weekend sports talk opportunities. His advice to others who are seeking sports broadcasting jobs is to realize that uncovering opportunities can be a grind.

"If you really want to do this for living, you have to take a low paying job and work way up ladder,” Kayal says. "You are not going to be a host overnight. Maybe it means taking an unpaid internship, it comes down to how much desire you have to succeed. If you are not willing to sacrifice for awhile, this is the wrong business.”

DENATALE LANDS FIRST PRO BASEBALL JOB

(May 15, 2009) For Dave DeNatale, his first minor league baseball sportscasting job is a major building block in his play-by-play career. An STAA client, DeNatale has been hired to broadcast games for the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League.

He will also assist in media relations and sales.

"It’s the first professional announcing assignment I’ve ever had,’ DeNatale says. "I have done college and high school but this is my first chance to do professional baseball. It’s being the voice of a team and being that team’s representative on the air for 96 nights and doing public appearance as voice of Crushers. I’m looking forward to that.”

DeNatale found out about the Crushers job through STAA.

"My STAA Talent Page was the first thing I sent when I learned of the opening,” he says. "I sent [the link to my page] that night. You always hear positive things about the Talent Page. It certainly has helped me out greatly. I’m going to continue to use it. I think the Talent Page is absolutely indispensable for what we’re trying to do. It’s unbelievably good. It’s worth every penny.”

DeNatale, who is also the voice of Oberlin College football and basketball, has spent the past 14 months doing sports for Metro Networks in Cleveland. When his sports broadcasting job fell victim to the economy, DeNatale was given the option of relocating to Detroit. He appreciated the opportunity, but it just didn’t feel quite right.

"My situation is the epitome of ‘when one door closes another opens,’ DeNatale says. "I wasn’t sure if would follow Metro to Detroit. This opportunity came along to stay home and it seemed too good to pass up.”

DeNatale is the fourth STAA client to accept a Frontier League sports broadcasting job this off-season. Chad Cooper and Curtis Bryant are the new voices of the Windy City Thunderbolts and Evansville Otters respectively and Scott Beatty is a broadcast intern with the Rockford RiverHawks.

DeNatale’s advice to other folks seeking sports broadcasting jobs is to stay with it.

"This can be a time that is challenging and a lot of people will tell you to get out of broadcasting,” DeNatale says. "Persistence pays off. You’ll find a way.”

VOLUNTEER WORK RESULTS IN SPORTSCASTING JOB FOR THAYER

(May 12, 2009) Two years of volunteer work have paid off handsomely for STAA client John Thayer. Thayer is joining the College Fanz Sports Network as Assistant Director of College Relations. He will serve as the weekly play-by-play voice for a national game of the week and provide Web coverage of Division II, Division III and NAIA athletics.

ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen created CFSN two years ago.

"I am excited to be a part of this new company, founded in 2007, and to help them attempt to make this all work,” Thayer says. "I’m also looking forward to getting into covering more of the higher level stuff rather than just the high school stuff I have done.”

Thayer is also excited about traveling.

"It’s going to give us the opportunity to go some places we never thought we would go. We’re going to be driving to these locations so we’ll have the opportunity to see quite a bit of the country.”

The sportscasting job came to Thayer as the result of some volunteer work he has been doing since 2007. In spring of that year, Thayer began covering NAIA Division II women’s college basketball for the Victory Sports Network and its founder Jason Dannelly. It was an unpaid position but Thayer told himself that it would be great experience and would someday pay off if he did the right things.

Dannelly eventually moved to the College Fanz Sports Network. When a full-time position opened at CSFN, Dannelly called Thayer. Thayer interviewed with CSFN founder Rasmussen, and was offered the job.

"I kept kidding Jason about getting me a $50,000 a year job for all the work I put in for him [at VSN],” Thayer says.

Thayer moves to CFSN from KSTH 92.3 in Holyoke, CO. A 2008 graduate of Doane College in Crete, NE, he has also worked at KUTT 99.5 in Fairbury, NE.

"People need to know that hard work and volunteer hours DO pay off in the long run,” Thayer says. "If I didn't do that I probably wouldn't have this opportunity.”

SUDIKOFF FINDS OPPORTUNITY CLOSE TO HOME

(May 8, 2009) Scott Sudikoff has found a terrific opportunity to advance his baseball broadcast career, and he didn’t have to look far to find it. An STAA client, Sudikoff is joining the radio team of the Can-Am League’s Brockton (MA) Rox.

The Rox stadium is just 20 minutes from Sudikoff’s home in Sharon, MA. Sudikoff will fill the Victoria Snelgrove Media Internship.

"It’s a really good situation and it’s close to home,” Sudikoff says.

The Can-Am League is not new to Sudikoff. A 2008 graduate of the University of Maryland, Sudikoff spent last summer calling play-by-play for the Worcester Tornados. It was then that he met Matt Futrell, Brockton’s Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations.

"If I didn’t have this previous relationship with Matt I don’t think this would have happened the way it did,” Sudikoff says

Sudikoff understands that advancing in minor league baseball play-by-play often requires skills outside the broadcast booth. With Brockton, Sudikoff will not only likely be doing some play-by-play, he will also be hosting pre and post game shows and a weekly radio show, working in media relations, helping with the team’s website and possibly even doing some sales. Sudikoff is eager to do all of it.

"I’m looking forward to just working in the office. I didn’t really do that last year with Worcester,” Sudikoff says. "Its good for me to have an opportunity that will keep me well-rounded.”

BEATTY CREATING SPORTSCASTING CAREER FROM SCRATCH

(May 5, 2009) Scott Beatty has a successful career in education. Like many sports fans, Beatty also had an interest in play-by-play. Unlike many sports fans, Beatty decided to turn his dream into reality. An STAA client, Beatty has landed a broadcasting/media relations internship with the Rockford RiverHawks of the Frontier baseball league.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside Bill Czaja, who is a respected veteran broadcaster,” Beatty says. "I'm also excited to experience a professional sports broadcasting environment.”

Beatty is employed full-time by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA at the University of Illinois. Prior to that he worked three years as an educator. Play-by-play, though, has always been his dream.

Last fall, Beatty took over as Sports Director at WPCD-FM, the campus radio station for Parkland Community College in Champaign, IL. He manages a volunteer student staff and broadcasts Parkland College men’s and women’s basketball and baseball.

This spring, Beatty decided to he was ready for the next step in new career -- minor league baseball. He enlisted STAA to build his demo and resume package and to showcase them in the STAA Talent Search.

"Thank you for all the help STAA has given,” Beatty says. "My Talent Page was very helpful. I was able to send it out to several perspective employers. I had five interviews and two offers.”

The internship with Rockford is actually the result of another sports broadcasting job for which Beatty applied.

"This opportunity came to me because of the STAA posting with the Florence Freedom,” Beatty says. "I interviewed with them back in March. Although they went a different direction, [Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations] Josh Anderson still liked my stuff and submitted my name to Rockford.”

"I'm excited to be living and breathing baseball for this summer!”

SECOND TIME IS THE CHARM FOR KUSHEL

(May 1, 2009) Alex Kushel was thrilled when the Forest City Owls offered him their baseball play-by-play job, especially since the team had told him just a week earlier that they had chosen someone else.

An STAA client, Kushel has been hired as the Owl’s Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting. Kushel is the fourth STAA client to join the Coastal Plain League this season. The others are Dale Long of the Edenton Steamers, Dan Hasty of the Wilson Tobs and Kushel’s University of Miami classmate and good friend Alex Margulies of the Outer Banks Daredevils.

Kushel and Margulies both attended STAA’s Play-by-Play seminar in Las Vegas last December.

"This is a great up and coming organization,” Kushel says, "They set the league record in attendance last year in their inaugural season and they were the CPL’s Organization of the Year.”

Kushel applied for the Owls gig when he saw it on the STAA sportscasting job in early April and he immediately made a great impression. Ultimately, Kushel was runner-up for the position but when the Owls initial option experienced a change of heart, the opportunity went to Kushel.

"I give all the credit to STAA,” Kushel says. "I was able to send the link to my STAA Talent Page. They immediately interviewed me for the position. The STAA website was really, really beneficial to me, sending out Talent Page links to employers in this and other leagues. It really provided assistance to me and made it easy to contact employers.”

In addition to his broadcasting duties, Kushel will be charged with outreach to local media outlets and writing a post-game story following every Owls game for the team’s website. He joins the Owls after serving as the Sports and Programming Director at WVUM 90.5FM (Miami, FL) for the past two years. Last summer, Kushel handled play-by-play and public address duties for select contests of the Falmouth Commodores of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Kushel will earn a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Sport Administration from the University of Miami (FL) in May. At Miami, he served as the lead play-by-play voice for Miami Hurricanes sports, where his experience included broadcasting baseball from the College World Series in Omaha, college football from the Orange Bowl, and ACC basketball from Cameron Indoor Stadium.

This past fall, Kushel teamed up to work alongside former Miami Dolphins tight end Ed Perry to call the South Florida High School Football Game of the Week for a fourteen-week season. He has also served as a senior sports writer for the Miami Hurricane and as a freelance journalist for the Forum Publishing Group (Plantation, FL).

Kushel’s advice to other sportscasting job seekers is to be aggressive.

"It’s a lot about perseverance,” he says. "If you don’t get the first job right off the bat you have to stay with it. I applied to multiple jobs and sent my page to multiple employers. Sometimes you don’t hear back and you have to follow up. Not always going to be easy right away.

