Q. Currently you are a videographer for Fox 8 news in Cleveland. Are you in the studio, in the field, or both? What all does your job entail?
A. The majority of the time I’m out in the field covering stories from breaking news situations, to special projects, and sports. I love being on the sidelines for Browns games. And my passion is still our High School football show every Friday night.
Q. How long have you been a videographer and why did you choose this profession?
A. I have been in TV for 21 years. I started right after HS working for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service in Naples, Italy for 4 years. Came home to Hilliard in 1997 and worked for the Ohio News Network. I moved to Cleveland to open a bureau for ONN. Didn’t stay long, and landed at Fox 8 where I’ve been for almost 15 years. And the beginning...The Wildcat Magazine. (not sure if it's still called the Wildcat)
Q. Doing what you do, I imagine you get to witness some pretty interesting stories unfold. Is there any one story that really sticks out? Can you tell us a little bit about the story?
A. Hardest story to cover was the 9/11 attacks. We went to New York City on September 12th. We were there for 10 days, working 20 hour days. Physically and emotionally, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. The best story has to be my 1996 six day trip around Europe with Halle Berry. When I was stationed in Naples, I flew to Rome to meet her. She was on a USO Christmas tour. We flew on Lear jets from Rome to the island of Sardenia, down to Sicily, over to Bosnia, to Trieste Italy, Canne France, then to Naples. We went from base to base just wishing all the troops a Merry Christmas.
Q. You, along with Fox 8 News Producer, Chris Gibilisco have been organizing the Fox 8 "Fox*Trot" 5k and 1 mile race for the past couple of years. With the race coming up in about two weeks can you tell us a little bit about the event?
A. It was a simple idea that has transformed into an incredible community event. It was a chance for Chris and I to give back. Both avid runners, we thought we should do a race for a charity and we can publicize it on Fox 8. Last year we had 2700 participants and were able to donate $33,000 to MetroHealth Brain Injury program. This year, we’re projecting 5200 runners and walkers and hoping to donate $100,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. In my 21 years in television, this is by far my greatest achievement.
Q. I noticed on Facebook that you were working Lebron's coming home party . I imagine you, and many Clevelanders alike, are pretty excited for his return. What is the buzz like in Cleveland right now with Lebron and Johnny Football being around?
A. The feel is Cleveland is something like I’ve never experienced before. It’s great to get Lebron back, and Johnny Football to the Browns, but the city as a whole is booming. We just received the Republican National Convention bid for 2016, and they are developing this city and making it something special. It’s no longer the mistake on the lake. If you haven’t been in a while, you have to come and visit.
Q. How did you and your family end up in Cleveland?
A. I was working in Columbus for the Ohio News Network in 1999 when they approached me and asked if I would be interested in moving to Cleveland and opening a bureau. I moved to Cleveland in September and ended up taking a job with Fox 8 in January of 2000. And then I met a girl and the rest is history.
Q. How did you and your family end up in Hilliard?
A. Not really sure how I ended up in Hilliard. My dad was a teacher and football coach and moved around a little. I grew up in Reynoldsburg 1st through 8th grade, where he taught and coached. Dad got a job in Marysville, so I spent my freshman year there. And then we moved to Hilliard. Dad stayed teaching and coaching in Marysville, commuting everyday, but not sure why we moved.
Q. Which opponent did you absolutely get fired up to play?
A. Dublin...enough said
Q. Do you have a favorite Barry Blackstone story?
A. I remember the day we moved to Hilliard. I went searching for coach Barry Blackstone. I heard he volunteered for the service department, so I ran all over town looking for him just to introduce myself and let him know that I wanted to play football. Finally tracked down. He was on a tractor cutting grass at the middle school. It was great short meeting and I still keep in touch with him today.
Q. Do you have a favorite Hilliard football memory?
A. All the friendships, the bond we had, and we still have today. There is something special about a group of friends who have a dedication to the game, and a commitment to one another. From the game day breakfast, to walking the halls wearing our jerseys, to locker room game prep. I’ll never forget those days. It truly was something special.
Q. How do you feel Hilliard High School prepared you for where you are today?
A. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the teachers and the coaches of Hilliard High. I wrote for the Wildcat school magazine, and although I may not have appeared to be the best student, I learned a lot and appreciate everything that I learned at HHS.
