By MIKE GODFREY
Move over Jim Nantz as Otsego senior Kaden Knapp has the passion and the experience to create his own broadcasting legacy.
“I have been saying since eighth grade that I want to be the voice of the Final Four and Super Bowl for CBS, like my idol Jim Nantz,” said Knapp who credits his parents and several Otsego staff members and athletic directors for their encouragement and assistance over the last six years. “I’ve also had a lot of people tell me to dream big, and if I keep working hard, I will get there.”
Encouraged by Otsego’s Director of Technology Luke Swartz, Knapp’s broadcasting journey began during seventh grade when he joined the OtsegoTV program. Since then, Knapp has livestreamed nearly 200 games, something that wasn’t nearly as common pre-COVID.
Swartz said, “Kaden’s strength, by far, is his determination. Since I’ve known him in his elementary days, he’s always said he wanted to be a sports announcer, and he’s continuously done everything possible to make that happen. Kaden has always taken every opportunity to work with OtsegoTV over the years, and now he runs it solo. Any graphics or audio you see or hear are all created and/or managed by him at this point. We’re thankful for his efforts, and we’re proud to call him an Otsego Knight.”
“I’ve witnessed Kaden pour countless hours of work into his research to be prepared for his sports broadcasts, even going so far as to make himself knowledgeable about the opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses,” said Lavendar Krupp, Otsego English teacher and the district’s Round Table podcast advisor. “He simultaneously balances a full load of college classes and works for two other broadcasts. His work on the podcast has been a source of pride for our school community and has set a high standard for future students.”
Besides broadcasting Otsego games, Knapp has broadened his experience this year by joining BGSU Falcon Media and being a part of the radio broadcasts for the BGSU women’s basketball team with Lucas Kleimeyer. Besides being invited to attend practices, Knapp also receives game notes, player profiles, statistics, and random facts that he places into his broadcast board. For high school contests, he scours the internet and newspapers for information, watches the opponent’s film if it’s available, gathers statistics, and examines trends and previous match-ups.
“I’m motivated to get to TV. I plan to call games in college. The work now is worth it to get to where I want to be in life,” added Knapp. “I also really enjoy the preparation that goes into broadcasting. For me it is so fun reading, studying, interviewing players and learning.”
Loving football “since the day I was born,” Knapp launched OtsegoTVRadio during his sophomore year so that he could broadcast road games. Whether it’s football or basketball, it’s not unusual for him to prep 60 – 90 minutes for each broadcast besides an hour or more to set up all the technology. Learning to multi-task earlier in his career was a challenge; however, everything has gotten easier for him through the years.
“There is a huge difference between TV and radio because for TV I am more focused on player stories and deep dives into the action. For radio, I am describing everything that is happening very quickly, so the story, per say, is different,” added Knapp who finds it interesting going back and forth between TV and radio broadcasts. It’s common for him, prior to a college or HS game, to sit in front of the TV and practice by broadcasting a former game over again.
While Knapp does many games, especially football, solo, he’s been joined over the years by color commentators, Reed Canterbury (7th – 9th grade years), Ronald Ewing III (junior year), and teacher Brandon Floro (junior year and senior year) for basketball games. Knapp believes the color commentators “add more depth to the game.”
As an Otsego Knight, Knapp, who recognizes that being personable is a must in this field, “enjoys connecting with community. I make it a point to share my email and keep the broadcaster-to-fan communication open. I treat each broadcast like I am having a conversation with the people listening at home.”
In a few months, his six years of Otsego broadcasting will come to an end, a career that has seen him take college classes since his eighth-grade year. Thus, Knapp anticipates graduating with a dual major in journalism and political science in just two to three years. He wants to “step out of my box” and, thus, has applied to several “great journalism and broadcasting programs” like USC, Clemson, Michigan State, and Arizona State to name a few.
Besides his livestreaming prowess, Knapp’s district podcast involvement had Krupp commenting, “Kaden has been an exemplary student who has demonstrated remarkable creativity, leadership, and dedication to our podcast team. As one of the ‘Founding Five’ members of the district podcast, he played a crucial role in shaping its vision and direction. From conceptualizing episode ideas to writing questions and conducting interviews, Kaden always displayed a level of professionalism and commitment that is truly commendable.”
While there will be huge shoes to fill, those wanting to assume Knapp’s livestreaming role at Otsego should, as Knapp suggests, “Just do it! There is a first for everything.”
Knapp would recommend that future broadcasters join Otsego’s district podcast, be self-critical of their work, pretend they’re having a conversation with a family member or friend during their broadcasts, and know that as a student they will continue to learn with each broadcast.
It’s a certainty that Knapp will continue to learn like his studied mentor Nantz. The thrill of hitting ‘go live’ will always be part of Knapp’s DNA.
