Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) student Alec Murray had only one goal when he first stepped onto NC’s Welland campus: to get into sports broadcasting.
In the three years since he started, Murray said he’s been given so many opportunities “to better myself and continue to work towards my goal of becoming a play-by-play broadcaster for a pro sports team.
“Now, seeing it all come to fruition and walking across that stage is an amazing feeling.”
Murray is one of more than 700 students who will graduate during Niagara College’s 10 a.m. ceremony on June 15. The Welland resident said choosing NC to pursue a career in media and the sports industry was “a no brainer” after touring the college during an open house.
“Sports has always been a passion of mine, and my three years at NC has made me realize it’s really what I want to do for the rest of my life,” he said. “I love being behind a microphone and being able to bring the feel of the game to the people listening or watching at home.”
Murray said his college experience got off to a “rocky” start, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the following two years were “nothing short of spectacular.” Among his favourite experiences were being involved with the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, calling baseball and volleyball games and being the voice of the NC Knights.
He also played on NC’s men’s varsity volleyball team during his second year. Being a part of the team was transformational for him, he said, adding: “My Knights family will forever hold a special part in my heart.
“For my placement, I was fortunate enough to work on the promo team for Bell Media, doing the morning shows, and [working] in the newsroom,” Murray continued. “This experience is one that I will forever be grateful for, and I owe a lot to Lisa Vinc, Bonny Heslop, Tom McConnell and Rod Mawhood for what they have done to help me in my career and getting to where I want to be.”
His teachers, too, made the experience rewarding and provided opportunities to gain experience and succeed.
“If you put the work in, they will bend over backwards for you and pull all the strings they possibly can in order to get you to where you want to be,” Murray said. “I’ve been successful largely due to my teachers, especially Dutch and Bruce, who have given me every opportunity I could have ever asked for.”
Now, Murray is working for multiple sports teams in the Niagara region, including doing play-by-play for the Junior B hockey teams in Fort Erie and Port Colborne, and announcing for the Welland Jackfish Baseball Club. He continues to work with Bell Media and Niagara College, calling its varsity sports games, and he was recently hired by 519 Sports Online.
His dream is to secure a job commentating with a pro sports team.
“I am so excited to see what my next chapter brings,” Murray said. “Seeing former grads like Amy Audibert (BRTF Class of 2012) and what she has done really inspires me and keeps pushing me to become better at what I do every time I put on that headset.”
Congratulations to Murray and to all graduating students this week!
