Duck Tales

Calling my first Oreogn Ducks basketball game was a rush - the kind of thrill you get the first time you ride a really big roller coaster.
In fact, as the engineer was counting down to airtime, I imagined myself slowing climbing the back side of a huge, high track that would throw me over the side and straight down.
Just at the crest of the hill, I grabbed on tight and just let it roll.
It seemed to go about as fast as a thrill ride, too.

Some people say it sounded like I was actually too amped up.
They may be right, but I was aware of that pitfall and consciously worked to stay in control.
I've heard announcers who try to increase their intensity in an attempt to sell the importance of the game they are covering. The bad part of that delivery is that it often becomes forced - and not sincere.

If there is one thing I try to be on the air, its sincere.
Even sometimes to the degree that I come off unprepared or less than professional.

I would rather be myself on the air with everything I do than to be considered 'professional' and fake.

The best part of the whole experience was to find out later that my mom and dad, aunt and uncle, brother and sister-in-law in Coeuer D' Alene listened to the game and even held the phone up to my grandmother in Port Orchard, Washington. My wife's family in Portland also listened to the broadcast.

For me, thats the best part of radio. You never know who is listening - or where - and often times, the relationship between broadcaster and listener is so personal.



Happy New Year to everyone.
And Happy 15th Anniversary to my wife, Jannie.