"Play-by-play has always been a passion of mine. This is a great first step to finally advance my career in the field.”

RIGGS LEAVING PRINT MEDIA FOR PLAY-BY-PLAY

(April 23, 2009) David Riggs is excited to be leaving the print media for a baseball play-by-play job. An STAA client, Riggs has been hired as the voice of the Geneva Red Wings of the New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL).

"I found out about the internship through STAA, and all the materials I sent them came from my STAA Talent Page,” Riggs says. "Thank you very much [to STAA] for working to create the page and put together my demo tape. I am very excited to be making the switch back from print to broadcast.”

Riggs has been working in newspaper for the past month.

"I have broadcast softball before but this is going to be my first summer-long baseball broadcasting opportunity,” Riggs says. "I’m really just looking forward to getting back into play-by-play. I have the basketball and softball experience but you need to be able to do baseball to get the jobs from here on out.”

In the NYCBL, all 21 home games, as well as home playoff games are the responsibility of the home team. Riggs will handle those responsibilities for Geneva, in addition to being in charge of all pre-game prep work and other responsibilities as assigned.

The Red Wings play home games at historic McDonough Park, the site of Pete Rose's first professional hit while playing for the Geneva RedLegs of the New York-Penn League in 1960.

Riggs is a 2008 graduate, Cum Laude, from Boston University.

"This is a really good first step for me,” he says.

EX-PLAYER RICHARDS LANDS PLAY-BY-PLAY GIG

(April 13, 2009) STAA client Judson Richards has enjoyed uncanny success in his transition to a baseball play-by-play career -- three applications, three interviews and two offers. The offer he has accepted is to be the Play-by-Play Broadcaster/Media Relations Director for the San Angelo Colts of United League Baseball.

A former minor league player with the San Francisco Giants, Richards is looking forward to experiencing the game from behind the mike.

"Getting back into baseball and getting to know one team specifically and getting to share that with the audience is something I’m looking forward to,” Richards says. "I am also looking forward to traveling with the team, watching the season unfold and getting to share that with Colts fans.”

Richards has spent the past year as a weekend sports anchor/reporter at KLST-TV in San Angelo. He missed baseball, though, and wanted to find a way back into the game. He chose play-by-play as his avenue. He did a practice game to get some tape and then joined the STAA Talent Search.

"The three jobs I have applied for since I gained play-by-play experience and joined STAA, I got call backs from,” Richards says. "I interviewed for all three. It definitely happened much faster than I thought. The first two interviews were less than three hours apart.

"Once I put together a demo and using my STAA Talent Page it is so user friendly.”

Richards had already packed his bags and was preparing to move out-of-state for a different minor league broadcasting job when he learned of the opportunity in his own back yard. He had done some volunteer work at the Colts radio station. When the play-by-play job opened, the station owner put in a word for Richards with the team. Richards also sent the link to his STAA Talent Page to Colts GM Mike Babcock, who liked what he heard.

With the Colts, Richards will be working with manager Doc Edwards, the former Cleveland Indians skipper and a resident of San Angelo.

Richards tips his cap to STAA for their assistance.

"Thanks again for all of your help,” Richards told STAA. "I have been looking forward to the day when I could tell you I got a job but I certainly didn’t think it would happen this soon."

SPOLANE TO CALL ROCKIES ROOKIE LEAGUE BASEBALL

(April 8, 2009) STAA client Adam Spolane is excited to be in affiliated baseball for the first time. Spolane, who spent last season broadcasting in an independent league, has been hired to call play-by-play for the Casper Ghosts, the Pioneer rookie league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

Spolane will call all Ghosts road games. At home, he will serve as the on-field MC while veteran broadcaster Tim Ray handles the play-by-play. Spolane will also work in media relations and sales.

"Being with an affiliated club is a great opportunity,” Spolane says. "Just talking to people who have been around, that is one thing they said I needed to do. They say it is totally different from indy ball where I was last year.”

Spolane spent last summer with the Pensacola Pelicans of the American Association. In February, he emailed each of the Pioneer teams prospecting for opportunities. At the time, the Ghosts said they weren’t yet ready to bring someone on board. When Spolane received an offer from another team in March, he first called the Ghosts. This time, they offered him the job.

His STAA Talent Page has been a primary tool in Spolane’s job search.

"I always put my STAA Talent Page link in my emails,” Spolane says. "It makes everything a lot easier. I don’t have to upload files and fill-up people’s mailboxes. It is a lot easier to just send the link. I think that teams and GMs feel the some way.”

A 2008 graduate of the University of Indiana, Spolane broadacast Hoosier’s baseball during the 2008 season. He has interned with two different sports radio stations in Houston (Sports Radio 610 and ESPN 97.5 the Ticket) over three summers.

Spolane is looking forward to the change of scenery that will come with the move to Wyoming.

"It is my first summer not being in the Gulf Coast. Not having to sweat as soon as you step outside will be nice.”

PALASZCUK JOINS FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TEAM

(April 7, 2009) Growing up, Will Palaszczuk’s family vacationed annually near Savannah, GA and regularly attended Savannah Sand Gnats baseball games. Now Palaszczuk, an STAA client, is joining the team as a Broadcasting/Media Relations Assistant for the 2009 season.

The Sand Gnats and the Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets.

In Savannah, Palaszczuk will work alongside Director of Broadcasting Mike Passanisi, a former student in the sports broadcasting class taught by STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik at Palomar College near San Diego.

The Sand Gnats position has been open since December, yet the opportunity came very quickly for Palaszczuk.

"I saw the opening on STAA sportscasting job,” Palaszczuk says. "I didn’t even apply until last Tuesday. They called the next day and offered me the job on Friday. I applied for dozens of jobs. It is almost poetic justice that it worked out this way on such short notice.”

Palaszczuk, who was recently named an Honorable Mention STAA Collegiate Sportscasting All-America and who attended STAA’s play-by-play seminar in December in Las Vegas, believes the job was meant to be.

"I grew up watching the Sand Gnats," Palaszczuk says. "I remember seeing Roger McDowell when he was the pitching coach for Vero Beach. I had him sign one of the cards from the ’86 Mets.

"The Mets are my team, its Savannah and my parents have a summer home in nearby Hilton Head so I’ll be living rent free and alone, which is the best of both worlds.

The Sand Gnats opportunity came to Palaszczuk only after another job lead fell through. He was a finalist for a job with the Asheville Tourists. When he didn’t get it, Tourists Director of Broadcasting Jay Burnham put in a call to Savannah on Palaszczuk’s behalf.

"I put the link to my STAA Talent Page in my email to the Sand Gnats,” Palaszczuk says. "They liked how everything was right there and carefully constructed. It really helps. It helps me put myself out there and separates myself. It’s a powerful tool. It is a weapon that can’t be foregone. You almost have to use it. I owe it all to STAA. It is what originally put me out there and made me a player.

"[Chef] Paula Dean has season tickets and does a lot of stuff with the team. Maybe I’ll end up at her house for some home cooking.”

MCKAY JOINS DENVER SPORTS RADIO

(April 6, 2009) STAA client JJ McKay has joined DenverSportsRadio.com, an online Sports station, as a midday host. McKay will work alongside Rick "The Coach" Marshall.

DenverSportsRadio.com is a new venture headed by veteran sports broadcaster Dino Costa.

McKay, who will also serve as imaging and engineering director, will host 11 am -1 pm on the station. DenverSportsRadio.com plans to launch April 20th.

"in formulating my plans to bring Denverites the best and most entertaining sports talk radio possible, it was of paramount importance to me that our shows possess an entertaining flavor, with hosts who are unpredictable, not afraid to speak their minds, and who can develop spontaneous and irreverent content on a regular and consistent basis," Costa says.

"JJ and Rick have demonstrated the ability to procure memorable and fun radio programs in the past, and when I think about combining a new format with their passion for Denver sports, in addition to their tremendous artistic talents, I have no question that this show will become a integral part of our on-air success. I can't wait to hear them and I know they'll be very successful."

McKay is a major market veteran, having worked in Denver and Dallas among several other top 20 markets. He is a former Colorado Rockies stui0 host and most recently served as Sports Director for the Basin Radio Network in Gillette, WY.

FLEMMING FOLLOWS PASSION INTO MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

(April 3, 2009) When Will Flemming decided he wanted to leave his lucrative business career to pursue his play-by-play passion, he called STAA. Three months later, Flemming has been hired as the No.2 play-by-play broadcaster with the Lancaster JetHawks, the Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros.

With Lancaster, Flemming will work alongside fellow STAA client Jeff Lasky, the team’s Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations.

"I just wanted to thank you for helping me get set up with STAA,” Flemming told STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik. "I feel like the Talent Page really helped me get the Lancaster job.”

A student broadcaster while studying at Stanford, Flemming will handle the play-by-play for the middle three innings at all JetHawks home games and selected road contests. He will also play a role on the Pre-Game, Post-Game, and Clubhouse Shows, as well as assist the JetHawks media relations department and help prepare informational material for the JetHawks video board.

"We’ve been very impressed by Will Flemming’s energy and dedication since joining the organization,” says JetHawks GM Larry Thornhill.

All JetHawks games will be broadcast this season on Magic 1340. A live stream of the game will also broadcast online at JetHawks.com. Lasky and Flemming will be joined in the broadcast booth by color commentator and Major League veteran Andrew Allanson.

"This is my second week [on the job] and I can already tell this was the right move for me,” Flemming says.

