Long Island sports fans audition to become next big radio star
“Welcome to the Big Dave Show. Let’s talk Knicks. They are driving me INSANE.”
Although, the Big Dave Show isn’t yet a radio show, Dave Cantwood of the Bronx, as well as up to 100 others had a chance to audition before a panel of judges for an opportunity to host a real on-air shift on Sports Radio 66 WFAN.
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, in the Macy’s Court at the Roosevelt Field mall, the third annual Fantasy Phenom Challenge competition was held. Long Island sports fans looking to take their seat behind the mic at New York’s top-rated all-sports radio station were invited to participate in the event.
This year, the competition added a new twist. Contestants were able to compete either as a solo act or team up with a partner. In addition, STS Tire and Auto Center, the event sponsor, gave one WFAN listener the chance to win the first spot in line.
The lucky winner of the first spot in line was longtime WFAN listener, Clive, who spoke about pitch counts in Major League Baseball.
“Pitchers are hurting themselves just as much, if not more then they used to,” he said.
After Clive was done with his set, the acts continued to go up at two-minute intervals for solo acts or three-minute intervals for duos talking about a sports topic of their choice. Popular sports topics of the day included the New York Knicks and Jeremy Lin parting ways, the New York Jets and Tim Tebow’s expectations for next season, and the New York Mets and their recent second half collapse.
The first duo of the day was Chris and John, who used a comedic approach.
“Lebron thinks he’s good but he’s not good,” said Chris.
While some acts were confident and collected, some did not fair as well under the pressure.
After a confident angry two-minute rant about the New York Mets by his dad Lou, 21-year-old Pete of Copenhagen, NY wasn’t as calm.
“I’m proud to call that guy my dad,” Pete said after stepping on the stage following his father.
After talking for about a minute about how he was happy that New York has finally become a good sports town, Pete began to feel the nerves.
“I’ve never been nervous before, this is weird,” he giggled. “I’m sorry. I’m doing terrible; I’m going to get off the stage.”
While some contestants may have fallen short of their expectations, others may have been lucky enough to win the chance of a lifetime. The judges will make a number of selections to move on to the second round, where the final five will be selected. The grand finale part of the competition will be held in August, where one lucky contestant will be offered an on-air shift on Sports Radio 66. Last year’s winner, John Jastremski, has continued to hold down an on-air shift.
“This is our third annual Fantasy Phenom Challenge,” said WFAN worker Cory Davis. “We’re excited to be here for the fans and for the possibility of a new member of the WFAN family.”
