Two Winners of Detroit Lions Junior Broadcaster Finals Announced
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Junior Broadcasters will attend Lions-Giants game at Ford Field Nov. 18
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Two teenaged Lions fans called on their knowledge and love of football Tuesday to win the third annual 3-A-Day of Dairy Detroit Lions Junior Broadcasters Try-Out at the Meijer store in Warren. Ten randomly drawn finalists – ages 9 to 16 - gave their best performances in front of an enthusiastic crowd of family, friends and Meijer customers and staff. The recorded play was of Detroit Lion Keith Smith intercepting a pass and making a 63-yard dash for a touchdown. Scott Sieron of Livonia and Todd Tarian of Troy most impressed the panel of judges with their play-by-play skills. And these weren’t just any judges. They included Jeff Backus, Detroit Lions offensive tackle; Dan Miller, voice of the Lions radio play-by-play announcer; Jim Brandstatter, Detroit Lions radio commentator; Mariah Harrison, winner of the 2006 Jr. Broadcaster Event; and Jack Wood, the Warren Meijer store director. Miller, who called the interception play when the Lions beat the Bears in September, told the finalists that he is “blessed with a dream job. And there are only 32 people who do it in the world.” “You get paid to do something you’d be doing anyway – sitting around watching a game,” he said. Brandstatter told the youngsters that sports broadcasters have to convey the joy of the game and thrill of the game with their voices. “You gotta have passion for the game and for the sport,” he said. The 10 finalists had their own pep band and cheerleaders from Warren Mott High School. Roary, the Detroit Lions’ mascot, was on hand to offer his special brand of encouragement. A jazz trio from the high school played while the judges deliberated. “It was thrilling, intense, and a lot of fun,” 16-year-old Scott said of the experience. He is a junior in the Livonia Public School District and the son of Russell and Judy Sieron. “I was nervous in the chair (while waiting), but once you’re up there you can’t think, you gotta go,” said Todd, 13, an eighth grader in the Avondale School District. Todd is the son of Jerry and June Tarian. Mariah, of Pontiac, said it was a toss up whether she enjoyed judging the contest this year more than participating in it last year. “Competing is exciting, but judging is less nerve wracking,” the Roeper School junior said. Youngsters across the state entered the contest at their local Meijer stores. All 10 finalists went home with prizes: four tickets to the Nov. 18 game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants, a $50 gift card from Meijer, and gift packages from both the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and the Detroit Lions. Scott and Todd each will receive pre-game on-field passes and an authentic Detroit Lions jersey autographed by Backus.
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Finalists from around the state: |
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Congratulations to all of the finalists and grand prize winners! |
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