I read a press release in 2009 on the San Antonio Express News that KMYS was going to be broadcasting Thursday night high school football games on television. I was excited and wanted to become the statistician.
Even though I have made a lot of football contacts over the years, I didn’t know anybody at the station or know anyone who knew someone at the station. How should I contact the station? Email, phone call, a letter, or just drop in? Hmm…
I chose to mail a letter and resume to the General Manager and the Director of Sales outlining my years of experience as a radio statistician.
Yes, folks, I typed up some words along with my resume, printed it, folded it, placed it an envelope and licked the envelope to seal it (yuck). Then I had to drive to a post office to get a stamp.
The Director of Sales, Dean Radla, forwarded my letter and resume to the Director of Operations, David Ostmo. I didn’t know it at the time, but Dean worked for the Texas Sports Radio Network a long time ago. Dave Ostmo was going to be the producer for the Thursday Night Lights football games.
When I spoke to Dave, he told me he was impressed with my background. Well, who wouldn’t be? We talked about high school football in general and during our conversation, he offered me the job! I was super excited and accepted immediately. That was the easiest job interview I have ever had!!! Wow!!! I am a television statistician!!! Sweet!!! The first call I made was to my parents to give em this great news!!!
I finally got to meet David in the production truck at the first game in 2009. When I arrived at the TV booth, I met Dean first, he was the color man and I thanked him for forwarding my resume. A few minutes later, I met Ernie Zuniga, the play-by-play man. Ernie is also the morning news anchor on KABB. They made me feel so comfortable and my nerves disappeared quickly as the night went on.
After that first game ended, my parents got a few calls from friends who heard my name mentioned or saw my name on the ending credits!!! Awesome, I am almost famous!
Yes, there is a camera in the TV booth and I am aware when it is on. Don’t laugh, but I have bumped into the camera and the temporary lights several times; sometimes we work in very tight corners.
Dave and I always chat before each game as he tells me what stats I really need to focus on; and whatever it is, I add it to my repertoire. All the stats I provide enhances the presentation which makes it sound and look great. I even have stat freedom…by that, I mean, if I see a trend or a stat that pops out to me, I tell Dave and they have the capability to create a graphic.
The cool thing about doing TV is I feel like a “rock star”!!! Everything is setup and ready to go. I just put on my headset and make sure I can be heard in the truck. Then, I am ready to crunch numbers for the broadcasters and the television viewers. And when the game is over, I get to leave, no dis-assembly of the equipment. Pretty cool, heh?
There is always food and water at the production truck which is very nice and I don’t have to pay for it. The main sponsor is Church’s Chicken so sometimes we get chicken sandwiches and hot apple pies bought up to us during the game. I don’t care if it is a spicy sandwich, I eat it!!!
This year marks my 5th as a TV statistician. Wow!!!
