Nick is the new Cleveland Indians Beat Reporter at WTAM-AM 1100. When the Tribe is in season, Nick will be on-air hosting Tribe Insider, post game shows, covering the Indians club house and bringing the warmth of Spring Training from Goodyear, Arizona back to Cleveland. When the Tribe is out of season, Nick will host Cleveland Browns post-game shows and cover the Cavaliers as well. Nick can mostly be heard on weekends, however he will provide the pre-game shows prior to each Indians game.
Personality Contacts
Personality Bio
My radio career began here at WTAM 1100 right out of high school. I attended Solon High School and graduated in 2006. Prior to graduation I shadowed with the Triv Show. When there was a job opening for a board op/producer Marty Allen informed me and I applied. After receiving the job I enrolled in classes at Cleveland State. So now while purusing a career in Journalism I am also working at The Big One. I come from a great family that still lives in Solon. My two parents Walter and Susan grew up in the Cleveland area and live in Solon while my two older brothers have taken totally different paths than myself. My oldest brother Chris is 30 and lives in Florida most of the year running a golf course near Fort Myers, while my brother Matt is 27, is married, and works at the Justice Center downtown as a Corrections Officer. My grandparents all live around here too. My dad's folkes Egidio and Rose live with my aunt Mary Jo in Mayfield Heights while my mom's parents Peter and Marge Svancara live in Parma. I currently attend CSU and I am majoring in Journalism. I am excited to begin my duties as the new Cleveland Indians Beat Reporter at WTAM.
February 20, 2010 - Blog and focus shifts to Tribe page
Saturday 02-20-2010 12:38pm ET
Well if you've kept up with this blog since the beginning of 2010 you realize that this is the longest I have gone between posts. There are a few reasons for that. First of all I am in Goodyear, Ariz. covering Spring Training for the Indians. And part of it is because the past few days I was not feeling well.
Anyhow, everything is fine now, however my duties will be completely focused on the Tribe now. Because of that, this blog will be taking a break until my return to Cleveland on April 3, 2010. That is actually the day of the Final Four.
But, to check out my blogs regarding the Tribe, videos that I post as well as picture galleries and interviews simply stay here at WTAM.com but go to the Cleveland Indians page. You can access it in two ways. 1. Go to the keyword box and type in "Tribe". 2. Hover over our sports icon at the top of the page and click "Total Tribe Coverage" from the drop-down menu.
Thanks and stay warm,
Nick
February 16, 2010 - Amar'e Stoudemire...No thanks
Tuesday 02-16-2010 12:25pm ET
People who do not have a feel for the game of basketball or sports in general think this proposed trade for Phoenix Suns forward Amar'e Stoudemire will benefit the Cleveland Cavaliers. And yes, while it may, is it really worth the risk of tampering with a 43-11 team that is currently riding a season-high 13-game winning streak and is without a doubt the top team in the NBA?
We saw what happened with Larry Hughes when he came here. Following a career season with the Washington Wizards we brought Mr. Hughes in and he just did not fit...plain and simple. I am not predicting this would happen if Stoudemire became a Cavalier, but it's not worth even trying.
Amar'e Stoudemire hasn't played defense in the NBA for eight seasons, what makes us think he will start now?
This team has grown over the past several months to become the top squad in the NBA. Are we willing to throw all that away for just one player? I realize Stoudemire can play. His 20 points per game and 11 boards would help, no doubt. However, since he came into the NBA he has never played defense due to the system out in Phoenix, and while he may be a good free throw shooter, it's not worth breaking up integral guys on this roster that is in the driver's seat to win the NBA title.
All I will leave you with is this phrase: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." It's an old axiom, but it fits perfect with the current situation the Cavaliers are facing.
Stay safe,
Nick
February 15, 2010 - Heading to Goodyear, Ariz. Friday
Monday 02-15-2010 2:38pm ET
I am very busy getting things together for my departure Friday morning from Cleveland Hopkins Airport to Goodyear, Arizona. I did put some items on the trucks that left last Monday for Spring Training, however I still have a ton of things to get together.
Real busy today with all that, so I will check back tomorrow.
Thanks,
Nick
February 14, 2010 - LeBron or Jordan?
Sunday 02-14-2010 9:39am ET
I am on-air 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. tonight and I figured with it being the NBA All-Star break we can discuss something fun, besides all the crazy trade talk. Which in fact, it looks like the Cavs may pull the trigger on.
The word now is the Cavs would get Amare Stoudemire for Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson, with the belief that "Z" would be released back to the Cavs within 30 days. Not crazy about the move, but I realize why they are doing it. We'll talk about that later.
Also, who is better? LeBron James or Michael Jordan? Or are they even the two best? Tune in tonight and let me get your thoughts?
OR ?
Think about it.
Be safe,
Nick
February 12, 2010 - On-air this weekend
Friday 02-12-2010 7:05pm ET
I will take this opportunity to let you know that I am hosting two shows this weekend. I will be on following the CSU-Butler game from 4:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Saturday followed by a show on Sunday, 6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m.
