Voices in the Game

For anyone out there looking to break into the sports industry, this week’s episode of Voices in the Game is a must-watch and must-listen, featuring my good friend and Mercyhurst colleague, Jay Tonks.Jay graduated from Mercyhurst last spring with a degree in Sports Business Management. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Business Administration while serving as a Communications Graduate Assistant for Mercyhurst Athletics. In this episode, you will hear about Jay’s journey, including how he got his start in the athletic department, what it was like being part of Mercyhurst Athletics when they joined the NCAA Division I ranks in 2024, and how he balances working in a Division I athletics department while still being a graduate student.We also dive into his responsibilities as the Sports Information Director for Mercyhurst men’s and women’s hockey, men’s soccer, softball, and stunt, along with the many moving pieces that come with each role.Jay is one of the hardest-working “Voices in the Game” I know, and you’re going to love hearing his story and perspective as a young professional carving his path in the sports industry!

Another incredible episode of Voices in the Game is ready to watch as we dive into Pitt Athletics and the phenomenal journey of Pitt’s Director of Broadcast and Video Production, Jason Earle.Jason shares so many great stories, including growing up a Pitt fan before heading to Oakland, where he first got his start in sports broadcasting as a student. We then dive into his favorite moments post-graduation, as he stayed at Pitt and went on to become the play-by-play voice for countless memorable Panther moments across volleyball, basketball, and soccer.Jason also discusses his leadership role behind the scenes, including his work guiding and mentoring the next generation of broadcasters and production workers. He highlights how students gain hands-on, real-world experience through Pitt Studios and ACC Network productions, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run broadcasts at the highest level.If you aspire to work in sports broadcasting and want an inside look at life inside an NCAA Division I Power 4 athletic department, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Voices in the Game is back for 2026 with our first episode of the year featuring sportscaster Daron Vaught! Daron has done it all in the broadcasting world, working as a freelance play-by-play announcer for multiple NCAA Division I programs across the Carolinas, including Wake Forest, NC State, and UNC. He currently serves as the radio play-by-play voice of East Carolina Men's Basketball, is the co-host of the ACC Baseball Etc. podcast, and stays busy each spring as a sports announcing instructor at High Point University.In this episode, Daron dives into the early days of his career, how he built his broadcasting portfolio, and the moments and memories that have stayed with him from the many games he's called along the way.It was an honor to have Daron on to share his story and kick off a new year of Voices in the Game!

Get ready for Thanksgiving by tuning in to an all-new episode of Voices in the Game with the fantastic journey of Rachel Frederick Zimmerman with a life in basketball! Growing up in Pittsburgh, she excelled at North Catholic High School before taking her talents to Ohio University and Duquesne, where she scored over 1,000 career points. Her passion for the game never slowed down; she has stayed deeply connected to the sport she loves. Today, you can find her courtside with a headset on, serving as the Color Commentator for Duquesne Women’s Basketball on ESPN+.It was an honor to have Rachel on, and I know you all will love hearing her story about a life in basketball.

When you think of sports on TV or streaming, there’s probably one network that comes to mind — ESPN. And this week on Voices in the Game, you’ll get an inside look at what it’s really like to work for The Worldwide Leader in Sports with our guest, Katie Hennessey!Katie is a Senior Talent Producer at ESPN, and she shared so many incredible stories during our hour-long conversation. We talk about her growing up in Los Angeles, getting her start at ESPN right out of college, stepping away to work in the film industry, and eventually returning to Bristol. We also dive into the many ways ESPN has shaped how we watch sports. From iconic programming to College GameDay, which fires up fans every Saturday in the fall.It was an honor having Katie on, and I know you’ll enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the network that brings sports to life for fans around the world!

A cannonball is coming on Episode #19 of Voices in the Game with Pittsburgh Pirates Play-by-Play Announcer, Greg Brown. This episode features two hours of nonstop laughs and incredible stories from Greg’s journey through the sports industry — from starting in the Pirates’ Front Office, to Youngstown and Buffalo (including his time on the Bills radio broadcast team during their four straight Super Bowl runs in the early ’90s), and then returning to the Pirates in 1994 as the team’s play-by-play announcer.We also dive into how Greg prepares to call Pirates games, from gathering notes and storylines to connecting with players and building chemistry with his fellow broadcasters.It was an honor and a blast having Greg on. This one’s a must-listen for every Pirates fan!

