(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 06, 2009 ) Adam Cavalier (Sr. Marshall University) has been presented the Jim Nantz Award as the top collegiate sports broadcaster in the U.S.

The award, sports broadcasting’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, is presented by Sportscasters Talent Agency of America.

Other finalists for the Jim Nantz Award were sports broadcasters Adam Amin, Sr. Valparaiso, Siddique Farooqi, Sr. Hofstra, Joel Godett, Sr. Syracuse, Jim MacKay, Sr. University of Maine, and Justin Shackil, Sr. Fordham. Each of the finalists has been recognized as a 2009 Sports Broadcasting STAA All-American. A list of the Top 20 collegiate sports broadcasters from across the U.S as ranked by STAA is available at:

http://www.staatalent.com/all-america/top20.htm

“An argument can be made for any of these sports broadcasters to have won the award,” says STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik. “What Adam does so well is to create great drama with his play-by-play. He isn’t just describing the action. His sportscasting is telling a story. His court description and verbiage are also excellent. He is ready to hit the sports broadcasting job market running.”

Cavalier started his sports broadcasting career 2005 as a freshman at Marshall. His sports broadcasting experience includes play-by-play, sports talk show hosting and sports update anchoring.

“The aim of the STAA All-America program is to encourage collegiate sports broadcasters nationwide to strive to achieve their professional best,” says STAA CEO Chelesnik. “We also want to recognize those students who have worked exceptionally hard to develop their sports broadcasting skills.” The Jim Nantz Award, named in honor of the 4-time Sports Broadcaster of the Year from CBS Sports, is the crown jewel of the STAA All-America program.

“STAA hopes to encourage young sports broadcasters to emulate Jim's work ethic, personal values and devotion to family,” Chelesnik says. “We are grateful to Jim for lending his name to this award.”

Jim Nantz Award candidates were ranked according to their ability across multiple sports broadcasting genres, including play-by-play for various sports, sports update anchoring and sports talk show hosting. To be eligible for consideration, sportscasters need to demonstrate expertise in at least two sports broadcasting disciplines.

Sportscasters Talent Agency of America CEO Chelesnik evaluated the sportscasters and chose the finalists. A panel including Learfield Sports Broadcast Manager Tom Boman, Indiana Pacers broadcaster Mark Boyle, veteran Georgia Tech University sportscaster Wes Durham, and Ohio State University play-by-play broadcaster Paul Keels helped judge the finalists.

About Sportscasters Talent Agency of America:
Sportscasters Talent Agency of America (S-T-Double-A, http://www.staatalent.com ) is dedicated to helping individuals advance their radio and TV sports broadcasting careers. Services include sports broadcasting job placement assistance, sports broadcasting demo and resume construction and talent coaching.

Contact Information:
Sportscasters Talent Agency of America
Jon Chelesnik
Tel: 949-215-6713
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