Hawks sportscaster Kowal named one of colleges’ best

Monmouth University student Gary Kowal (r) was recognized by the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA) as one of the top 20 college sportscasters in America. The honor is part of the STAA’s Jim Nantz Program. ALEX MIELECHOWSKY I n merely two years of working for Monmouth University’s student radio station, Gary Kowal has gained some notoriety among college sportscasters.

The Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (STAA) recognized Kowal, 20, as one of the best college sportscasters in the country as part of its All-America program.

“I was definitely surprised. It feels really good that I was even brought up in that conversation,” said Kowal, who resides in Oakland.

Kowal described the challenges of preparing for his role as the play-by-play voice of Monmouth University’s baseball, football and basketball games. The job can be especially difficult because of the small staff at WMCX-FM 88.9, the college’s radio station.

But Kowal understands the value of having the support of his colleagues at the station.

“I could not have done it by myself. We need all hands on deck, and we have a great staff of students,” he said.

“In my sophomore year, it translated into success for me because I was able to learn from the older students,” he added.

Over the course of two academic years, Kowal already has learned some of the tricks to the sportscasting trade.

“You need to make sure you are presenting yourself well, and make sure you prepare. It’s important to have all of the info in front of you,” Kowal said.

As for career advice, Kowal has learned the importance of accepting any opportunities that become available. “Never say no to anything,” he said, “because it will help you out in the long run.”

Kowal is open to any possibilities in the sports media business. He always has been a sports fan, and now he is determined to turn his passion into a career. When watching or listening to sporting events, Kowal does more than follow the action of the field. He also pays close attention to the people calling the action.

“I look to a combination of a lot of guys for inspiration, but I also try to make my own identity at the same time,” Kowal said .

Out of the three sports he covers on the radio, Kowal enjoys each one for different reasons, such as the fast pace of college basketball and the intensity of Hawks baseball. But there is one sport, absent from Monmouth University athletics, that Kowal enjoyed the most.

“I played hockey my whole life, but there is no hockey at Monmouth University,” he said. “I was sort of thrown into the fire with basketball. Basketball is definitely the most exciting, and I love baseball.

Kowal will continue working for WMCX in the fall when he is a junior. He certainly enjoys having the responsibility of calling play-by-play for three sports, although he never imagined that he would have those opportunities so early in his college career.

“As a freshman, I just wanted to get on the air. I didn’t think I would be able to jump in and do games,” Kowal said.

“I have the opportunity to travel with the team and go to places that I wouldn’t have gone to on my own,” he added. “I’m excited to go back and start a new year.”