STUDYING THE JOB MARKET PAYS OFF FOR MARGULIES

(April 1, 2009) Alex Margulies’ studying of the sports broadcasting job market has paid off. An STAA client, Margulies has been hired as the play-by-play voice of the Outer Banks Daredevils, a summer collegiate baseball team in Kill Devil Hills, NC

The Daredevils play in the Coastal Plain League.

Margulies, who graduates from the University of Miami in May, has spent the past several months preparing for the job market.

"I visit the STAA website almost daily,” Margulies says. "I saw a story about a client (Dale Long) who landed a job in the CPL by sending his STAA Talent Page to all of the teams. That gave me the idea to fire off emails with my Talent Page.”

The Daredevils already had a broadcaster lined up when Margulies contact them. That deal fell though, though, opening the door for Margulies.

"They listened to my stuff on my STAA Talent Page, they liked it and they offered me the job. It all happened in about a week,” Margulies says.

In addition to his regular visits to the STAA website, Margulies further prepared himself for the sportscasting job search by visiting several recent industry events. He attended STAA’s play-by-play seminar and baseball’s Winter Meetings last December in Las Vegas, and the recent National Broadcasting Society seminar in New York.

"Attending the STAA seminar and getting a chance to network really helped me,” Margulies says. "It gave me different ideas of how to get a job and how to better accomplish my goals. I learned that I have to be very aggressive. If I didn’t go to the seminar I don’t think I would have got as far with the job in Fort Myers.”

Margulies finished as the runner-up last month for a broadcasting job with the Class-A Fort Myers Miracle.

At the University of Miami, Margulies has been the play-by-play broadcaster for baseball, football, men's and women's basketball and volleyball for WVUM 90.5 FM. He is ranked as the 17th best collegiate sportscaster in the country in the most recent STAA Top 20 poll.

"I enjoy covering all sports, but baseball is my favorite and definitely my passion," Margulies said. "I've looked at places to work this summer and remembered the CPL. I've vacationed on the Outer Banks and thought if I could work there it would be a great gig."

In addition to covering all 30 Daredevils home games, Margulies will also write feature pieces on the team for www.obxdaredevils.com to give fans more in-depth Outer Banks coverage.

"This is big for our team and fans listening to have Alex calling our games," Outer Banks General Manager Owen Hassell says. "He has a wealth of experience and has seen some great baseball at Miami. I enjoyed being the webcaster last season, but I am certain Alex will take it to a much higher level."

AGGRESSIVENESS LANDS LARSON JOB IN KC BASEBALL JOB

(March 27, 2009) Aggressiveness isn’t naturally part of Ben Larson’s personality. It is something he has to force himself to be in the job market. His efforts have paid off.

An STAA client, Larson has been hired as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Kansas City T-Bones baseball club of the Northern League.

Larson found the job on the STAA website. He also had his demo and resume built by STAA and is in the STAA Talent Search.

"Thanks for all your help and the work you do with STAA,” Larson says. "Without it, I wouldn't have this opportunity!”

Ironically, Larson got the T-Bones job in part because he didn’t get another job. Larson was a finalist for a broadcast job with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The man he interviewed with, Tommy Thrall, is the man he is replacing in Kansas City. When Larson didn’t get the Pelicans gig, he asked Thrall if he would put in a good word for Larson with the T-Bones.

"Its not in my personality to be pestering,” Larson says. "Its not easy but you have to do it.”

Larson applied for the T-Bones position by mailing a hard copy of his CD and resume, then following-up with an email that included the link to his STAA Talent Page.

Larson moves to the T-Bones from the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods League, where he spent the past two seasons. (The Mallards tells STAA they already have a succession plan in place and are not soliciting applications for the position.) He will continue his responsibilities with WIBA-AM, WTSO-AM in Madison, WI, including his studio host role on the University of Wisconsin Badgers Radio Network.

In Kansas City, Larson is looking forward to calling games every day and traveling throughout the Northern League.

"All six teams pretty much have new stadiums and attendance is real good,” Larson says. "I have been in a similar situation in Madison where the Mallards had the highest attendance [of any collegiate summer league team] in nation. The T-Bones have that situation too. The atmosphere is great. Everywhere you go on the road in the league is like that.

Larson’s advice to others in the sportscasting job market is to network.

"Make a much more concerted effort to get to know whoever you can,” Larson suggests. "You certainly have to make a big effort to reach out as much as possible. Take advantage of every opportunity that you can.”

HAWKINS WORTH WAITING FOR IN OKLAHOMA

(March 23, 2009) Dan Hawkins loved the basketball play-by-play fill-in work he did this season for Z92 KMZE in Woodward, OK. Management loved him too and offered him a fill-time job. His military commitment prevented Hawkins from accepting the job then. Six weeks later, though, the station has decided Hawkins is worth waiting for.

An STAA client, Hawkins has been hired full-time at KMZE. He will begin this fall after completing his service to the U.S. Air Force, where he has served our country for the past 20 years. He also has a summer commitment to a minor league baseball team on the West Coast, one that will hopefully include some broadcasting.

"I did quite a bit of fill-in for [KMZE],” Hawkins says. "In the span of a month I did 13 or 14 games all over the western part of the state. They had a chance to hear more of my work than just that first weekend.”

In addition to play-by-play, Hawkins will also produce and co-host a daily sports talk at KMZE and will handle some sportscasting responsibilities on a local cable TV station.

"As far as I’m concerned, it’s a great opportunity for me to work around baseball and to get some experience in areas where I don’t have any because I’ve been in the military for 20 years,” Hawkins says.

Hawkins moved to Oklahoma last year from Hawaii. While in the islands, he spent several years selling and broadcasting a variety of high school play-by-play events.

Hawkins approached STAA last fall to build his demo and resume and to join the STAA Talent Search. He also attended STAA’s seminar for play-by-play broadcasters in Las Vegas last December. When KMZE had a sudden and immediate need for a play-by-play broadcaster in February, they called STAA. STAA referred them to Hawkins. Hawkins expressed gratitude to STAA at the time for helping arrange the opportunity."

Thanks [to STAA] for having your service up and available,” Hawkins says. "It does pay off. STAA has provided a valuable service to broadcasters as we try to break into the business!”

FROM ALASKA TO NORTH CAROLINA FOR LONG

(March 17, 2009) STAA client Dale Long has been hired as play-by-play broadcaster and Director of Media Relations for the Edenton Steamers of the Coastal Plain League.

Long, from Terre Haute, Ind., brings a wealth of collegiate broadcasting experience to the Steamers position. The recent Indiana State University graduate has been the voice of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Ind.) athletics for the past three years, covering over 70 football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball games each year. He was the main broadcaster for ISU women’s basketball for one season, and also broadcasted Sycamore football, men’s basketball, and baseball, while serving as sports director of the college’s radio station, WISU-FM.

Last summer, Long shared play-by-play announcing responsibilities for the Mat-Su Miners (Palmer, Alaska) of the summer collegiate Alaska Baseball League. He also helped keep team statistics and handled some media relations responsibilities.

Long learned of the Edenton opportunity through networking. He heard that several teams in the Coastal Plain League were looking for broadcasters. He didn't know which ones, though, so he sent the link to his STAA Talent Page to all of them.

"The Talent Page made the application process easier because I could just send everything (demo and resume) all at once," Long says. "The Talent Page is something that is easier for [employers] to look through and decipher. It just makes it easier sending your whole page instead of a CD, resume, cover letter and everything like that.

"Being a broadcaster for the Edenton Steamers will further enhance my career and move me closer to my ultimate goal of being a Major League Baseball announcer,” stated Long, who majored in communications with a concentration in radio-tv-film at Indiana State. "I will be like the players that I will be covering on the field - looking to expand my skills for a chance as a professional.

"I had a great experience last summer broadcasting in the Alaska Baseball League, one of the nation’s top collegiate leagues, and I am looking forward to covering the high level of competition in the Coastal Plain League this summer,” Long said. "The Steamers are going to have another strong season and I will be happy to go along for the ride.”

In the area of media relations, Long has assisted the sports information office at Rose-Hulman, writing feature stories for the college’s athletics web page and game coverage.''

Long's advice to other broadcasters in the job market is to stay aggressive. "Stay aggressive. "I got turned down by four or five other openings but I didn’t let that deter me," Long says. "I was determined to find a job and despite the bad economic situation I was determined to find a job that met my needs to help me move up to Class A next year."

LAASER LANDS MONTGOMERY BISCUITS BASEBALL JOB

(March 5, 2009) The Montgomery Biscuits, Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, are pleased to announce the addition of Jon Laaser to the Biscuits organization as the "Voice of the Biscuits." An STAA client, Laaser will serve as the team's lead radio announcer and provide the radio play-by-play call of all 140 Biscuits regular season games in 2009 on News Radio 1440.

A native of Minneapolis, MN, Laaser joins the Biscuits after serving two seasons with Greensons Baseball LP. Most recently, Laaser was the Director of Broadcasting & Communications for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Advanced-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves in Myrtle Beach, SC. In 2007, Laaser was a broadcaster for the Altoona Curve (Double-A - Pittsburgh Pirates) in Altoona, PA.

"In the interest of continuing to provide our great fans with top-notch broadcasts of our games, we conducted an exhaustive search for the Biscuits new voice," said Biscuits' President & General Manager Greg Rauch. "We received interest from countless talented candidates and are extremely excited that we found a perfect fit with Jon."

