Baldwin spotlights wide array of alumni working in sports media

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, December 8, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Baldwin is becoming known as a school that produces a mass influx of professionals in the sports media industry.

The long list of Baldwin alumni in the business includes Austin Bechtold (93.7 The Fan), Cory Berger (JRM Sports), Nathan Breisinger (Pittsburgh Sports Now), Marc Cardillo (Pittsburgh Penguins, JRM), Kevin Gorman (TribLive), Jack Hillgrove (WTOV in Ohio), Guy Junker (Pittsburgh Pirates), Noah Knerr (JRM), Evan Laurent (KDKA+, JRM), Ashley Liotus (WTAE), Chris Mack (Y108), Ryan Milan (JRM Video Production), Jake Mysliwczyk (JRM Video Production), Alex Stumpf (MLB.com) and Tyler Zeman (WTAJ in Altoona).

With that in mind, assistant principal John Saras recently organized a Pittsburgh Sports Media Forum at Baldwin High School that aimed to provide students with an in-depth look at career opportunities in the industry.

He was helped out by Baldwin teachers Keith Harrison (English), Jason Dolak (English), Adam Foote (social studies) and Chris Tator (fine and practical arts) along with Peters Township athletic director Brian Geyer.

“The planning process spanned about three months,” Saras said. “I began thinking about organizing the event shortly after the start of the school year, around late August. It was essential to secure the participation of our distinguished alumni and coordinate logistics well in advance to ensure a successful event.

“Collaborating with faculty and community partners helped streamline the planning, allowing us to focus on delivering a meaningful experience for our students.”

Foote is a social studies teacher who also has coached volleyball at Baldwin for many years.

“I teach a media literacy course this year so I brought my students up to the forum, ” Foote said. “I think it was great for students to hear from Baldwin alumni who are doing great things related to sports media. The range of experiences was interesting, hearing from those in the infancy of their career as well as those who are nearing the twilight of their career.

“The students had great questions, were attentive, and many have said they wish the program was longer; they could have stayed and listened to them all day.”

The forum featured a distinguished panel of seven Baldwin graduates — Bechtold, Gorman, Hillgrove, Junker, Liotus, Mack and Stumpf.

“The event sought to inspire and inform students about the various paths available in this dynamic field,” Saras said. “The forum facilitated valuable networking opportunities and encouraged meaningful discussions regarding the skills and experiences essential for success in sports media.”

Among the more well-known names, Junker, a longtime fixture in sports television in the Pittsburgh market, is the public address announcer at PNC Park for the Pirates and Gorman is the Pirates beat writer for TribLive.

Liotus is a WTAE-TV sports reporter, Mack is an afternoon host on Y108, and Hillgrove is a sports reporter for WTOV and a part-time host on 93.7. He is the grandson of Bill Hillgrove, the legendary radio broadcaster for Pitt football and basketball and the former radio play-by-play man for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stumpf is the Pirates reporter for MLB.com. And how about that Bechtold? He’s a busy young man.

Bechtold is a producer for the Pomp & Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan; he’s also a part-time host. He is a writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now and Nittany Sports Now and a broadcaster for PAC Football and KDKA+ and the Baldwin’s Fighting Highlanders Sports Network.

“The forum was awesome,” Bechtold said. “A few of the students were athletes who I’ve announced their games, either PA announcing or on the Fighting Highlanders Sports Network, so that was cool to see.

“As someone who helped organize the event, it was awesome to have Chris Mack, Kevin Gorman and Guy Junker there as the most veteran media personalities. I grew up listening to and watching them. Chris and Kevin came to Baldwin and recorded a podcast with Jaiman White and I in my senior year, so to be on a panel with them five or six years later was a cool experience.”

Each of the prominent guests shared their unique insights and experiences from their careers in sports media.

“I want to highlight how impressive our panelists are and how much Baldwin High School shaped their career paths,” Saras said. “Each of these talented alumni has done amazing things in the sports media industry, and they all credit their time at Baldwin for giving them the skills and experiences that set them on their journeys.

“It is great to see how connected they all are, showcasing the strong network we have at Baldwin that helps foster talent and encourages students to chase their dreams. We are really proud to have such accomplished individuals representing Baldwin High School. Their stories serve as motivation for our current students, showing them what’s possible with hard work and determination.”

The special event was held in the high school media room with about 80 students in attendance.

“Along with faculty members who were eager to learn more about the sports media industry,” Saras noted. “The diverse group contributed to an engaging atmosphere filled with questions and lively discussions following the panel presentations.”

Among the students in attendance were senior volleyball players Avery Barrett and Kaylee Smolko, both Pitt-Johnstown recruits.

“I was really surprised by how many of the speakers knew each other from being a part of Baldwin,” Barrett said. “I enjoyed listening to all of them. Many of them have worked together, which was funny to hear about and shows how close of a community Baldwin-Whitehall is.

“I really was interested in their journey throughout their careers that brought them to where they are today. It was also super cool to see the connections they had with one another and working with each other over the years. It really showed me the opportunities the district offers for us and can help us with our careers in the future. It is nice to have an advantage of so many successful people from the community to support our professional growth.”

That was all music to the ears of the event’s organizers.

“The positive feedback from both the students and guest speakers highlighted the impact of the discussions and the valuable insights shared,” Saras said. “The engagement from the audience was impressive, with many students asking thoughtful questions and expressing a newfound interest in pursuing careers in sports media.

“Additionally, the networking opportunities provided a platform for students to connect with industry professionals, fostering relationships that could be beneficial for their future career paths. Overall, the event achieved its goal of inspiring students and enriching their understanding of the sports media landscape, making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

The forum may be the first in a series of unique programs to be planned at Baldwin.

“We’re in the preliminary stages of hosting another media panel at Baldwin in the spring,” Bechtold said. “Learning from Mr. Harrison and writing for The Purbalite was where it all began for me, and to now have a chance to give back to a place that did so much for me is an easy decision and makes me proud to be from Baldwin.”

Saras, a Pitt graduate, hopes to soon be making plans for the next special event at the high school.

“We are excited to host more events like this that celebrate our alumni and provide valuable insights for our students,” Saras said. “I also want to recognize our faculty for their support, which is key in helping nurture future leaders.”

Tags: Baldwin