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Show Pag 30 Thursday, November 29, 1979 Well Russ, it lodes like those Pittsburgh Steelers have finally taken the World Series from the Baltimore Orioles. Pittsburgh Steelers? asks a confused Russ Sneddon. Oh, my mistake banters back-StaPeny," Im just another victim of that dread fumble-tonguAs the dialogue continues, one is aware that the two unassuming characters are broadcasting a radio sports show, and by the way; having a good time doing so. As members of the KZAN Intermountain Sports Roundup team, the two have been presenting the Salt Lake and Ogden area markets with a new type of radio broadcast reminiscent of Bob and Ray. This new format allows the two to discuss local and national sports in an informal manner in which both personalities serve to complement the other. The duo is comparatively new in this field since neither has had any formal training in sports reporting . . . and sometimes it shows up. After stumbling and d stammering through a press release, a on the fact that he left Sneddon blames the faux-pau- s his tongue out in the rain. But the occasional errors in diction add a new dimension of humor to a profession e. good-nature- is often times plagued with constant'repetitions and a lack of different personalities by radio sports broadcasters. I think we add a new and creative dimension to sports analysis and information in which the listener isnt bombarded with the same type of everyday report, says the serious Sneddon who assumes the role of straight man. We try to portray an actual conversation between a couple of guys just sitting around talking about sports activities and personalities. To create this relaxed atmosphere the team doesnt have to put on any false airs, and in fact, they make light of the occasional situations when the tongue h refuses to respond to the thought. This would be injurious to most form of groups, but to Russ and Stan its just another part of their new approach which seems to have been favorably accepted as many have responded to the new style. They seem to hold nothing sacred, as no group or person has avoided the humorous and sometimes that down-to-eart- m controversial shots they have taken. As a team, their attitudes and ideas thrust them on the scale somewhere between NBCs Saturday Night Live and Dan Rathers 60 Minutes. But sometimes the shots backfire. A shocked Russ Sneddon sat by as Stan was taking a barb at Philadelphias Mike Schmidt, but unfortunately he mispronounced his name causing a blooper to go out across the air. Unruffled by the comment, Stan went on with the report as if nothing happened, even though several people had a laugh on him. The affable Stan Perry is part of the reason for this unique effect as he serves as Sneddons sidekick. His background in radio goes all the way back to the late fourties when he lived with his famous Uncle Hal Peary. For you old time radio buffs, youll remember him as the Great Gildersleeve, as his Hollywood-base- d programs were hitting the top ratings for five years into the early fifties. It was then that Perry got the and intermingle opportunity to say a few with some of the great radio and movie stars of the time. Jimmy Cagney, Ann Southern and David Butler were household words in the Hollywood mansion in which the then 19 year old Perry resided. I watched them on and off the set and saw how the professionals responded to the pressures and problems of everyday life. The exposure to these great stars gave me a familiarity with the public and the ability to feel comfortable with people from all walks of life, and sometimes says the Don. Rickies look-alikI hope we can provide entertainment as well as the basics from the sporting world. People don't always want the same song and dance, and I think we can produce that story that attracts the listening audience. Sneddon reaffirms this idea by saying that our personalities, being of totally opposite' structure, complement each other so that the audience is presented with difterent views encompassing a myriad of events. The constant recitation of linescores, averages, wins and losses is just plain boring, laments Sneddon. Were looking for that human-interesubject likely to raise a few eyebrows. ' Tb The new format of the show allows several minutes each day for live interviews with local and national sports figures. To this date, it has proven to be most successful as many important people have appeared on the show that airs at 7:20 and 4:20 each weekday. Gary Crompton, Athletic Director at Weber State; Lee Lanzoratta, a pro baseball scout; Leonard Monheimer, General Manager of the Ogden As, and other sports personalities have provided different and varied viewpoints. The sports team not only provides humor, controversial topics, and daily interviews but a solid sports background. Sneddon, a former A.A.U. midhandball and racquetball dleweight boxer, is a champion, who has gained notoreity for his instruction and participation with the martial arts. As Sports Director of the station, he also adds national and international events to his credit. He was Founder of the Canadian Junior Olympic Program and National Administrator for the United States Junior Olympia Program. The Tournament Director for the 5th World Judo Championships, Russ brought the State of Utah its first international sporting event. Locally he has worked with both Deseret Gyms and was meet Director for the National Synchronized Swimming competitions. There is no substitute for experience in familiarizing yourself and the public with information concerning the real issues involved with good reporting. Stan also agrees with Russ that their backgrounds serve as a positive link between the sports world and the public audience. A former pitcher in the New York Yankees Farm system, Perry has been a professional scout, and most recently was General Manager of the Ogden As. Our backgrounds in both management and participation explains Perry, allow us to come material people want to hear. up with the bottom-lin- e Ive been the color man with Dick Enberg and Don Drysdale as well as interviewing and being interviewed, which allows me the flexibility to try and see both sides clearly. The show has become a success from this new ap- -' proach, plus the way the show comes across the air, one can tell that they enjoy what they are doing. They would perhaps like to expand their talents to occasional television spots and even some commercials. Who knows, maybe one of these days one of their favorite sayings will come to pass: Hey Russ, who v were those guys?" one-line- rs m e, act-alik- e. off-be- st ht ii rfitnarw"unt!liw |