Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM received two finalist nominations for two student media competitions just last month. These nominations were for two student-run programs in Rowan Radio’s sports department.

The Rowan Radio Draft Special, a radio show that reported on and analyzed every draft pick during the 2021 NFL Draft, received a finalist nomination for Best Podcast in the College Media Association’s Pinnacle Awards competition. 

Gary Erdelyi, former Rowan Radio Sports Director, and Alex Braddock, current on-air Rowan Radio talent, both hosted and produced the show. The Rowan Radio Draft Special was created this past year by Erdelyi and Braddock.

“I’m pumped that me and Alex were able to create something that apparently was well-received,” Erdelyi said, mentioning that a lot of the show’s initial ideas were rough drafts that people really enjoyed. “We kind of just decided to do it and now it’s something that can stand for years and years.”

The other finalist nomination was for the College Broadcasters Incorporated’s National Student Production Awards. Kayla Santiago and Lloyd Wilson both received these nominations for their play-by-play and color analysis work for the NBA G League playoff game between the Delaware Blue Coats and Austin Spurs.

“From where I started, it’s just crazy how everything has been progressing as fast as it has,” Wilson said. He discussed how grateful he is for being awarded for his passion at the college level. “Being a broadcaster in itself is just a huge blessing and being awarded for it – being recognized for it – is even more of a blessing.”

Last season, the Rowan Sports Communication and Media department, a flourishing program for students interested in pursuing sports media careers, partnered with the Delaware Blue Coats, an affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, to allow students in the field to intern directly for the Delaware Blue Coats. For Santiago and Wilson, it provided students the opportunity to do play-by-play and color commentary for games as well as provide content for pre and postgame analysis on Rowan Radio.

“Rowan Radio has a rich history of producing outstanding broadcasters and shows but the professional partnership we have created with the Delaware Blue Coats has allowed our students a totally new experience,” said Neil Hartman, director of the Sports Communication and Media Department. “The time and effort these students put into their preparation and execution is at the highest level and to see them get recognized nationally is so rewarding for all of us at Rowan University.”

The winners of the competitions will be announced in October during their respective organizations’ national conferences. 

Rowan Radio has won a total of 342 national and regional awards since 1993. The Whit staff would like to congratulate and wish luck to Gary Erdelyi, Alex Braddock, Kayla Santiago, and Lloyd Wilson on their nominations! 

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