In addition to his on-air duties, Laaser will also write and design the 2009 Biscuits Media Guide, provide daily media materials and games stories, coordinate media operations and contribute team-related content to BiscuitsBaseball.com.

Prior to his time with Greensons Baseball, Laaser spent 2006 as the lead broadcaster for the Yakima Bears (Short-A - Arizona Diamondbacks) of the Northwest League. In 2005, he was part of the broadcast team for the St. Paul Saints (Independent - Northern). He began his baseball broadcasting career as the lead announcer for the St. Cloud River Bats (Summer Collegiate - Northwoods) in 2003 and 2004.

"I am thrilled to join the Biscuits and become part of the Montgomery community," Laaser said. "I have always admired the Biscuits organization and the work that Jim (Tocco) has done to establish an outstanding connection between the Biscuits and their great fans." "The opportunity to continue the fine broadcasting tradition in Montgomery is one I am greatly looking forward to."

Laaser has compiled a diversified broadcasting resume, which includes providing play-by-play of both the Minnesota football and basketball high school state championships for KFAN radio in Minneapolis. He has also served as a show host, reporter and producer for the ESPN Radio affiliate.

Recently, he assumed the role of "Voice of the Buccaneers" as the lead radio announcer for Charleston Southern University football and basketball. He plans to continue in that capacity in the off-season.

ROGOL NAMED PLAY-BY-PLAY VOICE FOR BRIDGEPORT

(March 4, 2009) When the Bridgeport Bluefish asked STAA for help in finding a radio play-by-play broadcaster, Josh Rogol’s name was the first to come up. An STAA client, Rogol has been hired as the team’s Broadcast Coordinator.

Bridgeport plays in the independent Atlantic League. Rogol will handle play-by-play for all 140 of their games and is in charge of selling the broadcast.

"Mike Pfaff (Senior VP of Past Time Partners, which owns the team) called me,” says STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik. "He needed a play-by-play announcer but preferred to not publicize the opening. When he told me what he was looking for, I immediately told him about Josh. Josh is a skilled play-by-play broadcaster, he has sales experience and he lives in Connecticut.

"My only question was whether Josh was returning to the Montgomery Biscuits, where he worked last summer. When he told me he was available, I suggested he call Mike right away.”

"There’s a good chance that without STAA the Bluefish might not have come upon my work,” Rogol says.

In addition to working as the No. 2 broadcaster with Montgomery last summer, Rogol spent the 2007 season handling play-by-play and sales for the Visalia Oaks of the California League. He is the 11th STAA client to accept a new job within the past month.

Bridgeport didn’t have radio last season, so Rogol will be building the broadcast from the ground up.

"Being back in a lead role again and being able to run my own show is definitely something I am excited about,” Rogol says. "I am also looking forward to checking out a new league that is in the Northeast and is really close to my hometown. It is really convenient that I get to stay local and call baseball in the Northeast this summer”

SECOND TIME IS THE CHARM FOR HASTY, TOBS

(March 2, 2009) Sometimes employers really do keep job applications on file. One year after applying unsuccessfully for the Wilson Tobs baseball play-by-play job, STAA client Dan Hasty is the new Voice of the Tobs. He got the job because the team kept his application on file.

"It all happened really fast,” Hasty says. "It was looking more and more like I was going to be heading back to Great Lakes for another season.”

Hasty, who spent the past two seasons as a broadcast and media relations assistant with the Great Lakes Loons, had interviewed for the Tobs job last year. He didn’t get the job but he did make a good impression on General Manager Ben Jones. When the job opened again this season, Jones called Hasty. There wasn’t even another interview, just an offer. "If you want it, it is yours.” Jones said.

With the Tobs, Hasty will be the lead play-by-play broadcaster for 29 home games and 29 road games, plus playoffs. He will also have media relations and website responsibilities and will have the opportunity to earn sales commissions.

"I’m looking forward to a new experience,” Hasty, 23, says. "This is unlike something I have ever done. When you get older its tough to take these types of chances in the industry. Where I’m at in this stage in my life this is a gamble I should be taking. Plus you can’t beat good ol’ Southern hospitality.”

Hasty is the third STAA client to broadcast for the Tobs, following Eric Kopp and Charlie Beattie.

The Tobs play in the Coastal Plain collegiate summer league. The league has a track record of producing great talent; including Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who pitched for Wilson.

Hasty suggests that networking is one of the most important things a broadcaster can do in the job market. "Just as important as sending out your demo tapes is getting to meet people. I probably sent out 15 to 20 resumes this off season. The job I ended up landing was the job I didn’t send a demo and resume to. If you pay attention to the relationships you have with people, that is just as important as sending out those demos and resumes.

"Ever since I was five I have wanted to call games on the radio. I’ve wanted to be the lead guy on the broadcast. Now I get to fulfill a dream.”

FARBER JOINS TRIPLE-A SKY SOX RADIO

(February 25, 2009) Sam Farber is on the fast track. At just 25 years old, Farber is joining the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Triple-A, Colorado Rockies) radio broadcast team.

An STAA client, Farber will work alongside longtime radio play-by-play man Dan Karcher for this season's radio broadcast on AM-1460 KZNT. This season will also mark a milestone for Karcher, as it will mark his 20th with the Sky Sox.

Farber says his STAA Talent Page played an important role in the application process.

"STAA makes it easier to make initial contact with employers because they don’t have to wait for something to arrive in the mail,” Farber says. "It saved me a step in that I had a webpage that I knew worked and that I knew I would get my stuff in front of the [the team] in another way.”

A San Jose, CA native, Farber will begin his eighth year in broadcasting. He received a bachelor's degree in Journalism from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. He followed up his BA with a masters degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California, where he received the Director's Award for Excellence.

During his broadcasting career, Farber has spent time calling games for a number teams. While working for WRGW/Colonials Radio Network, he called games for the George Washington Colonials men's and women's basketball teams, while also hosting the number one rated sports talk show, Coast to Coast. Farber also spent time as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Bowie Baysox, the Baltimore Orioles Double-A affiliate, the Cal-State Northridge baseball and women's basketball teams, and the Santa Clara University women's basketball and men's soccer teams.

Farber understands he has been given a very unique opportunity so early in his young career by joining the Sky Sox.

"At 25, I am very young in this business, so I feel very fortunate and humble; I am honored to be in Triple-A," Farber said.

Sky Sox fans can expect to hear a vibrant voice and experience an up-tempo style when Farber joins Karcher in the booth this season.

"I'll bring a lot of energy and passion to work." Farber said, "I love this business and I love this job and know what a treat it is to do it. It's the best job in the world."

After covering such a wide range of sports, Farber shed some light on why he chose to cover baseball with the Sky Sox.

"Baseball is more so than any other sport, a community based game. People just feel connected to baseball more than other sports." Farber said, "You never know when the big moment is coming, you are always on pins and needles every time you watch, at least I am."

Karcher and Farber will broadcast all 144 Sky Sox games this season starting April 9 on AM-1460 KZNT.

BRYANT TO BROADCAST OTTERS BASEBALL

(February 23, 2009) When the Evansville Otters wanted to conduct a private search for a play-by-play broadcaster, they turned to STAA. Now, the search is over and the team has hired STAA client Curtis Bryant, a student in the sports broadcasting class taught by STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik at San Diego’s Palomar College.

The Otters play in minor league baseball’s Frontier League. Bryant is the fifth STAA client to work on their broadcasts in either full-time or internship positions. The others are Jason Troop, Nick Vlietstra, Matt Pauley, and Chad Cooper.

This time around, the Otters decided they wanted to keep their search private. They asked STAA to compile a list of candidates, and the agency recommended several clients in and around the Great Lakes region. Then, almost as an afterthought, Chelesnik thought of Bryant.

“Curtis didn’t come immediately to mind simply because he doesn’t live in that part of the country,” Chelesnik says. “A couple days after I sent the Otters the initial list of candidates, it occurred to me that Curtis would also be very much worth considering. I asked Liz Lewis [of the Otters front office] if I could give Curtis her phone number. He then called her, emailed the link to his STAA Talent Page, and got things going.

“I am always thrilled when one of STAA’s clients gets a job. In this case, though, with Curtis being one of my students, I am even more excited.”

Bryant is a recent graduate of San Diego State University. His play-by-play experience includes Palomar College football, basketball and baseball, and San Diego County high school football and basketball.

“I can’t thank [Jon Chelesnik] enough for all of his instruction and for giving my name and my resume to the Otters to get the ball rolling,” Bryant says.

Bryant is the second of Chelesnik’s former students to land a minor league baseball job. Mike Passanisi is entering his second season as the voice of the New York Mets' Class-A team, the Savannah Sand Gnats.

“I’ve been in San Diego all my life so I’m anxious to live in another part of the country and from everything I’ve looked up, Evansville is a real nice city,” Bryant says.

“Nine innings of play-by-play and it is all me. It's all the experience I could ever want.”

VLIETSTRA TO CALL EL PASO DIABLOS BASEBALL

(February 20, 2009) Nick Vlietstra spent the past five months in the job market without a single offer. Then suddenly, within the past two weeks, he received two offers. The one he has accepted is the No. 1 radio play-by-play position with the El Paso Diablos Baseball Club of the American Association.

An STAA client, Vlietstra spent last summer as a broadcasting intern with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League.

"It’s exciting to be able to move up and be part of a good organization in El Paso and to be part of very good league in the American Association,” Vlietstra says. "I am also looking forward to the challenge of having my own number one spot in broadcasting. I’m excited for the challenge of performing and being able to do it throughout an entire season.”

