Well, I must say this has been an interesting thread to read.
As I learned last July, you can have plans but sometimes God has other plans. When Townsquare and Learfield agreed to a five year contract for Townsquare to continue carrying Ragin' Cajun sports, I said I would do the five years and then assess my situation. And, my fulfilling that will depend on 1) my health and 2) Learfield's desire for me to continue. So far both of those things are fine.
By Memorial Day, 2023, I'll be 70 years old. And, counting the years I did Cajun games on TV (1984-91), I'll have 39 years covering the Cajuns in some form, and 31 years on the radio broadcasts.
This is the time of year where we are really spread thin. I really appreciate Dave Schultz willingness to fill in for me Saturday in Troy. I really needed to be at the "Tigue" this weekend for many reasons, as you might expect.
Ian has arranged his "real" work schedule in order to be our #1 fill in. I agree with you that he does an outstanding job. He'll be making a few road trips with women's basketball and softball as we come down the home stretch for winter sports.
The fourth announcer is whoever is available, as sometimes we have four sports on the same day in four different cities. And, with the way the men's and women's basketball tournaments are set up, we won't know how often someone will need to jump in the saddle to do spring sports until a day or two before. I appreciate Ian's bosses being willing to turn him loose. (When the tournament comes, Steve will do women's basketball, I'll be with the men.)
This weekend I get to double dip, doing baseball on Friday and Sunday. Saturday I'll broadcast both ends of the basketball doubleheader at ULM. Steve will be in Birmingham with softball.
As far as my replacement is concerned (whenever that time comes), that will be for Learfield to decide. My guess is they will take resumes nationally, but certainly give a very close look if anyone local wants it.
And, I wouldn't worry about someone knowing the history of the program. My good friend Danny Reed at Georgia Southern can sit and spout all sorts of Eagles' history, yet he's only in his fifth season. The good ones do their homework.
I appreciate your understanding during this month of overlap. My first boss in radio, Karl DeRouen used to say "just get it on the air, buddy." The announcers may not be your favorites, but we'll find a way for you to listen. Thanks.
Appreciate all the work you guys are doing to get everything covered. Next year, the schedule should be easier to set at this time as the basketball tournament is going back to one site for both the men and the women. I think that will be in Pensacola. Not as close as New Orleans for us but still a reasonable drive. Some may wait to see if we make the semifinals. That way you can stay Saturday night regardless of the Saturday result. As far as Jay is concerned, hope your health stays good so we can keep enjoying your quality work. Is the plan for you to continue doing the three major sports in 2020-21? All that traveling has to get old at times.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)