Chalin Cahlik

Overview:

Tiffin University Football had a standout year under the direction of Head Coach Gary Goff.  

 

The Dragons finished with an 8-3 overall record and 7-3 in the GLIAC, both being astounding marks for how difficult the conference schedule is.  WTUD was at every football (both home and away), and was also broadcasting live on AM/FM radio stations.  I never get nervous when I go on air because I am so used to speaking in front of people, but going on AM/FM for the first time is a little unnerving.  If you slip up and accidentally say something you shouldn’t on WTUD it isn’t as big of a deal because internet radio is not FCC regulated, however AM /FM is.  This aspect taught me quite a bit of self control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Duties:

 

My duties for football games were not in the broadcasting department (for the most part), but was more in the technical side of the broadcast.  Many aspects such as getting the crew statistics for the color commentary or running board operations are all still vital parts to getting off a great broadcast.  I have learned in the business that often times you will not get right into broadcasting, you will have to work your way up the totem pole just like any other job. 

Below was my highlight of the season in which I traveled to Grand Valley because the usual color commentator, Matt Kibler, was unable to attend due to his wife being quite pregnant with their first child.  My opportunity to broadcast football was an amazing experience that I learned quite a bit from.  Even though it was not during my official mentorship I still learned quite a bit and will forever cherish that moment that I was able to broadcast football on such a large stage. 

 

One game stood out on the season more than any others and even though I wasn’t broadcasting it, I was able to listen and still do my job working the board.  The game was TU vs #4 Ashland and the tension was high as TU had never defeated such a highly ranked opponent and everyone had counted the Dragons out.

 

Highlight: TU vs #4 Ashland Eagles

 

The Dragons defeated Ashland for the first time in program history 35-32 to upset the #4 nationally ranked Eagles.  The Dragons never trailed in the game, but there certainly were times the Dragons were on edge. 

The start of the game was not promising for the Dragons as a 68 yard pass play set up the Eagles in promising field position.  It was at this point I started to listen in on how Matt and Russ were able to not over complicate what was happening, but at the same time still show their knowledge of why the defense broke down on each play.  The broadcast team was able to keep their spirits up as TU would hold Ashland to a turnover on downs and get the ball back, electrifying the broadcast.

 

Shortly after the team was able to get crazy as Pipkin and Holland hooked up

for a deep 86 yard touchdown and it was easy to show how pumped up you can

get a broadcast from Matt and Russ. 

Coming out of halftime Russ and Matt usually do a halftime show that I always

try to take notes on because talk radio is something I could definitely see myself getting into. 

Halftime is all about the numbers that I provided so ensuring the numbers are correct is

incredibly important.  The two are able to dissect what is going right and wrong from these numbers

and percentages.

The final score was much closer than the ending showed as a falter late gave the Eagles one more

score, but the Dragons held on and listening to the post game show of true genuine happiness is what makes the job so great.

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Time Spent:

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The amount of time spent working at football games was nice because all the games were regularly at the same time and same place.  With my broadcast work limited to one game, my travel for away games was nonexistent.  I attended every home game working the statistical program and helping Matt and Russ run the radio broadcast.  I truly enjoyed going to each game and felt like I learned quite a bit from each game.