In addition to broadcasting, Vlietstra will help in media and public relations and will have the option of assisting in sales.

The Diablos job came through Vlietstra’s network of contacts. A friend of his from the Frontier League told him about the El Paso job. Vlietstra sent the link to his STAA Talent Page to Diablos General Manager Matt LaBranche. Just one day later, he received a call from LaBranche.

"My STAA Talent Page makes it so easy to apply for jobs -- just by being able to send a quick email to somebody, introduce yourself and include a link to your Talent Page,” Vlietstra says. "They can click right on it and it is easy for them. Everything they need is right in front of them.”

Vlietstra, who attended STAA’s play-by-play seminar in Las Vegas in December, suggests that the biggest thing that other sportscasters in the job market can do for themselves is to network, network, and network.

"The biggest thing I’ve learned through this is how valuable contact are. Not just contacts within your own sport but contacts throughout a variety of sports. This is a job I basically got because of who I knew. [Broadcasting] is such a big business but it gets so much smaller when it gets down to whom you know.

"In two weeks I received two job offers. That’s pretty nice.”

FELDMAN HIRED AS SPORTS DIRECTOR AT WIXC

(February 12, 2009) Ryan Feldman will be the first person to tell you that opportunity sometimes knocks when you least expect it. A unique story has led Feldman, an STAA client, to his new job as Sports Director at WIXC in Melbourne, FL.

Feldman moves to Florida from Philadelphia where he has been working as a producer at WIP. In his new position, Feldman will handle high school football and basketball play-by-play, and will anchor afternoon newscasts.

"I've been trying to get a [on air] radio job for last two years‚" Feldman says. "I jumped at the chance."

The circumstances that led Feldman to his new opportunity are truly unique. Feldman's family maintains homes in both Pennsylvania and Florida. While in Florida, Feldman's mother attended a Chamber of Commerce event where she met WIXC GM Kevin Fennessy. Feldman sent his portfolio to Fennessy and ended-up with a job.

"This is what I went to school for and what I have wanted to do since I was little‚" Feldman says. "It has been a struggle because of how tough the industry and the job market are. I'm just excited to finally be able to have a job and hopefully use that to get better, build my resume and start a long radio career."

In addition to radio, Feldman hosts the basketball website TheHoopsReport.com.

Feldman's advice to other young sportscasters in the job market is to make as many connections as possible. "Get out and do as many things as you can so you can meet people," he says. "Really the only way to get a job these days is to know somebody or to know somebody who knows somebody. It is all about connections."

One thing Feldman is especially looking forward to about his new job is the warm weather.

"When I as in college at Temple and people asked me what I want to do, I always thought I would have to move to Iowa or North Dakota. Florida is definitely better than Iowa or North Dakota. I can't complain at all about the location."

COOPER RETURNS TO FRONTIER LEAGUE WITH WINDY CITY

(February 13, 2009) Chad Cooper is excited to be back to the league where he started his pro baseball play-by-play career. An STAA client, Cooper has been named the voice of the Windy City ThunderBolts of the Frontier League.

Cooper previously broadcast Frontier League games for the Evansville Otters in 2003-2005 and the Traverse City Beach Bums in 2006. He was voted the Frontier League's Broadcaster of the Year in 2005. His history in the league helped him land the Thunderbolts job.

"I have known the [Thunderbolts] GM Steve Tahsler for quite some time,” Cooper says. "He gave me my first job out of college when I went to Evansville. I told him if he ever needs someone, to give me a call.”

When former Thunderbolts broadcaster Jesse Goldberg-Strassler recently left for a position with the Lansing Lugnuts, Tahsler called Cooper.

"Chicago is a place I have always enjoyed calling games, going back to 2003 when I made my first trip there,” says Cooper. " I like the ballpark, I like the way it is constructed for the media, and I like the general area. It is going to be a great place to live and work.”

Familiarity with the league and its broadcasters is one thing that Cooper likes about his new job.

"Part of what I’m looking forward to is getting a chance to catch up with some of the broadcasters I have developed a good working relationship with during four years I worked there.”

Cooper, who has been the men and women’s basketball voice for the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY since 2006, will continue in that role.

Cooper’s minor league baseball experience is considerable. In addition to his time in Evansville, Cooper has called games for the Traverse City Beach Bums and the Vero Beach Devil Rays. He spent last summer as the voice of the North Adams SteepleCats of the NECBL.

In addition to a new broadcaster, the ThunderBolts also have a new radio station. The team has announced a broadcast deal with WXAV Radio.

"The team's new partnership with WXAV only enhances my enthusiasm to join the franchise,” Cooper says. "It's a combination that demonstrates how far the ThunderBolts have come and will allow WXAV to introduce their format to a new set of listeners."

MAUN JOINS MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS RADIO

(February 12, 2009) STAA client Tyler Maun has been hired as the No.2 play-by-play broadcaster for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class-A, Atlanta Braves). Maun will work alongside the Pelicans new lead announcer Tommy Thrall.

Maun has spent the past year as an air talent at Mile High Sports Radio in his hometown of Denver, CO.

"Baseball play-by-play is what I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Maun says. "And though this job came up on extremely short notice and will take me back from the size of my hometown market, I can't imagine a better place to start a minor league career.”

In addition to his broadcasting responsibilities with Myrtle Beach, Maun will also assist in community relations.

"It’s an opportunity I would not have found without you (STAA) and the site, so I want to give you all my thanks,” Maun says.

Maun is a 2007 graduate of the University of Nebraska. He has worked as a sportscaster at 5CITY TV in Lincoln, NE. as an air talent at 90.3 KRNU in Lincoln and at 1480 ESPN Radio in Lincoln, where he interned under fellow STAA client Seth Harp.

BRAVERMAN TO CALL BLUE CRABS BASEBALL

(February 10, 2009) Paul Braverman is thrilled to be back on the air. An STAA client, Braverman has been named Director of Media and Public Relations for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League. He will also call play-by-play for all 140 Blue Crabs regular season games.

Braverman spent last season working in media relations, but not on air, with the York Revolution, also of the Atlantic League. In York, worked alongside the Revolution’s broadcaster and fellow STAA client Darrell Henry.

"The last time I was doing baseball day in and day out was with Jamestown in 2005,” Braverman says. "That was my intern year while I was still in college.”

The new opportunity came about for Braverman when Blue Crabs GM Chris Allen mentioned to York GM Matt O’Brien that the Blue Crabs had a position to fill. O’Brien recommended Braverman. After reviewing Braverman’s demo and resume, Allen offered him the job.

"It (baseball broadcasting) is something I definitely wanted to do while in college. It didn’t happen right away but I had a great job [in York]. I loved it there, but I’m probably going to love it even more now that I am leaving it for a chance to do 140 games each season,” Braverman grins.

Braverman’s baseball play-by-play experience includes time with the Jamestown Jammers (Marlins, Class A) and the Geneva Red Wings of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. He also called games for the Bowling Green State University Falcons while still a student at the university.

"It's certainly a good day,” Braverman says. "This is the type of job I've desired since I left the friendly confines of Bowling Green State University almost two years ago.”

TALENT SEARCH PAYS OFF FOR STAA'S HAWKINS

(February 4, 2009) When KMZE, Z92 in Woodward, OK had a sudden and immediate need for a play-by-play broadcaster, they called STAA. Within hours, STAA client Dan Hawkins got the job.

Tomorrow, Hawkins will call Woodward High School's boys and girls home games vs Dodge City, KS. On Saturday, he will broadcast both team’s games at Altus High School. If things work out, it will turn into a full-time position.

The opportunity arose Wednesday morning when KMZE’s full-time broadcaster suddenly resigned. Station Manager Brad Kroft immediately called STAA. STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik suggested that Kroft call Hawkins, who lives in nearby Midwest City, OK.

"Mr. Kroft listened to my work on my STAA Talent Page,” Hawkins says.

Hawkins, who is in is final months of service in the U.S. Air Force, moved to Oklahoma last year from Hawaii. While in the islands, he spent several years selling and broadcasting a variety of high school play-by-play events.

Hawkins approached STAA last fall to build his demo and resume and to join the STAA Talent Search. He also attended STAA’s seminar for play-by-play broadcasters in Las Vegas last December.

"Thanks [to STAA] for having your service up and available,” Hawkins says. "It does pay off. STAA has provided a valuable service to broadcasters as we try to break into the business!”

CANTOR CHOSEN FOR D-I BASKETBALL FILL-IN

(February 2, 2009) Seth Cantor has waited patiently for his "big break.” He’s hoping it has now arrived. Cantor, an STAA client, has been asked to fill-in on two upcoming men’s Division I basketball play-by-play broadcasts for the Manhattan College Jaspers.

Cantor will call games February 7th in Baltimore at Loyola, and February 21st in an ESPNU Bracket Buster game against a yet to be determined opponent.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Cantor says. "It is something I have been working towards the last couple years.”

Cantor currently serves as the play-by-play voice for the United States Merchant Marine Academy football and basketball teams.

When Manhattan realized they were going to need fill-in announcers for at least nine men’s and women’s basketball games this season, they contacted STAA. The opportunities were posted November 7th as a stealth job on the STAA sportscasting job and all applications went through STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik. Chelesnik recommended several STAA clients, including Cantor, and several non-STAA clients – many of whom have already filled-in on Jasper’s games this season.

