This is the first edition of a new weekly feature being brought to you by the Reveille sports staff. Jason Doré caught up with ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit last Saturday before the LSU football game.
Jason: What is your opinion of the LSU fans?
Kirk: They are some of the greatest fans in the country. They’re rabid. They love the Tigers, and I think the passion they have for the team gives LSU a chance to win every time they play at home. It’s a great advantage for them.
Jason: What are your thoughts about the LSU football team?
Kirk: Well, I am a big fan of Nick Saban. I’ve followed him his entire coaching career. He is a disciplined guy who knows great things about defensive football. He demands a lot from his players. Most of us who knew him when he came down to Baton Rouge knew that it was just a matter of time until he would have the Tigers back up competing for the SEC championship. I am not surprised about what he’s been able to achieve. I think he will continue to grow this program and LSU will continue to be in the thick of things for the SEC title every year.
Jason: How did you get started in journalism?
Kirk: I started locally in Columbus, Ohio after playing for Ohio State. I did a couple of years locally then put a tape together to send nationally. After that, ESPN hired me.
Jason: What is your advice to anyone who may wish to follow in your footsteps and succeed in sports journalism?
Kirk: The biggest thing is to get as much experience as possible. The more experience you get, the more you are going to get comfortable on air. The more comfortable you become on air, the more natural you appear. You don’t want to sound real rigid or too rehearsed when you are talking on camera. Sometimes that’s like memorizing a speech. It’s the worse thing you can do. You want to know your subject so you can talk about it. Basically the more experience you get, the better you will be.
Jason: What’s your favorite part about working for ESPN?
Kirk: Traveling to places like Baton Rouge. Seeing great fans and the different traditions. Following a sport that I think is the best in the country because the way every week is a different story and a different set of circumstances. I feel very fortunate to be able to cover this sport nationally.
Jason: Do you have a favorite or most memorable game that you have covered?
Kirk: There are so many great games each year. So I can’t really pick one out.
Jason: Thanks for your time.
Kirk: No problem.