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Before he even graduated from Schalmont High School, Ben Fontana worked side-by-side with one of his favorite sports broadcasters and announced four seasons of baseball games at a public stadium.

At 18, this makes him feel ready to pursue broadcast journalism; he'll attend the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in the fall.

According to Ben's high school varsity basketball coach, Ben's experience and drive makes success likely for the parishioner of St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Rotterdam Junction, a mission of St. Joseph's parish in Schenectady.

Said the coach, Kevin Curtin: "A lot of guys on the basketball team said, 'We'll see you when you're on ESPN.'"

Ben's teammates were only half joking. Mr. Curtin recalled Ben's high grades in advanced English classes, his love for reading and his skill at writing features and wrap-ups on almost every sport for the school newspaper. Ben also edited the yearbook.

Its own reward
In class and on the basketball court and baseball field, Ben's hard work did not go unnoticed. He was not the most talented player when he started basketball in ninth grade, but he knew his role and committed himself to the team, Mr. Curtin said.

"I think that work ethic is lost sometimes," said the coach, referring to Ben's peers.

Maybe it was this attitude that helped Ben gain confidence to start public speaking and land a job at the Rotterdam Babe Ruth field in Schenectady, where he used to play in the league.

"Being able to put my voice out there was fun," he said of the experience, which paid $15 a game. Three or four times a week, Ben recited players' names and cued baseball-themed music. It was a hit.

"People were always approaching me," said Ben's mother, Mary. "People always tell us he has a great speaking voice. He's just fascinated by sports broadcasting. He likes entertainment."

Ben used his skills to give a two-minute speech at his graduation ceremony, presenting the class gift. He was also among the younger lectors at his parish.

The student can trace his interest in broadcasting to when he was six, watching the news and football games with his father. Then he began going to live professional games, especially with his grandfather, a Yankees fan. Today, Ben's glad he kept his eye on the field.

Dream come true
"It turned out to be a realistic dream," he said.

During two summers, Ben simulated play-by-plays, color commentary and newscasts in front of a camera at a broadcasting camp in New Jersey.

Guiding him was Ian Eagle, an announcer who calls NFL games for CBS and New Jersey Nets games on the YES Network and hosts a basketball talk show on Sirius Satellite Radio, among others positions. A producer from the MSG Network also supervised.

Ben looks forward to working with equipment in the studios at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. He wants to be placed in a job right out of college, possibly with a sports team or a major market newspaper.

"I think with hard work, it will pay off," he told The Evangelist.

Ben's mother said she can see him in television or radio. Mr. Curtin believes Ben can make it to the national scene eventually, but that he may have to start small - for instance, covering minor league baseball in the Midwest. Ben could use his insights to write blogs or commentary.

This summer, Ben worked at a movie theater in Rotterdam. He enjoys seeing his friends, playing video games and maintaining a Wiffle ball league of a dozen boys.

"He's just a nice kid," Mr. Curtin said. "You'd like to have him as a friend."

(08/19/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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