Cantor was unaware he had already been presented to the University by STAA. He found out about the opportunity through his own networking.

"I just feel like I was in the right place at the right time,” Cantor says. "There is a lot of excitement surrounding the [Manhattan basketball] program. I am happy to call some games of significance as they prepare for the MAAC Tournament.

"I know there is a rich broadcasting tradition over the last several years at Manhattan. I’m glad I fit what they are looking for.

"I really appreciate everything STAA has done for me. It has put me in a great position.”

DEUTSCH EXCITED FOR RETURN TO BASEBALL BOOTH

(January 30, 2009) Justin Deutsch is thrilled to be back in baseball broadcasting. Out of the game since 2005, Deutsch will be calling games this summer for the DuBois County Bombers of the Prospect League.

With 11 teams, the Prospect League (formerly the Central Illinois Collegiate League), is one of the largest summer collegiate leagues in the nation. The Bombers play in Huntingburg, IN. Deutsch will call all 54 of their games, home and away, for a season running from June 4th through August 8th. He will also handle media relations responsibilities.

Since fall of 2005, Deutsch has spent seven months working for ESPN Sport Ticker in Bristol, CT, and more than two years as a broadcast associate for Fox Sports in Los Angeles. He has also been doing some sports broadcasting for local cable TV in Southern California.

"I’ve been looking to get back into broadcasting. I was able to use my old Frontier League contacts to help me land this job.” One of Deutch’s former employers in the Frontier League emailed a recommendation for Deutsch to each of the teams in the Prospect League. Huntington responded.

"It’s exciting to be part of the league considering it has expanded to 11 teams, including several teams from the old Frontier league,” Deutsch says.

SMITH JOINS YANKEES DOUBLE-A BROADCASTS

(January 19, 2009) Jared Smith was prepared to sit out the coming minor league baseball season. Fortunately, his plans have changed. An STAA client, Smith has joined the broadcast team of the New York Yankees Class-AA affiliate, the Trenton Thunder.

In his new role, Smith will share play-by-play and color duties for all Thunder home games. He will also help in media relations and sales.

A 2008 graduate of Penn State University, Smith is thrilled to be getting back behind the mike.

"I really missed broadcasting,” Smith says. "Back in college at Penn State I got to broadcast every sport. Since I graduated I have taken a couple of part-time jobs but didn’t get to do much broadcasting. I’m really excited to get back into the broadcast booth.”

With the Thunder, Smith will be working under Director of Broadcasting Steve Rudenstein. Smith had given up hope for landing a minor league broadcasting job this season when Rudenstein called.

"All the jobs I was applying for had been taken,” Smith says. "I emailed Steve Rudenstein back in October and asked if they had any openings. He said there were still working on a radio rights deal and told me to keep in touch. That was late October. A couple of weeks ago, he asked me if I wanted to come in to interview. It was literally a 10-day span from the interview to the job offer.”

A resident of Mays Landing, NJ, Smith did part-time play-by-play last summer for the Atlantic City Surf. He has also been working as a producer and sports update anchor at ESPN Radio 1450 in Northfield, NJ.

"The Thunder is one of the best organization in minor league baseball and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”

CONNECTIONS LAND HIRSCH SHREVEPORT CAPTAINS JOB

(January 14, 2009) Being well-connected helped STAA client Josh Hirsch land his latest opportunity in minor league baseball. Hirsch has been hired as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Shreveport-Bossier Captains of the American Association.

Hirsch spent last season with the San Angelo Colts (United League) as a No. 2 Play-by-Play Announcer and Media Relations Assistant.

The Shreveport opportunity came about for Hirsch through his association with the United League. Over the past year, he had come to know United League President Craig Brasfield. When Brasfield took over as VP/GM in Shreveport, he asked Hirsh to join him.

In addition to broadcasting a media relations duty, Hirsch also helps maintain the Captains website and assists in sales.

Hirsch’s new job offers some welcome challenges. The Shreveport franchise has been operating for five years but they overhauled the organization this off-season -- re-staffing much of their front office and even changing the name of the team from Sports to Captains.

"It’s not quite an expansion team but almost the entire staff is new,” Hirsch says. "To be able to get in at the bottom is exciting to me.”

A Long Island, New York native, Hirsch graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also called baseball, football and basketball.

MOREHEAD STATE OPPOTUNITY FINDS ANDREWS

(December 22, 2008) The job market is about finding opportunity. Sometimes opportunity finds you. That is what happened for STAA client Matt Andrews. Andrews is in his first season as the play-by-play voice of Morehead State University women’s basketball, and as the fill-in play-by-play broadcaster/analyst on Eagles men’s broadcasts.

Opportunity found Andrews because his demo and resume are featured in the STAA Talent Search.

Andrews was sitting at home one day this fall when, out of the blue, he received a call from Morehead State Athletic Director Brian Hutchinson. The school had just lost its women’s basketball announcer. Hutchinson said he had heard Andrew’s work and was calling to gauge Andrews’ interest in the position.

"I wondered how he heard my demo,” Andrews says. "I had some connections at the university but none of them had talked to the Athletic Director.”

It turns out that Hutchinson found Andrews’ STAA Talent Page after conducting an Internet search for Kentucky sportscasters.

"It’s a credit to STAA,” Andrews says. "I’m appreciative of your services. It’s a great chance for me and opens up a whole other opportunity for me.”

Andrews is also the No. 2 play-by-play broadcaster for the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.

"I’ve always loved basketball. It was my initial love to do basketball,” Andrews says.

"It is still intoxicating. I love baseball and doing it everyday, but when I sit down and do a basketball game I realize, ‘gosh I have missed this so much.’

"I am grateful for STAA’s service. Otherwise I'm not sure [Morehead State] would have had a clue about me.”

DAYTONA CUBS HIRE EICHSTEDT AS NO. 2

Adam Eichstedt knew he needed to take the next step in his career. The Daytona Cubs are providing him that opportunity. An STAA client, Eichstedt has joined the Cubs as one of two No.2 broadcasters. The team has also added Mike Silverman.

Eichstedt is the fourth STAA client to be hired by Daytona is the past two seasons. He will be working alongside Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations Christian Bruey, a fellow STAA client who has hired by the Cubs in October. Eichstedt moves to Daytona from Sturgeon Bay, WI.

"About a month ago I was looking at where I was headed and what I want to do,” Eichstedt says. "Once basketball is over here in Wisconsin, everyone sits around for three months. I needed to do something to take a step ahead. The best way to do it was to get behind the mike every day possible. I just decided to go out there and give it my all.”

In his new role, Eichstedt will be calling the middle three innings of half of the games on the Cubs schedule. He will also host a post-game show, help in sales, work on the team’s website and generally assist wherever else he is needed.

Eichstedt landed the job at minor league baseball’s job fair in Las Vegas after attending STAA’s play-by-play seminar. He postponed his return flight to Wisconsin by one day so that he could interview for the job.

"It was hammered to us time and time again [at the STAA seminar] about networking,” Eichstedt says. "For me that was kind of a challenge because I’m not a natural networker. I like to do it when the situation arises. I don’t like to force the issue. It allowed me to really get out there and meet people from several organizations.

"Being part of an organization is also a nice challenge and something I am looking forward to.”

EDDY JOINS HAGERSTOWN SUNS BROADCASTS

(November 27, 2008) Scott Eddy is building a solid foundation for a career in baseball play-by-play. An STAA client, Eddy has been chosen for a broadcasting internship with the Hagerstown Suns.

Eddy will work alongside Suns Director of Broadcasting Ryan Mock as the team’s No. 2 play-by-play voice and analyst for all 70 home games. He will also fulfill a variety of responsibilities in media relations and sales.

"We've had great luck with STAA clients in the past, including a rising star in Christian Bruey in 2008, and we're ecstatic about having Scott on board for '09,” Mock says.

Bruey recently accepted the Director of Broadcasting position with the Daytona Cubs.

The Hagerstown opportunity is not the first, but rather, the latest step in Eddy’s baseball broadcasting career. He spent the past two seasons with the Jamestown Jammers Florida Marlins Class-A short season), first as Director of Media Relations, then as Director of Baseball Operations.

Eddy is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University.

PINSKI TO CALL IDAHO BASKETBALL AT MICHIGAN STATE

(November 11, 2008) You never know when a big opportunity is going to come your way. This Sunday night, STAA client Mark Pinski will put on his headset and call play-by-play for Idaho basketball at Michigan State University for the Idaho Vandal Radio Network.

Working alongside Pinski as color analyst will be his long-time friend Jordan Shiner. The two have worked together off-and-on on Chicago-area football and basketball broadcasts over the past 25 years.

Learfield Sports owns the rights to Idaho broadcasts. It was Learfield Broadcast Manager Tom Boman who called STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik when he needed to find a fill-in for the Michigan State game. Chelesnik recommended Pinski.

"I really have to thank STAA for giving me the opportunity. Jon Chelesnik knows I am in the Midwest and available to do some part-time work and that I would be thorough with my work. I appreciate everything Jon has done for me.”

Pinski is thrilled to have the chance to show what he can do on a game in Big 10 country on a statewide network.

"When you look at the properties that Learfield has the rights to, you can see that in the college landscape they are a player. Having the opportunity to prove to them that I can do the job, personally and professionally, means a lot to me.”

Pinski is currently the General Manager of a four-station cluster in Chicago, but that hasn’t kept him from putting in hours of preparation for Sunday’s game. He says it’s much harder for someone to come in and freelance for a game because you don’t have the chance to spend weeks getting to know the team.

