1,396 days. That’s how long I eagerly awaited the moment to step back into the broadcasting booth for another football game.
It was a picturesque day on November 16, 2019, in Southwest Missouri. The Southwest Baptist University Bearcats played host to the Lindenwood Lions. The Lions triumphed with a resounding 42-10 victory, and with a bit of assistance, they clinched the conference championship.
When the time comes to sign off a broadcast at the season’s end, it feels strangely bittersweet. The college football season flies by, and you find yourself instantly reminiscing about the unforgettable wins and challenging losses. The year has drawn to a close, and the team’s record speaks for itself.
As the team broadcaster, I have a unique vantage point. My resume doesn’t carry a win/loss record, but I share in the season’s journey with those who do. I revel in the elation of victory while empathizing with the sting of defeat. Losing is tough, winning is exhilarating. It’s that simple.
Being “part of the team” has always been a privilege I hold dear. It’s an opportunity to learn the stories of the individuals who happen to play the sport. You come to know their parents, who often travel great distances to support them at every game. Strong relationships form with the coaching staff, built on trust, which becomes invaluable.
Then come the long bus rides to various towns, some bigger than others. You’re part of a traveling party of nearly a hundred. I’ll forever remember the first time I witnessed a football team enjoying a pre-planned meal at a Texas Roadhouse. Everything is meticulously scheduled, efficient, and impressively structured.
And then there’s game day. The focused journey to an opposing team’s stadium is a surreal experience. I still feel the same rush today as I did during my very first game. It’s the most intoxicating thrill in the world.
Calling games has been my passion since I was a child. I would even broadcast my video game matches, and my dad fondly recalls me commentating on my own games. He could hear my voice in the outfield while I was playing. To me, calling live sports is the coolest job in the world.
All of this fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am truly thankful to be back in the booth, somewhat ironically, calling Lindenwood Lions football once again—1,400 days after I called their conference championship game for the opposing team.
This opportunity has allowed me to connect with a new audience, share the stories, call the shots, and vividly paint the picture of the Lions’ athletic journey.
Here’s to many more games together, with no more agonizing gaps of 1,396 days apart.
Daily Grind Sports 