I have been broadcasting high school sports since 1992. That’s 32 years and 1000’s of games broadcast on KLQP.

I did the math. If I broadcast an average of three games a week for 32 years, that’s close to 5000 high school games I’ve broadcasted. Most of those games I’ve had a broadcasting partner, someone who does commentary. I do play by play, and they talk about the play that just happened. I have had many different people assist me over the years. There have been former high school players, parents, grandparents, family members, former coaches and some college students interested in broadcasting as a career.

Lately, Mitchell Syltie is back in the booth with me. Mitch graduated from Wichita State last spring and interned at KLQP. Mitch fell in love with broadcasting sports with me last winter and asked if he could help again. We have already done a few games this year. Mitch does a great job and we really work well together. I really enjoy broadcasting with him. He’s very smart and knowledgeable about sports in general. You could say he has a passion and love for any sport. He does his homework before each game. So, when we are about to go on the air he is prepared.

When I say we work well together I mean our timing is really good. Timing is everything between two people broadcasting.  During the broadcast when I’m done with a play, Mitch is right there describing the play. It’s a short and quick description, and he gives it back to me to continue my play by play! It’s like a dance. Mitch is very good at it.

That is what makes a good broadcasting team. You have to have some chemistry. You need to love what you are doing and you need to get along with each other. Humor and laughter are good qualities to have.

Some of the best chemistry I have had with broadcasters is broadcasting the Shadows dance team section and state competitions. Ken Franzky, Grace Johnson and Dee Dee Schommer and I work so well together. When we get done broadcasting dance I take my headset off and smile because I know we just did a great job. Those three are amazing to work with. I would say broadcasting dance is my best experience broadcasting with someone. They all prepare so well and bring something different to the broadcast booth.

I’m going to post some pictures of just some of the people that have put on a headset with me. I know I will miss some. I’ve had Bart Hill, the Hennen sisters, Dick Newman, Duane Hastad and lately Scott Monson, Scott is the Minneota Superintendent and many more. Here they are.