Sports TV and radio celebrity Chris Carlin recently visited Red Bank Regional’s (RBR) Academy of Sports Medicine and Management (ASM&M) students regaling them with the progression of his amazing career and the ins and outs of both sports radio and TV production.
During his presentation he gave them 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, Chris Carlin built his amazing career through sheer determination and incredible hard work.
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A New Jersey native, Chris Carlin attended a small liberal arts college with the intention of becoming a lawyer like his two older brothers. As an avid sports fan, who could recite stat after stat on local teams, an opportunity at his small college in announcing the school’s play-by-play football 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 it (sports announcing),” he explained to the students.
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He graduated college with a degree in English, the dream of a sports profession, and no job. He eventually took an internship at WFAN radio working “awful hours” without pay. Once that ended, he still did not have job, but managed to convince management through sheer persistence to give him a part-time employment. He then set upon making himself invaluable to management by “doing everything no one wanted to do and working hours no one wanted to work.”
Eventually, management offered him opportunities. Even when he failed, he would double down on working harder and then, eventually, he would be given another chance to produce a show and announce.
As he continued to work hard and “never said 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 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.” He also retains his two Rutgers’ sports radio positions, a passion he never lost since he first put on those headphones in college.
Chris Carlin showed videos of his TV programs in the RBR classroom explaining to students the work that goes into every TV production. He explained 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.”
He added that this was the case for any job in sports entertainment.”
Regarding his position as the voice for Rutgers’ sports, he passed around a giant stat sheet, which represents the bible he lives by in 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.
The students were captivated by the gentlemen who achieved his dream job, which he exclaimed, “actually pays the mortgage.”
RBR ASM&M student Tim Linden commented, “It (Carlin’s presentation) was a great learning experience and gave me more information about the sports industry.”
RBR 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.”
Red Bank Regional’s (RBR) Academy of Sports Medicine and Management offers curriculum and career exploration in both sports medicine (such as, athletic training, physical therapy, emergency medicine, nursing, exercise physiology, nutritionist/dietician, and personal fitness training) and sports management (including sport marketing, agent, recreation, and sports journalism.)
