The first time I met Nick was at a high school football game, where I was training him on stats. I don’t remember the game, but I believe it was at the Springs Sports Complex in San Antonio, and home to the San Antonio Independent School District. It was a billion degrees outside, and we were housed in the press box on the visitors side which had no a/c! Also, I remember boss Bobby Stautzenberger and I had to get the extra long phone cord and run it from where we were to the baseball stadium press box. Bobby was always prepared and had a backup for everything. After the game ended, I stripped off most of my clothes to drive home as a I was drenched with sweat, and that night, I took the coldest shower ever in my entire life.
It’s funny because when I asked Nick, he thinks I trained him at one of the Northside or Northeast ISD stadiums (each has two). Spring Sports didn’t ring a bell. No matter who is correct, my Spring Sports story is pretty amazing anyway!
I was actually searching my blogs to see if I could find anything and one that was published on August 10, 2013 called How I Got Started As A Radio Statistician had this blurb: One game we did at the Spring Sports complex was broadcasted from the visiting press-box and the phone line didn’t work. Bobby and I utilized a 100 foot phone cord (we come prepared) and plugged it in at the baseball stadium press-box. At that same game, it was super hot outside and there was no a/c in the booth and normally we have a 3 man broadcasting crew, but that night we had more as they were being trained for stats and broadcasting. When it ended, I was so happy to get in my car and take my clothes off (OK, it was just my shoes and socks) and blasted the a/c!!!
If I ever wanted somebody to fill my shoes as a statistician, it was Nick. I would’ve referred him for the Thursday Night Lights (TNL) job when I left, but I was never asked. He has done a mighty fine job with stats and broadcasting, and I am proud that I helped him a little bit.
How did you hear about the Texas Sports Radio Network (TSRN)? Did you know Mark Kusenberger or Bobby Stautzenberger?
As a Mass Communication major coming out of college, I was just looking to get on the air somewhere. My best friend, Phillip Guevara, is the one who tipped me off about a Spotter gig with Mark Kusenberger. Phillip was a high school referee, son of long time San Antonio referee, Max Guevara. He was doing that for Mark periodically. Eventually he began to focus on other things and I was given the opportunity to work as a spotter for Mark. It grew to stats and even some color commentary from there. After meeting Mark, I met you, Bobby, and much of the rest of the crew at TSRN.
Did you do stats to help you as a broadcaster?
Going into it I was primarily just happy to learn anything involved with the broadcast. I’ve always been good with numbers (I work for a CPA now) and I felt doing stats certainly couldn’t hurt with learning new things about being on the call. It was certainly an opportunity to watch how plays unfold, and be off to the side to hear the play by play and color describe it.
How did you get the TNL job? Mark Kusenberger did it the year I left.
Kusenberger originally asked me to fill in a week or two here and there when something came up. Eventually TSRN grew into Texas Sports Productions (TSP), and he was asked to play a bigger role in that so I stepped in to TNL from his recommendation.
What are some memorable games and players?
The Frank Harris led Clemens Buffalos in the Alamodome vs Cibolo Steele. Can’t remember the year, but it was the postseason. They fell short, but he nearly carried them on his back to victory against a more formidable opponent. I was in awe watching his QB play. Amazing player and game.
Another one was Justin Twine, RB from Falls City. I did a bunch of Beavers game during his tenure. He was incredible to watch. Got them all the way to the state title game before they ran into a juggernaut. He ended up being an even better baseball player.
Last one I’d say is running back. LJ Butler from Wagner HS. I remember just loving watching this guy play in that Flexbone Option offense at Wagner. He was built like Jerome Bettis. What a footballer he was.
Do you have a favorite stadium?
My favorite stadium is probably the newly renovated Alamo Stadium (The Rockpile 2.0). I like that it’s close to downtown. So, the views are great. And it’s built like a football bowl, unlike many open-ended stadiums.
What does Nick do for fun?
These days much of the fun I have is enjoying my kids. I have two boys, one 5 and one 3. Taking them on adventures brings me great joy. Personally, I still love to watch football, go to Spurs games, and visit with friends/family.