Austin Jacobsen, KGFW Sports Director // Corbey Dorsey
If you had told five-year old Austin Jacobsen hanging out at the Harmon Park Pool that he would later be on his favorite radio station, he might have done a somersault in excitement.
Over two decades later, I am still in awe how incredible it has been to be featured on one of the most formative employers in my young career. However, it has time to move on from the comfort zone and explore the unknown.
After nearly eight years in Kearney, six years broadcasting Central Nebraska sports, and three years with NRG Media it has come time for me to ride off into the sunset – or at least in this case, the sunrise heading east. My final day for KGFW, HITS 106, Y102, 107.7 The Island, Rock 101.5, and CentralNebraskaToday.com will be Tuesday, June 25.
The decision is a personal one, as after spending many years configuring awkward weekend schedules and travel plans it became apparent that a long-distance relationship is best spent in-person, and a new opportunity for my girlfriend arrived for both of us to comfortably make a transition to a new city together.
That is not to say I will not be leaving part of my heart in Central Nebraska, where most of my family and experiences derive. It has truthfully been the best time working, learning, and living in Kearney and the surrounding area.
Had you told a 19 year-old Austin while moving in to UNK’s Centennial Towers West in 2016, or again in 2018 when first starting radio broadcasts on KLPR, that I would not only have the chance to be the “Voice of the Bearcats” for Kearney High School but to also witness exciting football stalemates of Kearney/Grand Island, electric postseason basketball environments, and becoming comfortable with the pace of baseball play-by-play, he may not have believed you. Yet, that was my life over the past three years.
I will attempt to be frugal in my thanks and admiration, as there are many people to note and celebrate.
That begins with my parents, family, and loving girlfriend who would listen wherever I went, whatever time I was on, and whoever was playing. Often they were also tasked with taking care of my golden retriever, Ava, while I was on the road. For that I am always grateful.
Celebrations should be in order to all the coaches, administrators, players, parents, and school staff that put up with me over the past few years. From constant calls, late-night text messages, pronunciation checks, high-fives in celebration, and everything else in between I am truly blessed to have worked with the best. I will miss my one-on-one pregame chats discussing football strategy with Coach Brandon Cool and Rashawn Harvey, attempting to get Coach Drake Beranek to give a great quote for a pregame interview, all the postgame chats with Jake and Josh Redman, and the previews with opposing coaches – especially Grand Island’s Jeremiah Slough and Bellevue West’s Michael Huffman.
I would be remiss not to include the wonderful Ford Clark – my right-hand man when calling Kearney athletics on KGFW and advisor while at UNK. I am very lucky to be able to call Ford not only a co-worker, but also an award-winning friend. I wish him the best in trying to fill the gap of our fall Friday nights together.
From left, Austin Jacobsen, KGFW Sports Director, Lee Jacobsen (center, back) statistician, Ford Clark
Speaking on our talented teams, I have been extremely blessed to have my father, Lee Jacobsen, as a key figure in our Friday night football broadcasts as our main statistician and occasional analyst when called upon. Those memories are some I will cherish forever.
Likewise, the talented young up-and-comers I have had the pleasure of working with such as Alex Hammeke, Mitchell Brandt, Traeton Harimon, and Ethan McCormick have kept my fire going to get better and continue to learn as they all exude talent, confidence, and bravado.
Not to be forgotten, the fantastic administrators in the area that aided in our set-up, contact, and game day operations for all our broadcasts. Kearney’s Ryan Hogue and Marc Bauer are two of the best and I am thankful for their friendships.
Of course, the legendary Dave Jenner set the path for my success prior to my hire with KGFW and HITS 106. I have missed spending mornings with “Bic with a B”, but waking up the Tri-Cities with Colton, Reido, and Liz has been a privilege and not one I took lightly. Hopefully my foolish commentary and shenanigans every weekday morning helped start your day.
None of this would have been possible without Dallas Nau and Mark Reid, who made the swift decision in late-July 2021 to hire a runny-nose twenty-something. Without those two, and Lil’ Dave’s retirement, I would not have been lucky enough to have made these memories. I am also appreciative of the work of Y102’s Scotty O and Lisa – two champions of philanthropy and connection and both of whom I will miss dearly for advice and morning conversations.
I could continue to ramble, but I have never been brief either – so maybe that is my next challenge. I am happy with what I am leaving behind, and know that it is in sure and strong hands to build towards the future.
As always, thanks for listening and thank you for the support. I have been blessed to be a part of this team, town, and community.
If you would like to vote on my HITS 106 flashback favorites, click here.
