Junior Dominic D’Angelo recently won two awards from the Wisconsin Broadcasting Association. Ben Wolcanski’s questions led to some heartfelt responses from NDA’s hardworking school sportscaster.
Q: What awards did you win?
“I won the WBA student awards for excellence, 1st place for sports programming radio and second place for sports programming TV, essentially naming me one of the best high school sportscasters in the state.”
Q: What made you want to be a broadcaster?
“I’ve wanted to be a broadcaster since I was probably 9 years old. I knew I wanted to do something with sports, and every time I turned on a game, I was always interested in who was announcing it. I remember saying to my dad, “I’d like to be one of those voices.
“I played basketball from 3-7 grade, but in my seventh grade year I started experiencing severe pain in my neck and right shoulder areas. I had a benign tumor in my neck and had major surgery done to remove it. I was ‘put on the shelf’ for a year and that gave me time to really think about this idea of being a broadcaster. Since my surgery I’ve been chasing that dream ever since.”
Q: Who has helped you along this journey?
“So many people have helped on this journey; there are probably too many to name. My family have been my biggest supporters. They all believe in my dream as much as I do, and they never miss a game. My grandfather, who unfortunately passed away this past Thanksgiving, never missed a game. It didn’t matter how sick he was, or what he had scheduled, he never missed a game, and the rest of my family is very much like that as well. They always listen.
“Joey Bonadonna gave me my first chance at broadcasting. My freshman year he was kind enough to have me up for a game. It was a boys regional game against Pulaski. After that weekend he said, ‘Dom, I’m handing you the keys to my baby.’ He helps me all the time, whether that be with the technology side of things, making graphics, supplying facts or just advice in general. He’s been an incredible mentor, and I’m blessed to call him a friend.
“My friend Chris Liermann I’ve joked has been my ‘agent’ for the past two years. Chris has always been there, whether it’s helping submit clips for WBA, keeping me in the know about events and games, and inviting me to call games at different venues. Chris works with the Bay Port guys, but he’s been so supportive of me and my career. I joke that I don’t know how an NDA and a Bay Port guy became friends, but I’m so glad we did.
“I work with Conor DuBoyce for W7 Productions, and he’s been a joy to work with. Gary Wipperman is the head of W7, and he’s been super supportive as well, but I work with Conor the most, and the two of us really enjoy working together.
“Also Mr. Johnson and the entire band program have been so supportive of me doing both playing and broadcasting. A lot of people on days where there’s a game and the band is playing would say, “Too bad, pick one or the other,” but he has been so supportive and kind about allowing me to do both. I owe a lot of my success to him and everyone in that program,”
Q: What is the best thing about broadcasting for the school?
“I think the best thing about broadcasting for the school is getting to bring people together. I’ve received so many compliments from family and friends of the athletes I call games for, about how much they appreciate me doing it because it allows family and friends who aren’t able to be at the game the opportunity to watch. I’ve often questioned if what I’m doing really matters because at the end of the day I’m just talking about sports, but when I hear stories about how many different people are able to watch games, it means a ton. The best compliment I’ve ever received was from a student who told me that it became a weekly occasion for him and his dad to listen to me broadcast games. It also means a lot that other kids want to try to do it because they heard me doing it and are inspired by that.”
Q: What has been your favorite broadcasting memory?
“I’ve had a couple great memories when it comes to broadcasting. I think my favorite call was the boys basketball team against Bay Port. The game goes to overtime, and Emmett Lawton hits the game winning shot to win it. Over 1000 people were watching the end live. I remember going to school the next day and so many people were talking to me about the broadcast.
‘Another great memory was the week where I called four games in three days, including the girls basketball team winning a sectional championship and the boys basketball team winning their first-ever regional championship. I was exhausted by the end of it, but the moment was so much fun. And one other great one happened this year. The football team played in the sectional finals against Rice Lake. Unfortunately we lost, but the entire week I was asked if I was going down and calling the game. After word got out that both Joey and myself would be there, the excitement and the fan fest the entire week was off the charts.”
Q: Are you planning on broadcasting in the future?
“The plan, hope and dream is to make it big and have this be my future profession. I’m super thankful that I’ve already made some connections with people in the industry which has been incredible. The hope and dream is to do this for a major network like CBS or FOX or someone like that.”
Q:What did you feel when you found out that you won this award?
“The first reaction I had when I found out I won was sheer gratitude. So many more people go into a recognition like this than just me. I was obviously super excited and proud when I first found out that I won, but my first reaction was ‘I have so many people to tell and thank for all they’ve done to put me in this position.’”
