http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsu...rts/5104881.htm

>>
Blind sportscaster ready to make the call at WIU
JAN DENNIS
Associated Press

MACOMB, Ill. - Ryan Kuro has never seen a game, but says that's the least of his worries as he gets ready to slide in behind the microphone Saturday for his first live sports broadcast.

Though blind since birth, the Western Illinois University junior is more concerned with the usual rookie sportscaster fears - mispronouncing names, talking too much or not talking enough.

"My key thing is I'm not doing this as, you know, look at the blind person doing the broadcast. I'm just another person doing it. I just happen to be blind," Kuro said.
....
<<

When I initially read the headline I thought he was the play-by-play man, which would be virtually impossible to do while blind even with an excellent "spotter"....as it turns out, Ryan's goal is to be a color commentator/analyst, which based upon all the accolades that he has received regarding his work ethic and communication skills now seems realistic, recognizing that he will obviously rely heavily upon the play-by-play man for the score, time remaining, statistics, etc....I wish him well and see no reason why Ryan should not be permitted to pursue his dream, despite his disability.

After reading a column last month by the outstanding journalist Rick Reilly in Sports Illustrated describing a blind New York Islanders hockey fan who recently attended her first game in person after listening to every Islanders radio broadcast for 30 years (which was quite a story in and of itself), if Ryan turns out to be a successful broadcaster he would be serve as a tremendous inspiration to the millions of blind (not to mention sighted) sports fans nationwide.

[ February 06, 2003, 10:39 PM: Message edited by: gamecock ]