"I may have gone a little overboard [with my preparation]. MSU has had two games streamed on the Internet so I have watched both games in their entirety. I had a tape sent to me from the SID at Idaho. I’m leaving a day early. I’ll watch Idaho practice Saturday night, I’ll go to both shoot-arounds Sunday and I’ll interview both coaches at the shoot-around on Sunday. I have also talked to the people in Idaho, the Michigan State stat guy and both SIDs.

I’ll have everything on one big scoreboard. My goal is to not look at anything that isn’t on my board.”

That’s the kind of preparation that leaves an impression.

BAUMHOR LANDS PLAY-BY-PLAY JOB IN OKLAHOMA

(November 5, 2008) Andrew Baumhor has been waiting patiently for his next play-by-play opportunity. Now he has it. An STAA client, Baumhor is joining KMZE-FM in Woodward, OK. Among his responsibilities will be calling play-by-play for a variety of high school sports.

Baumhor has spent the past 14 months as a production assistant at ESPN TV in Bristol, CT. Prior to that, he served as the play-by-play voice for the Thomasville (NC) HiToms baseball club of the Coastal Plain collegiate summer league. Last winter, he was chosen by Learfield Sports to handle the University of Maine men's basketball broadcast versus Quinnipiac in Hamden, CT.

In Woodward, Baumhor have the chance to put into use some of what he learned at ESPN. KMZE owns a local TV station. The TV station will be doing a nightly newscast with which the radio station will be affiliated. Baumhor will be handling some of the sports for the TV station.

"The aspect of radio and TV is really what I’m looking forward to,” Baumhor says. "I wanted to do both. I’ll have the opportunity there, which is great. "

"The stuff I learned [at ESPN], editing and producing, will be helpful. I’m going to have to edit and produce my own sportscasts in addition to being the talent. That experience here has been invaluable.”

Baumhor is a 2007 graduate of American University in Washington, DC. He grew up in Philadelphia but isn’t concerned about the dramatic change that Oklahoma will bring.

"It is definitely going to be a culture shock. The closest city, Oklahoma City, is two and-a-half hours away. But I’ve worked in small towns before.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

BREUY NAMED PLAY-BY-PLAY VOICE OF DAYTONA CUBS

(October 27, 2008) Timing is everything. Exquisite timing has paid off in a big way for STAA Christian Bruey. Bruey has been named Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Daytona Cubs.

Bruey spent last season serving an internship with the Hagerstown Suns. He is excited about several aspects of his new opportunity.

"It’s a pretty big team name with Daytona,” Bruey says. "They have a weekly TV show that will be pretty cool. They won the Freitas Award in 2006 as minor league baseball’s Organization of the Year. Its an organization that has increased attendance the last four or five years. They know what they’re doing and its good to be part of that.”

Bruey succeeds Derek Ingram who resigned to pursue other opportunities. He learned of the Cubs opportunity almost by accident. A native of Florida, he wanted to move back to his home state. He cold called Cubs GM Bill Papierniak, prospecting for opportunities. Much to Bruey’s surprise, Papierniak told him that Ingram had just left the organization. It hadn’t even yet bee made public.

That was only the start of Bruey’s good fortune. Before joining Daytona, Papierniak had worked in Hagerstown with the Suns current GM Will Smith. Smith put in a recommendation with Papierniak for Bruey.

"Will’s recommendation to Bill went a long way,” Bruey says.

Bruey also thanks STAA.

"If I hadn’t found STAA I wouldn’t have got the job in Hagerstown and without Hagerstown I wouldn’t have got the job with Daytona.”

STRAW TO HOST MORNINGS AT MOBILE'S WNSP

(October 15, 2008) Twice in the past three months when Sports Radio 105.5 WNSP in Mobile, AL needed personnel, they turned to STAA. In July, they hired STAA client Seth Harp as program director and afternoon drive host. Now they have added STAA client Brien Straw as morning drive host.

Straw moves to Mobile from Atlanta where he was hosting a regionally syndicated sports show.

The wheels for Straw’s relocation were set in motion in August when Harp called STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik looking for a morning show host. The station not only wanted someone who was entertaining, but they wanted someone who was already living in the South and was an expert on the SEC. Straw was the first guy Chelesnik suggested Harp contact.

"Brien Straw’s name shot to the top of the list,” Harp says. "Without the STAA Talent Search, we probably don’t find him. It’s easy to play the audio. I went into my boss’s office. I went into the GMs office; Played the audio right on the spot. The STAA Talent Search turns what is generally a three-to-four week hiring process into one week.

Harp says Straw perfectly fits the mold of what WNSP was looking for.

"He’s an SEC grad (Ole Miss), he brings a wealth of knowledge not only about the SEC but about sports in the South, he’s a big believer in talking about the stories that are on the marquee and he’s very entertaining. When I turn on the radio when Brien Straw is on the air I know I’m going to get the POKE – Passion, Opinions, Knowledge and Entertainment.”

Straw was introduced to STAA by his friend John Madani, Program Director at 1300 The Zone in Austin, TX. When Straw told Madani he was looking to further his sports talk career, Madani suggested he contact STAA.

"Without question, STAA’s service is invaluable for anyone at any level who is trying to make it in this industry,” Straw says. "I would not have this job if it weren’t for STAA. That goes without question. That alone makes it worth the cost of admission.”

I sincerely appreciate all of STAA’s help. STAA has made the world for me. This is something I really wanted to do and STAA made it become reality.

"”Mobile is a top 100 market and they are passionate about the same sports I am passionate about, namely CFB and SEC,” Straw says. "I think it’s a win-win situation, it’s a pretty good marriage.”

ROPER TO CALL TRENTON DEVILS ECHL HOCKEY

(October 10, 2008) Paul Roper was in the right place at the right time with the right skills. As a result, the STAA client is the new voice of the Trenton Devils hockey club of the ECHL.

Roper worked as a broadcast and media relations intern for the team in 2007-08 and provided color commentary during the team’s home broadcasts. When the No.1 job opened this off-season, Roper was immediately interviewed.

"I actually used the [STAA] Talent Page to send audio of myself to the higher-ups of the Devils after my initial interview,” Roper says.

Roper has worked as a broadcaster in both minor league and college baseball, being selected to work the New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game, as well as doing the play-by-play for men’s and women’s basketball at Seton Hall University and for high school hockey and football in New Jersey. He is also currently employed as a Media Relations Assistant and broadcaster with the Newark Bears baseball club (Atlantic League.

Roper received his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from Seton Hall University.

"Hockey is my favorite sport and I am truly excited to broadcast for the Devils this season,” Roper says.

PLATT JOINS CBS TV AFFILIATE IN MISSISSIPPI

(October 7, 2008) Jeff Platt up in Dallas and attended college in Los Angeles. Now the 2008 USC grad is moving to Jackson, MS. Platt, an STAA client, has been hired as a Sports Anchor/Reporter at CBS affiliate WJTV.

"Its just another dot on the career map, so to speak,” Platt says. "I could have gone to Maine or Alaska if I had to to continue this career. I would have gone to Maine or Alaska if necessary. Jackson, Mississippi has been awesome so far.”

The opportunity came quickly for Platt. He mailed his resume and DVD, then followed-up by emailing a link to his STAA Talent Page. The entire process, from initial contact to job offer, took less than one week.

For Platt, landing at WJTV is a perfect situation.

"They’re really trying to enhance their web coverage,” Platt says. "There are going to be lot of stories that are posted only online or are expanded on line. They are also trying to appeal to the casual sports fans. Things like human-interest stories are entertaining to a lot of people. A lot of people want to know more than just X’s and O’s. WJTV management understands that.”

Most job opportunities to come as easily as this one came to Platt. He encourages other young sportscasters in the job market to be tenacious.

"Nobody said this career is easy,” Platt says. "This is one of the most competitive fields out there. If it takes you a week to get a job or a year to get a job, keep trying, stick it out. Opportunities will come to you eventually. Work as hard as you can to make contacts, keep in touch with those contacts and send your tape to as many people as you can. Those people can provide you with advice and feedback. I can’t tell you how many people shared advice with me and helped me put my tape together.

"I am really excited about this opportunity. I’m fired about it. Its awesome.”

TULLY JOINS ABC TV3 IN VIRGINIA

(October 1, 2008) STAA client James Tully has been hired by TV3, the ABC network affiliate in Winchester, VA, as a general assignment reporter.

In his new position, Tully will wear many hats and learn a variety of skills.

"This will give me a variety of different experiences,” he says. "It’s the best thing to do.”

A 2008 graduate of York College of Pennsylvania, He was already weighing a job offer from an ESPN Radio affiliate in Maryland when TV3 called. Tully says his STAA Talent Page provided him with a clear advantage in the job market.

"Having the Talent Page was a big part of me getting the job,” Tully says. "Right away, the one thing I did was draft a short but sweet cover letter. I included my [Talent Page] link right in the email. Everyday I would send out five to 10 emails. After getting my Talent Page I even went back to stations where I had already applied and I started hearing back from them.

"When I used the Talent Page I was getting answers. Email is something you get a response from. You do. I got a lot of comments [from employers] on how my Talent Page looks. Having STAA behind me really helped too.”

Tully served internships at WHP CBS 21 in York, PA and at Comcast SportsNet in Philadelphia. He begins his new job on Monday.

