Bonham and Hinchey: Jerry Schemmel still loves sports after 25 years in broadcasting

Saturday, April 21, 2007

In February, the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named Denver Nuggets radio voice Jerry Schemmel the Colorado Sportscaster of the Year.

Schemmel, 47, has logged almost 25 years in broadcasting and is in his 14th year calling Nuggets games. Prior to his Nuggets gig, Schemmel did Minnesota Timberwolves games on radio and TV for two years. Before that, he called games in the Continental Basketball Association for four seasons, where he also served as deputy commissioner.

It was in this capacity that, in 1989, Schemmel was aboard a United Airlines flight bound for Chicago. An in-flight explosion cut the aircraft's hydraulic lines, forcing the plane to crash land in Sioux City, Iowa, killing 112 passengers.

Schemmel wrote about the events surrounding the crash and how it affected his life in his nationally acclaimed book Chosen To Live.

Schemmel grew up in Madison, S.D., and now lives in Littleton with his wife, Diane, daughter Maggie and son Ryan. An avid cyclist, he rode a bicycle across the United States during the summers of 2003 and 2004 as a fundraiser, earning more than $450,000 for two Denver- area charities.

Schemmel's efforts in the community and his radio and TV work have earned him respect around the country as a broadcaster, author, motivational speaker and charitable activist. Boardroom Sports caught up with him last week after the Nuggets eight-game winning streak.

What's your educational background?

I received a B.A. in communications from Washburn University in 1982 and graduated from Washburn Law School in 1985. At Washburn, I played shortstop on the school's baseball team and later spent three years there as an assistant baseball coach.

How did you get into broadcasting?

My first broadcasting job was in 1983 at a radio station in Topeka. I was hired for $10 a game to do color commentary for radio broadcasts of my alma mater. The next season I moved to play-by-play and got a raise to $20 per game.

Toughest part of your job?

The travel. Most people think the NBA is all glamour, but there are many, many very long days and late nights. The travel takes a big toll on family. With a wife and two kids at home, it can definitely be a challenge.

What do you see as the value of sports in society?

Sports in America almost seems to be part of its lifeblood. I know many people think it's overemphasized, and it might be, but there are so many invaluable benefits to sports for so many groups of people. Other than perhaps the crazy salaries at the pro level, sports in America are a healthy and positive contribution to society.

What changes have you observed in pro sports over the years?

The biggest changes in pro sports I have seen are the money and the stakes. As the money has increased, so has the incredible pressure to win. It used to be that winning was great and losing was largely tolerated. Today, if you win you are great. But if you lose, you flat-out stink.

Biggest sports thrill?

Running a marathon in under three hours.

Favorite players?

Michael Jordan, John Stockton and Dikembe Mutombo.

How would you rate Denver as a sports town?

Denver is an incredible sports town. Support for its teams, in my opinion, is right up there with any city in America. For its size, it might just be number one.

Nuggets chances of going deep into playoffs?

I honestly think the Nuggets can do some real damage in the playoffs. I'm not sure how far they will go, but they are much more poised to make a move than in the past three years. There is more talent, the team is playing well at the end of the regular season, Carmelo Anthony has matured as a team player, and Allen Iverson seems to be a man on a playoff mission.

I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Dean Bonham is CEO and Don Hinchey is VP of communications for The Bonham Group, a Denver-based sports and entertainment marketing firm. Send your comments to dhinchey@bonham.com.