Voices in the Game is back to get you ready for college basketball with the man who knows the sport inside and out — Mike DeCourcy! Mike has been a sports journalist and college basketball analyst for more than 40 years. He currently serves as a college basketball columnist for The Sporting News and a studio analyst for the Big Ten Network.It was an honor to have Mike on Voices in the Game, and as a fellow Point Park University graduate, it made the interview even more meaningful. You’ll love hearing his story, how he got started in the business, and his thoughts on the state of college basketball today.

Voices in the Game has an all-new episode with Keith Kelly, the radio play-by-play announcer for Wyoming Cowboys football & men's basketball.Keith discusses his path into the business, his move to Wyoming, the current state of college athletics, and how he built his sportscasting career by hosting a daily sports talk show and calling Wyoming high school football, basketball, American Legion baseball, and Wyoming Cowgirls basketball before taking over the headset for Cowboys football and men’s basketball.I had the opportunity to get to know Keith during my year living in Wyoming, and I am thrilled for you all to hear more about his story of calling games in the Cowboy State!

Today’s episode of Voices in the Game features an entertaining conversation with Pittsburgh sports journalist and broadcaster Tim Benz.Tim wears many hats in Pittsburgh sports media. He is a columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and the TV play-by-play announcer for Robert Morris Men’s Hockey, as well as Duquesne Football and Men’s Basketball.He also hosts several podcasts, including Breakfast with Benz, The Friday Football Show with Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News, and Unfiltered with fellow Pittsburgh sports media personality Mark Madden. Tim is also a fill-in host for Madden’s weekday afternoon sports talk show on 105.9 The X. In this episode, Tim shares what it was like breaking into the industry, how he juggles his many roles, and his favorite memories calling games for Duquesne and Robert Morris.If you’re a Pittsburgh sports fan, you’ll love hearing Tim’s story!

We have another great coaching conversation on this week’s episode of Voices in the Game with Jim Chester, Head Baseball Coach of the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs!Jim reflects on growing up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the journey that led him to Gardner-Webb, and shares his perspective on today’s college sports landscape.It was such a pleasure having Jim on the show! His journey and experiences in coaching college baseball are ones you won’t want to miss.

Episode #14 of Voices in the Game features a fantastic conversation with Alex Panormios!Alex is set to begin his 31st season as the radio voice of Duquesne football in 2025, while also serving as the play-by-play announcer for Duquesne women’s basketball.In this episode, Alex shares his unique journey into sportscasting—starting his own streaming network to broadcast high school football in Southwestern Pennsylvania before taking the mic for Duquesne football and women’s basketball. He reflects on his favorite memories behind the headset, the daily grind of running his own streaming network, and plenty more stories from his decades in the business.

We have some incredible stories on today’s episode of Voices in the Game with Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Hall of Famer, Chris Shovlin!Chris has been the radio play-by-play announcer for Robert Morris Men’s Basketball since 1987 and for Robert Morris Football since the program’s inaugural season in 1994. With five decades in the industry, he shares highlights from his legendary career—including his early days in broadcasting, calling RMU’s many trips to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and so much more.It was an honor to have Chris on the podcast, and I can’t wait for you to hear his remarkable stories from a phenomenal career in sportscasting!

We have a special episode of Voices in the Game with a remarkable guest who has lived an incredible life! Kevin M. Smith has had two unforgettable careers working in the sports and film industry.Kevin shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey, playing football at Pitt under Jackie Sherrill, to working as an on-air talent, writer, and producer in New York City and Pittsburgh. He also discusses his favorite memories as a screenwriter, including the inspiration behind writing the screenplay for the 2007 film, "Pride". Today, Kevin is back at Pitt, shaping the next generation of broadcasters and storytellers as a professor in Film & Media Studies.Make sure to check out the episode to hear about Kevin's remarkable life and all the fantastic stories he has to share as an extraordinary Voice in the Game! 

Today’s episode of Voices in the Game offers an inside look at life as the head coach of a college soccer program with Penn State New Kensington Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Mark Duffield!Mark shares his journey from growing up playing soccer in England, to moving to the United States to pursue his dream of coaching, to finding his way to Western Pennsylvania. He also reflects on his favorite moments on the field and the sidelines.If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to DM me or reach out via email at [email protected].

In this special episode of Voices in the Game, we are joined by an extraordinary guest who has covered some of the greatest moments in Pittsburgh sports history over the past three decades — Andrew Stockey, Sports Director and News Anchor at WTAE-TV Pittsburgh.Andrew shares his journey to the Steel City, his most memorable moments in Pittsburgh, and insightful advice for anyone passionate about pursuing a career in sports media.It was an honor to have Andrew on the show, and I can’t wait for you all to hear his incredible story!