DUVALL TO CALL GAMES FOR ARIZONA SUNDOGS

(September 17, 2008) The 2008 Central Hockey League Ray Miron President’s Cup Champion Arizona Sundogs announced today the renewal of their broadcast agreement with radio flagship station 96.7 FM The Wolf as well as the addition of play-by-play announcer Jordan Duvall to their front office staff for the 2008-09 season.

Duvall is a client of STAA.

"We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with Grenax Broadcasting and 96.7 The Wolf,” said Sundogs President Steve Cherwonak. "Grenax and The Wolf have been long-time supporters of our Club and we’re looking forward to entering our third year with the organization.”

As outlined by the renewed partnership, 96.7 FM The Wolf will broadcast all preseason, regular season and subsequent postseason games during the Sundogs’ 2008-09 campaign.

"The Wolf has always been a strong supporter of the Arizona Sundogs from day one,” said Greg Dinetz, President and CEO of Grenax Broadcasting II. "We are excited to continue the partnership as the official broadcast partner of the CHL Champion Arizona Sundogs as they set out to defend their title.”

In conjunction with the announcement of its renewed broadcast agreement with 96.7 FM The Wolf, the Club also introduced play-by-play announcer Jordan Duvall.

"I am excited at the opportunity to join such a first class organization as the Sundogs, and look forward to seeing this team begin it's title defense next month," Duvall says.

"I also want to thank Jon and everyone at STAA for all the help they have provided me personally along the way."

"Jordan comes to the Sundogs with an assortment of experience in both radio and sports,” added Cherwonak. "His enthusiasm for and knowledge of the game of hockey and past experience in the CHL were all determining factors in bringing him on board for the upcoming season.”

Duvall becomes the second play-by-play announcer is Sundogs franchise history after serving as Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting for the CHL’s Amarillo Gorillas in 2007-08. His previous experience also includes serving as play-by-play announcer for the Jr. ‘B’ Helena Bighorns of the Northern Pacific Hockey League (NorPac).

"When an opportunity comes along to join a first rate organization such as the Sundogs, you jump at it, and I am excited to be a part of this great young franchise as they look to defend their title,” said Duvall. "I look forward to the upcoming season, getting to know the Sundogs faithful and becoming a part of the Northern Arizona community.”

MONTESANO ASKED TO CALL NAHL PLAY-BY-PLAY

(September 12, 2008) It is often said that success in the sportscasting job market is more about whom you know than what you know. That is the case for STAA client Scott Montesano. Montesano is the new play-by-play voice for the North Iowa Outlaws of the North American Hockey League.

The Outlaws, based in Mason City, open the new season on Wednesday.

The opportunity arose when the Outlaws general manager, a former co-worker of Montesano’s, asked Montesano if he would be interested in the position. The position includes play-by-play, media relations, promotions and sales.

"I get to do a lot of sales,” Montesano says. "I actually grew to love doing sales when I was working at Clear Channel Radio in Eau Claire. I love going around and meeting various business owners, selling my ideas and getting them to get on board.

"I have a lot of creativity that I am going to be able to showcase.”

This isn’t Montesano’s first hockey broadcasting job. He is the former voice of the Fargo-Moorhead Jets.

Montesano’s new position will be a seasonal one. He will keep his summer job calling baseball games for the Eau Clair Express Baseball Club.

ALEXANDER CHOSEN BY USTA TO CALL U.S. OPEN TENNIS

(August 31, 2008) Two weeks ago, Ray Alexander had never heard of tennis play-by-play on the radio. Today, he is calling the sport at its highest level. An STAA client, Alexander is calling play-by-play at the U.S. Open.

Alexander is calling matches at the Open’s night sessions. His broadcasts are streamed live online at the United States Tennis Association website at www.usta.com. They are also heard throughout the Flushing Meadows tennis complex and on transistor radios distributed to fans in the stadiums.

The opportunity came to Alexander through STAA. When the USTA needed a broadcaster, they went online to the STAA Talent Search. USTA Broadcast Promotions Manager Brian Beglane reviewed dozens of demos and resumes, then called STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik for phone numbers of a handful of sportscasters who caught his attention. Alexander was on that short list.

"To be completely honest [Beglane] was looking for a voice he liked; someone who has experience with play-by-play in many different sports,” Alexander says. "For him you’re never really going to find a tennis play-by-play guy. He just wanted to find someone who can do multiple sports and pick up tennis play-by-play quickly.”

It is the second major freelance opportunity in one month to come to Alexander as a result of being in the STAA Talent Search. He was one of four Talent Search members to be chosen by an international advertising agency to do voiceovers for a series of McDonald’s TV commercials that aired during the Olympics. Unfortunately, Alexander’s commercial was canceled the day of his recording session.

This is Alexander’s first experience with tennis play-by-play. However he had done volleyball. He says the two sports are similar.

"For the most part, once you pick up on the terminology, play-by-play is just play-by-play,” Alexander says.

Alexander broadcasts from inside the press box at Arthur Ashe Stadium. For matches outside Ashe stadium, he uses TV monitors to call the action. He has already called action featuring Venus Williams, Roger Federer, James Blake, Lindsay Davenport, and Andy Roddick.

"The biggest trouble is pronunciations of all the European names. That was more difficult than the actual play-by-play,” Alexander says.

Alexander is the play-by-play voice for Stony Brook University football and basketball, and for Newark Bears baseball. He is hopeful his U.S. Open experience will lead to future opportunities.

"Nothing hurts. It adds another dimension to my resume. It gives me another avenue to pursue when looking for freelance or off-season work.”

SALTZMAN NAMED VOICE OF RICE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL

(August 21, 2008) When the Rice Owls kick off their 2008 season next Friday night by hosting SMU at Rice Stadium, there will be a new combination in the broadcast booth to call the action on the Owls flagship station, Houston’s ESPN Radio 97.5 FM, The Ticket.

STAA client David Saltzman, who joined the Rice broadcast crew last year as the analyst for football in addition to handing play-by-play for men's basketball, will move into the play-by-play chair for Owls football this season. Saltzman called the action for the Owls baseball team last June during their run to the College World Series.

"What an amazing turn of events over the last year," Saltzman says. "Thank you to STAA for your help throughout all of this. I am truly thankful.”

Joining Saltzman in the booth will be Nate Griffin, who has covered sports in the Houston area for over 10 years. He has served as a local talk show host in the Houston market in addition to working as an analyst on broadcasts for several teams.

Saltzman replaces Matt Musil, who is now calling soccer games for the Houston Dynamo.

"This has been something I have wanted to do for a long time, to make this part of my life and career," Saltzman says. "I’m just excited to be able to do Division I college football and be part of the excitement of that wile being able to describe the excitement of the fans listening. It is one of the reasons I got into this business in the first place.”

Saltzman and Griffin will be joined on the broadcast by Matt McCabe, who will cover the action during games from the sidelines. McCabe, a 2008 graduate of Rice, is no stranger to Rice sports fans, having called Rice baseball action for four seasons. He is completing his first season of calling action for the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League and will join the Owls broadcasting team once their season is completed.

Veteran radio engineer Frank Hicks will once again be behind the master controls for the Owls broadcast.

LAASER NAMED VOICE OF CHARLESTON SOUTHERN

(August 18, 2008) Charleston Southern has announced the hiring of STAA client Jon Laaser as the new "Voice of the Buccaneers." Laaser will serve as the play-by-play broadcaster for football and men's basketball, and will host the Jay Mills and Barclay Radebaugh Coaches' Shows.

Laaser will come down to Charleston from Myrtle Beach, S.C. , where he is currently broadcasting for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Advanced-A minor league affiliate for the Atlanta Braves.

"I am extremely excited to join the great community of people at Charleston Southern," said Laaser. "I can't imagine a better fit for me and I am looking forward to bringing Buccaneer athletics to their outstanding fan base."

CSU opens the coming football season at the University of Miami.

Prior to Myrtle Beach , Laaser spent three years at KFAN in Minneapolis, MN where he was the lead broadcaster for the Minnesota State Football and Basketball Championships, as well as the host of Prep Sports Saturday.

The 2002 Brown College graduate has also recently spent time with the Altoona Curve and the Yakima Bears.

Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (S-T-Double-A) handled the applicant screening process for this position.

TEEPLE ACHIEVES HOCKEY DREAM

(August 14, 2008) Paul Teeple has always wanted to be a hockey play-by-play announcer. His opportunity has finally arrived. An STAA client, Teeple has been hired as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the NAHL’s Mahoning Valley Phantoms.

"I interviewed for same job last year but it went to another STAA client, Cameron Lee,” Teeple says.

Teeple leaves a sports position at radio stations WCBJ, WQXX, WLKS FM in West Liberty, KY, where he has worked since last August. He says that networking was key to him landing his new gig.

"I have just been networking with everyone I know within hockey. I have been in hockey my whole life. When the Phantoms job came open, one of the guys from the team who knows my dad called him to tell him about it. I sent my STAA Talent Page and received an invitation to interview.

"Getting to work in hockey has been my dream since I knew I wanted to work in broadcasting. I have been around game since I was three. This job is a natural, especially since it is so close to my home in Cleveland, only about an hour from my family and friends.

Teeple suggests that anyone in the job market work hard to spread their name within the industry.

"If you’re looking to work in one particular sport, immerse yourself in that sports’ community. The community links are the most important thing you can have.”

ROBERTSON JOINS WTVR CBS 6

(August 13, 2008) It is said that good things happen to good people. That is truly the case for Sean Robertson. An STAA client, Robertson has been hired as a sports reporter and weeken