Shoutouts & Callouts

One of the fundamental axioms of journalism is to tell the story, not be part of it. Last Thursday night, however, I found myself in a position where those lines blurred a little bit — and I could not be more thankful. 

As we reported in today’s edition, I was fortunate enough to be selected as the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerces’ 2023 Spirit of the Hodag Award winner during the chamber’s 100th anniversary gala at The Pines Event Center. 

That I was even considered for the award was a bit of a shock to the system, let alone being named one of the finalists and eventually earning the judges’ recognition. As I stated in a lengthy post on my Facebook page Thursday evening following the gala, it was rather humbling to be recognized for simply doing my job — one that I’ve enjoyed over the past two decades. 

I’m going to try to not rehash that post verbatim, but there were several points made that I’d like to reiterate in a more public forum. Mainly that there are so many people who have helped along the way and share in this honor. 

I’m lucky to be on a couple of strong teams, first here with my primary job at the River News, and secondly with NRG Northwoods, where I moonlight as the play-by-play announcer for Hodag Sports on WOBT AM/FM. They are the ones who afford me the platform to write and talk about our Hodag athletes and, without them, none of this would be possible. 

When I sign off on radio, I typically thank “our cast of thousands.” Though the number may be a bit exaggerated, there are so many people involved behind the scenes who make the pages you read here and the games you listen to on radio possible. That’s managers, salespeople, editors, production personnel, engineers, photographers and co-workers. I like to think of it like a duck on water. It may look effortless on the surface, but there’s a lot of work that goes unseen that makes it all happen, and it takes everyone doing their part. 

Speaking of teams, I certainly couldn’t to it without a strong team on the home front, either. There are long hours, and plenty of nights and weekends, but my wife Casey and daughter Noelle are as supportive as they can possibly be. Not only does Casey slay her full-time job, but she’s the one primarily responsible for getting Noelle to and from her practices and is there for almost all of her events. As I said in my post, “they put up with me being tired or stressed or, at times, a bit crabby. They’re understanding when I can’t be at every moment I’d like to be at, and appreciative for the ones I can be. I may have been the one who received the praise, but they’re the ones who deserve the accolades.”

The honor also got me thinking of those who took a chance on me back in the day as a fresh-faced 20-something that went to Nicolet College for transfer credits, and then never left the community. 

I was able to work with a couple of Hodag broadcasting legends in Brian Norton and John Heise back in my early days at B-93 and I certainly learned a lot under them and that staff. I was given the opportunity to stretch my writing at HodagSports.com, which really helped shape the coverage philosophy that I still employ today.  

As I stated in my post, I want to extend congratulations to the other finalists, WHDG’s Mike Michalak and ArtStart’s Lauren McLaughlin. They do wonderful work and are integral parts of our community, who would have been equally deserving of this award. 

I also again extend my congratulations to Lauren Sackett, Rachel Boehlen and all the staff and executive board at the Rhinelander Chamber for 100 great years and a wonderful event last Thursday.

Lastly, I’m grateful for all of the coaches, players, parents, readers and listeners. Without these groups, there is no subject matter and no audience. 

In particular, those who I cover truly embody the spirit of the Hodag. They go out and put it on the line in every event. It’s really a spin on Todd McEldowney’s legendary catchphrase. Win or lose, they are proud to be Rhinelander Hodags. My job has been simply to serve as the lens on which that pride is magnified for the community to see. 

I thank you all again, for this incredible honor, and look forward to continuing to serve the community in the years to come.

Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].