Today’s episode of Voices in the Game features an enjoyable and insightful conversation with Andrew Daley!Andrew is the Head Football Coach at Gateway Regional High School in New Jersey. In addition to coaching, he wears many hats in the world of sports as a freelance sports commentator and host of A Coach’s Challenge Podcast, where coaches from across the country share their stories and experiences.We dive into Andrew’s unique journey — from his professional football career in Germany to his early days as a coach and broadcaster. He also shares how he balances it all: being a coach, commentator, husband, father, and career technical education teacher.I had an amazing time learning about Andrew’s story, and I know you will too!If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]. 

Voices in the Game welcomes BJ Bertges, Chief Operating Officer of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)!In this episode, BJ shares her incredible journey through the world of sports, from competing as a dual-sport college athlete to playing professional football and winning a national championship with the Pittsburgh Passion. We also explore her career in collegiate athletics, including her time at Penn State Beaver, where she served as the head volleyball coach and assistant athletic director before joining the USCAA full-time.If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]. 

This week’s episode of Voices in the Game features a fun and insightful conversation with Jacob Davey! Jacob serves as the Director of Strategic Communications for Duquesne University Athletics, where he is the primary media contact for Duquesne football, cross country, track & field, triathlon, acrobatics & tumbling, and women’s lacrosse.We talked about his journey to Duquesne, some of his favorite moments working in sports, and the behind-the-scenes responsibilities he manages as the Director of Strategic Communications for an NCAA Division I athletics program.We also discuss his other role in the sports industry. He is the Tournament Director for the National Wiffle League Association (NWLA) National Tournament, which will take place this Saturday and Sunday (July 19–20) at North Strabane Township Park in Canonsburg, PA!If you would like to find out more information about the tournament, visit nwlatournament.com.

It is time for an all-new episode of Voices in the Game featuring an incredible conversation with Chris Mycoskie!Chris has done just about everything in the sports media world—TV sports reporter, radio host, play-by-play announcer, color analyst, sideline reporter, and more. In this episode, we dive into how he got his start in the industry at a young age, the many hats he has worn along the way, and how the powerful story of his daughter, Hannah, continues to inspire him both professionally and personally.Do not miss this heartfelt and insightful interview with a true industry veteran.If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]. 

Episode #5 of Voices in the Game is live for everyone to listen to featuring Neil Villapiano! Neil is a sportscaster who wears multiple hats as a broadcaster, writer, and host of the Devils State of Mind Podcast, covering everything related to the three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils.If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]. 

Voices in the Game is back with a brand-new episode featuring Play-By-Play Announcer and Owner of Mach10 Digital, Ford Martin.In this episode, Ford shares what it was like growing up immersed in the world of NASCAR, how he launched his own digital media company, and the balancing act of calling games across multiple sports and schools throughout the year.If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to reach out via email at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

We are back with another episode of Voices in the Game!Episode 3 features a fantastic conversation with Jon Chelesnik. Jon is the founder and owner of the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA). Jon shares his journey from working behind the mic as a sportscaster to building a nationwide talent agency that helps sportscasters grow their careers.If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] interview was originally uploaded on June 15th, 2025.

Episode 2 of Voices in the Game is live, featuring Rich Hollenberg!Rich is an Emmy Award-winning sportscaster who currently serves as the TV pregame and postgame host for the Tampa Bay Rays on the FanDuel Sports Network and a college basketball play-by-play announcer for ESPN.He is also the founder of the Break-In & Break-Through cohort, helping aspiring sportscasters find their voice in the industry.If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you!Feel free to DM me or reach out via email at [email protected] interview was originally uploaded on June 8th, 2025.

Hello!I am Colton DeBiase, and I want to welcome you to the very first episode of Voices in the Game!If you are interested in breaking into the sports industry or want to learn more about the people who make it all happen behind the scenes, this interview series is for you. We will highlight a wide range of roles and provide you with an inside look at what it's really like to work in sports. Our first episode is with a true veteran of the sports world! Doug Birdsong, the voice of Bucknell Football and Men’s Basketball since 2000.Doug and I discuss a variety of topics, including his start in the business, some of his favorite memories from his time at Bucknell, and how his position has evolved over the past two decades. If you work in the sports industry and would like to share your insights, stories, or advice, I would love to feature you! Feel free to DM me or reach out via email at [email protected] interview was originally uploaded on June 1st, 2025.