Q. If you could give any advice to the current Hilliard Davidson football team what would it be?
A. Enjoy it, take it all in, because you won’t ever forget it.
A. The majority of the time I’m out in the field covering stories from breaking news situations, to special projects, and sports. I love being on the sidelines for Browns games. And my passion is still our High School football show every Friday night.
Q. How long have you been a videographer and why did you choose this profession?
A. I have been in TV for 21 years. I started right after HS working for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service in Naples, Italy for 4 years. Came home to Hilliard in 1997 and worked for the Ohio News Network. I moved to Cleveland to open a bureau for ONN. Didn’t stay long, and landed at Fox 8 where I’ve been for almost 15 years. And the beginning...The Wildcat Magazine. (not sure if it's still called the Wildcat)
Q. Doing what you do, I imagine you get to witness some pretty interesting stories unfold. Is there any one story that really sticks out? Can you tell us a little bit about the story?
A. Hardest story to cover was the 9/11 attacks. We went to New York City on September 12th. We were there for 10 days, working 20 hour days. Physically and emotionally, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. The best story has to be my 1996 six day trip around Europe with Halle Berry. When I was stationed in Naples, I flew to Rome to meet her. She was on a USO Christmas tour. We flew on Lear jets from Rome to the island of Sardenia, down to Sicily, over to Bosnia, to Trieste Italy, Canne France, then to Naples. We went from base to base just wishing all the troops a Merry Christmas.
Q. You, along with Fox 8 News Producer, Chris Gibilisco have been organizing the Fox 8 "Fox*Trot" 5k and 1 mile race for the past couple of years. With the race coming up in about two weeks can you tell us a little bit about the event?
A. It was a simple idea that has transformed into an incredible community event. It was a chance for Chris and I to give back. Both avid runners, we thought we should do a race for a charity and we can publicize it on Fox 8. Last year we had 2700 participants and were able to donate $33,000 to MetroHealth Brain Injury program. This year, we’re projecting 5200 runners and walkers and hoping to donate $100,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project. In my 21 years in television, this is by far my greatest achievement.
Q. I noticed on Facebook that you were working Lebron's coming home party . I imagine you, and many Clevelanders alike, are pretty excited for his return. What is the buzz like in Cleveland right now with Lebron and Johnny Football being around?
A. The feel is Cleveland is something like I’ve never experienced before. It’s great to get Lebron back, and Johnny Football to the Browns, but the city as a whole is booming. We just received the Republican National Convention bid for 2016, and they are developing this city and making it something special. It’s no longer the mistake on the lake. If you haven’t been in a while, you have to come and visit.
Q. How did you and your family end up in Cleveland?
A. I was working in Columbus for the Ohio News Network in 1999 when they approached me and asked if I would be interested in moving to Cleveland and opening a bureau. I moved to Cleveland in September and ended up taking a job with Fox 8 in January of 2000. And then I met a girl and the rest is history.
Q. How did you and your family end up in Hilliard?
A. Not really sure how I ended up in Hilliard. My dad was a teacher and football coach and moved around a little. I grew up in Reynoldsburg 1st through 8th grade, where he taught and coached. Dad got a job in Marysville, so I spent my freshman year there. And then we moved to Hilliard. Dad stayed teaching and coaching in Marysville, commuting everyday, but not sure why we moved.
Q. Which opponent did you absolutely get fired up to play?
A. Dublin...enough said
Q. Do you have a favorite Barry Blackstone story?
A. I remember the day we moved to Hilliard. I went searching for coach Barry Blackstone. I heard he volunteered for the service department, so I ran all over town looking for him just to introduce myself and let him know that I wanted to play football. Finally tracked down. He was on a tractor cutting grass at the middle school. It was great short meeting and I still keep in touch with him today.
Q. Do you have a favorite Hilliard football memory?
A. All the friendships, the bond we had, and we still have today. There is something special about a group of friends who have a dedication to the game, and a commitment to one another. From the game day breakfast, to walking the halls wearing our jerseys, to locker room game prep. I’ll never forget those days. It truly was something special.
Q. How do you feel Hilliard High School prepared you for where you are today?
A. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the teachers and the coaches of Hilliard High. I wrote for the Wildcat school magazine, and although I may not have appeared to be the best student, I learned a lot and appreciate everything that I learned at HHS.
Q. If you could give any advice to the current Hilliard Davidson football team what would it be?
A. Enjoy it, take it all in, because you won’t ever forget it.