Radio Remains Important Medium in High School Sports Coverage

As a youngster growing up in Warroad, Minnesota, Chad Stoskopf knew radio was the only place to turn to have his thirst quenched for scores, play-by-play, interviews and other information as he followed his hometown heroes.

He and a multitude of others in the town just seven miles south of the Canadian border relied on the traditional medium to stay connected to hear the latest highlights from individual standouts representing the town of nearly 2,000 that not only boasts a high school bursting with a rich tradition of success, but also includes seven Olympians through the decades and a number of NCAA Division I hockey players.

“Growing up, radio was all we had,” said Stoskopf, now an activities director at Esko (Minnesota) High School. “It was our connection to not only all things Warroad, but to the world. To listen to the announcers sharing information provided a much-needed personal connection. The programming brings a personal touch. We still see how important that is today.”

Through an ever-evolving media world, traditional mediums like radio continue to serve communities and member schools with robust coverage of high school activities, from Day 1 of the season to the final horn. Regardless of the size of the community, radio’s reach now can extend worldwide through streaming platforms.

Cultivating strong relationships between a school’s administrative team and the radio station that serves them continues throughout the country.

“In today’s changing media world, it is so important to keep radio stations in the forefront,” said Devon Krueger, a longtime radio host for Minnesota-based R&J Broadcasting. “Especially with streaming options, we need member schools to continue working with us in the promotion of local radio. When everyone ‘would rather watch’ the games, it’s crucial to keep our relationship strong so that fans can have the personal connection to tune into our audio with any visual options.”

Like many states, Minnesota has a robust radio community with more than 350 stations, many of which cover Minnesota State High School League activities. High School Today recently caught up to some veteran radio professionals to hear their perspective on the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with member schools and the communities they serve.

Jim Bartels, KNUJ, New Ulm, Minnesota
“It’s been a hoot – that would be my short evaluation of coverage I have been able to do for more than six decades of radio coverage of Minnesota State High School League events in six sports,” said Jim Bartels of KNUJ in New Ulm, Minnesota. “Folks at the MSHSL have always been very accommodating. My favorite memory, for sure, was broadcasting the Jon May (Hutchinson High School) vs. Trevor Laws (Apple Valley High School) heavyweight championship match. They got paired up in the semifinals, even though they were ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the nation. What a match. It was one of the greatest matches in Minnesota history. The thunder of the crowd was clearly heard through the airwaves of our Hutchinson radio stations. (May would record a major upset and go on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska; Laws played football at Notre Dame and then the NFL).

“After the state tournament, I had a dairy farmer from Hutchinson tell me that he and his boys were milking cows early so they could come and ‘watch’ the match on the radio,” Bartels continued. “They stood around their living room, hanging onto our words and game action, feeling like they were right there. Boy, that was a day brightener for me that I will never forget, and it underscores the importance of what we do.”

Kari Brolsma, KKOJ Jackson, Minnesota
“I have been the sports director for three years now at Xtreme Country and KKOJ in Jackson, Minnesota,” said Kari Brolsma. “It started off right away with a trip to the volleyball state tournament for Jackson County Central in Class A. The communities that make up JCC are a 2 ½-to-3- hour drive from the Twin Cities, so with our radio coverage, I was able to bring the excitement to everyone who was not able to make it in person.

“I received so many thank-yous after that tournament from people who greatly appreciated the coverage we provided. The Huskies made it to the championship that year and placed second, but I was proud that I was able to make people feel like they were sitting right next to me. We have also provided coverage for state football tournaments and the state wrestling tournament. People from the area appreciate our coverage so much.

“Our radio stations are deeply tied to the community with our local news and sports coverage and it’s our hard work we put forth every day to keep that relationship that keeps us in business. Fostering great relationships with the member schools is so important in being able to provide the coverage the student-athletes deserve,” Brolsma concluded.

Chris Fee, KROX, Crookston, Minnesota
“Some of the most rewarding parts of the job are the emails, phone calls, letters, and even thank you cards from parents, grandparents and family members of the kids playing,” said Chris Fee of KROX Radio in Crookston, Minnesota. “They thank us for making the game available on the radio or on the video stream because they were able to listen/watch from Arizona, Florida or while on vacation outside of the United States. Or the parent who had to work the late shift at the factory and couldn’t make it to the game but was able to listen on the radio while at work.

“We also do it for those in the nursing homes who can’t make it to the games. We love delivering the games to everyone who is listening to or watching them all over the world. As radio announcers, we get to know the kids, the parents and even the grandparents of the kids playing. Heck, we even have kids on the team sometimes. Getting to know the kids, coaches, officials and administrators at the games we cover is a blessing. There are so many great people involved in high school activities.”

Devon Krueger, KKIN/KFIL, Aitkin, Minnesota
“In building relationships with member schools, it all comes full circle,” said Devon Krueger of KKIN/KFIL in Aitkin, Minnesota. “I believe local radio, when done correctly, truly benefits everyone. Bringing the action to those that can’t attend the events, providing a fun, entertaining broadcast for the kids is exciting for their friends, family and fans.

“Showing that you care about the student-athletes and their activities can help create business for the radio station, and in turn, help local businesses grow. Local businesses WANT to support the station and be part of the broadcasts when they see a strong, positive relationship between the announcers and schools, and more so the relationship between the announcers and the coaches, students and others.

I have been told numerous times in my career, “Those kids love you.” It has resulted in more businesses advertising during the broadcasts. The school administration is always willing to help in any way needed. The positive promotion of the school and community is so important in today’s society.”