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2009-10 AVCA Grant Burger Media Award AVCA Grant Burger Media Award Finalists
Herm ElenbaasHerm Elenbaas is the owner of KURL/KMZK Radio Station in Billings, Mont. Elenbaas was the first to put girls’ high school sports on the radio in Billings, beginning in 1987, and since that time, he has been the only station in Montana’s largest city to consistently have girls’ sports on the air. As a result of his daughter’s interest in the sport of volleyball, Elenbaas began thinking of the possibility of broadcasting some intra-city matches to generate more interest in the sport. He put his idea into action, securing sponsorships, learning more volleyball “lingo” and began broadcasting local matches. He interviewed coaches prior to the matches, as well as after some matches, to gain more knowledge about the sport and the individual match. He has since gone on to broadcast all intra-city matches and all state tournament matches for the past five years. In addition, Elenbaas has made it possible for all state tournament matches to be audio streamed via the internet. Many former athletes and parents have expressed their gratitude to Elenbaas for giving them the opportunity to listen to Montana high school volleyball from across the United States. “Mr. Elenbaas is a great example of someone who used his unique gift of radio broadcasting to benefit high school volleyball here in Billings, Montana,” said Billings Senior High School head coach Jeff Carroll in his nomination letter. “Consequently, I believe he is more than a worthy nominee for the Grant Burger Media Award.” Added Montana High School Association Executive Director Mark Beckman in an endorsement letter of Elenbaas’ nomination, “Herm has worked tirelessly to assure that female sports could be heard on the radio. Specifically, his play-by-play coverage of high school volleyball over the years has led to increased exposure for those talented athletes, and that exposure has increased attendance and support for the sport immensely.” |
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