There is a lot that goes into a broadcast. Somethings help with the experience and others provide challenges. Either way, adaptation is part of the game. I decided to look back at some of the best places from which I have called games. This is totally different from what I consider my best broadcasts or favorite games… I will most likely write about them another time.
When I look at some of my favorite places, I probably should admit that I have a soft spot for older unique places. I am a total history dude. And I am not going to go with any of the places I currently call HOME.. Safe to say that there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME so that is a given.
I will start with SENECA FOOTBALL. Talk about atmosphere. I hope that the good folks of that program realize what they have. The old field has been taken care of and there is no need to look at doing anything to it. While they have put in new bleachers they have been able to keep the old feel. They are a great example of what small town football can be and what you want it to be. When they fill up the stands and line up three, four, and five people deep all the way around….. WOW… goosebumps… I am telling you…
Willow Springs Football. Another place that I love because its old and kind of unique. The old, the concrete, the bricks…. the way folks can park on one side of the field… They may not have a ton of success but they can hold their own and the people…. some really good people. (could have pick a few different spots in the SCA but you get the idea)
Branson Football -There was nothing like John Earl Chase when Steve Hancock and Ron Martin had the Branson Pirates rolling. It was loud, could be intimidating and the playing surface was the best grass field in the state.
Bolivar Football – Yes its newer and nicer playing at SBU… but the old Bolivar Stadium is a place I will always remember. Yes there were some problems but I still liked it.
And there are others, newer or upgraded football facilities, like: Mt Vernon, Monett, Cassville, etc.
Buffalo Basketball… Love, Love, Love this gym. Hated the drive up there but the History there.. the old style you dont see anymore when so many places want the new and shiny.
Central Basketball….. Okay this is tough place to broadcast from. There simply is NO ROOM. But how can anyone not LOVE, the PIT?
Walnut Grove Basketball… Signal can be a little tricky here… but once you are locked in, you are good. This place is a great example of Old and New. Its small but big enough.
There are a whole lot more places I really enjoy, or enjoyed. Many of them were originally in this story, but I had to cut about half of what I had originally written here. I didn’t even get to baseball, softball or any of the other sports. Although, Mang Field is a place that is gone. Branson folks loved it and it was legendary. I have not had the honor of doing a baseball game IN Carthage yet. I have had THREE scheduled but rain got two of them and another scheduling conflict killed the other. I also cut out the college facilities due to length.
Lot of good places on the horizon. I am scheduled to do my first football game from Lamar this season.
