Chris Carlin (in blue shirt, sixth from left) is pictured with Red Bank Regional teacher Sandra Ploe, Breana Whittington, Lauren DeMarco, Jack Navitsky, teacher Christina Emrich, teacher James Young, Sadiq Palmer, and Katie Carroll. The sports broadcaster was welcomed by students and staff from RBR’s Academy of Sports Medicine and Management.
Press release from Red Bank Regional High School
Sports TV and radio celebrity Chris Carlin recently visited Red Bank Regional High School to meet with students of the Academy of Sports Medicine and Management (ASM&M), and to discuss his amazing career as well as the ins and outs of both sports radio and TV production.
Showing videos of his TV programs to the classroom, Carlin observed that TV employs many more people than radio, where the announcer is more of a one-man show. He informed the students, “My job requires doing about five to six hours of homework a day; as I have to know every piece of minutia for this industry.”
During the presentation, Carlin gave the some sage advice on pursuing a career in these very competitive industries, stating, “I can’t stress this enough, unless you have some incredible talent, you need to work really hard to get where you want to go.”
The co-host of SNY sports cable stations — as well as the play-by-play radio announcer for Rutgers football and basketball broadcasts — the New Jersey native attended a small liberal arts college with the intention of becoming a lawyer like his two older brothers. An opportunity to call the play-by-play for the school’s football program inspired the avid sports fan — who could recite stat after stat on local teams — to set a different direction for his future career and life’s passion.
“As soon as I put on those headphones, I fell in love with (sports announcing),” Carlin explained to the students.
Graduating college with a degree in English, the dream of a sports profession, and no job, Carlin eventually took an internship at WFAN radio working “awful hours” without pay. Eventually, management offered him opportunities that led to part time and full time work, as he continued to “never say no” to any request made of him professionally.
He soon flourished on TV when he found his own voice and comfortable stride as “everyman”, “the guy with whom you would like to have a spirited sports conversation. For many years he hosted a pre- and post game show for the New York Mets. He recently left that position to manage his four current gigs as a co-host of a sports’ quiz and discussion show, which he explained were more lighthearted, and a better fit for his self-described “goofy personality.” .
Regarding his position as the voice for Rutgers’ sports, he passed around a giant stat sheet, which represents the “bible” he lives by when announcing each game. On these sheets, he charts all the stats of every Rutgers’ player and the players from the opposing team. In addition, the former English major, emphasized the value of strong, concise writing skills. He explained that this skill is needed in most professions to succeed.
ASM&M lead teacher Christina Emrich was very appreciative that Mr. Carlin took the time from his busy schedule to share his knowledge with her students, adding, “Any time we can attract a professional of Mr. Carlin’s experience and expertise, it is a wonderful learning opportunity for our kids who chose this academy due to their love of sports. It gives them a reality check on what is needed to succeed in such a competitive and demanding industry. They also witness how satisfying it is do something you really love.”
