Senior Kevin Wehner expresses his passion for sports broadcasting. Photo by Grace DeSanti.
Ever since a young age, New York native Kevin Wehner knew he had a passion for sports broadcasting. His child self was right, and he is living out his dream as a University of Rhode Island student.
The first club Wehner joined on campus was WRIU, the on-campus student-run radio station, in September of 2017. He played a huge role in this club throughout his years at the University, broadcasting almost every sport, doing play-by-plays and pre-and-post game shows. This gave him a base of sports broadcasting knowledge, helped him network and make friends with people interested in sports media.
“I’ve really enjoyed it because I’ve met a lot of people who want to join the sports media as well,” Wehner said. “I’ve [also] been able to travel, which has been a great experience.”
In addition to the radio station, Wehner joined the newfound Anchor Sports Network in the fall of 2018 in an attempt to experience a different side of sports. He later went on to become the club’s president in January 2020. As president, he oversees the 30 to 40 active members in the club to make sure quality content is created. The role also has him act as a liaison between the Harrington School and Anchor Sports, emphasizing the need for clear communication between the two entities.
“I’ve really enjoyed being part of it,” said Wehner. “It’s given me a lot of opportunities to write different things and learn about podcasting.”
He runs this club with his co-president Nick Simeone, who speaks very highly of him. Simeone joined the club his freshman year.
“He’s a really hard worker,” Simeone said. “[He’s] extremely organized, and overall an extremely nice kid. He will do great when he’s done with school and has been a great person to learn from.”
To take his sport knowledge to a new level, Wehner interned with the University’s media relations department in September 2019 through this March. He worked with the athletic department, with a specific focus in the football and men’s basketball teams in sports communication. This internship allowed Wehner to figure out his true passion was working on the “inhouse side” of sports communications.
Although his future professional goals are unsure, he thinks the experience led him in the right direction. Wehner hopes to be in the sports media field for collegiate level sports but said he is open to any opportunities that may come his way.
Sports isn’t the only thing Wehner specializes in. In 2018, he was hired by the tour guide team and last spring was named to this year’s executive board. In his role as visit enhancement coordinator, he deals with the hospitality aspect of tours and making sure the visitors have an enjoyable experience.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made things “different” for Wehner but it hasn’t slowed him down.
“It’s definitely been a little weird not spending my Saturdays at Meade Stadium or not going down to the Ryan Center like I normally would be gearing up to do in November,” said Wehner. “I’m certainly looking forward to being around live sporting events [in the spring].”
Wehner’s future is looking bright as he graduates this semester before moving on to higher level sports media roles.