It seems like I haven't been on in forever so I'm ready to chat with you.
Have a great weekend,
Nick
February 11, 2010 - Why am I always right?
Thursday 02-11-2010 1:25pm ET
Just got finished reading a story in The Plain Dealer about Cleveland Browns return specialist Josh Cribbs and his current contract situation. And once again I was right.
Everyone in this town, including Cribbs himself wondered if a new contract would ever be agreed upon. And if not, maybe he would be leaving town. I however, told people over and over again both on the radio, on this blog and in person that a new contract would not only be given to him, but Cribbs would be playing happily next season.
Well the article I just finished reading said talks with Cribbs, the Browns and Cribbs' agents are moving in a positive direction and they expect a deal to be soon. Am I bragging? No, not really.
Josh Cribbs will get his new contract and play for the Browns next season. Stop worrying.
The point of this blog is to prove to you that things can change. And while a few weeks ago things did not look too promising it only takes common sense to see that this situation would work itself out. I think his agent spoke too soon and I believe the Browns are a very smart organization that understand how to work deals.
Cribbs will get his new contract and be in a Cleveland Browns uniform playing next season. Now you may be thinking..."well duh!"
The only difference is I said this over a month ago, when others were in a state of panic.
Stay safe,
Nick
February 10, 2010 - Cool video
Wednesday 02-10-2010 2:41pm ET
Today I will get away from sports. Although tonight's annual rivalry game between UNC and Duke should be good, despite Roy Williams' team struggling a bit this season. I will be tuned in.
However, today I came across a video from YouTube.com that my friend directed me to and I really enjoyed it. The video is below. It takes different local artists from around the world that are not famous at all, and combines each of their instruments and voices to create one song.
The song they play and sing is "Stand by Me". It is put together nicely and I think you will enjoy it.
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Be safe,
Nick
February 9, 2010 - Big week for CSU
Tuesday 02-09-2010 2:23pm ET
I had lunch with Gary Waters today down at Cleveland State and all I can say is, look out for the Vikings!
Despite starting the season off 7-12, large in part because of a tough non-conference schedule, Cleveland State has come back to win five games in-a-row pushing them up to second in the Horizon League. Behind No. 15 Butler and a half game ahead of Wisconsin-Green Bay who they already have beaten.
And not to take anything away from Waters' squad, but this is supposed to be a rebuilding year. Now they are in a position to keep their hold on second place, receive a double-bye and begin the conference tournament in the semifinals where two wins returns them to the NCAA Tournament. And while this year's team may not be better than last season's squad, the fact this team has a chance to repeat what happened a year ago just shows how far the Cleveland State men's basketball program has come.
Norris Cole and the Vikings of CSU are second in the Horizon League heading into this week's two home showdowns at the Wolstein Center with Valparaiso and No. 15 Butler.
This week they have two home contests. Thursday vs. Valparaiso at 7:00 and Saturday at 2:00 vs. No. 15 Butler. Meanwhile, I will be on the air following the CSU-Butler game. If they win we may talk Vikings...a loss may force me to switch topics.
Anyhow, go support Coach Waters and the Vikings if you get a chance, they are doing some special things down there off Euclid Avenue.
Be safe out there,
Nick
February 8, 2010 - Trucks leave for Goodyear, Ariz. today
Monday 02-08-2010 8:25am ET
In about one hour the trucks carrying all the necessary equipment to help run Spring Training in Goodyear, Ariz. will depart from Progressive Field. I am heading down there to talk to the equipment manager about some of the things that go in to the truck's departure etc...
Contrary to what you may be hearing on our station, I DID NOT put my golf clubs on the truck, although I do love to golf. I did however put a few boxes on it. People lose sight of the fact that I am going there to work. There is like one off day. So how would I have time to golf?
There is a nice workout facility so when I am not doing station work I will most likely be there or relaxing at our house.
Ok have to jet to go see the trucks leave.
Be safe,
Nick
February 7, 2010 - Super Bowl Sunday
Sunday 02-07-2010 11:32am ET
I have no rooting interest in tonight's Super Bowl match up between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, however I do know who is going to win. And quite frankly, I don't think it will be that close. I said it Friday at the WTAM 1100 'Big Game' Roundtable at Cleats in Strongsville in fact. Colts 42 - Saints 14.
No I am not an undercover Colts fan. No I do not have a man-crush on Peyton Manning.
Actually I do like the Saints. I think what they have done with that franchise is amazing and something I would hope the Cleveland Browns organization can one day mirror. However, on paper this game really does not have the makings of a great Super Bowl.
Drew Brees and the Saints just do not have the horses to get the job done tonight against the Colts.
I think any time two teams are in the Super Bowl the game has the potential to be great. And yes, I realize games are not played on paper for a reason. But today's match up really seems one sided.
The Saints offense is amazing, but the Colts have shut down offenses like the one Drew Brees will lead tonight. And on top of that, there is no way in a million years New Orleans can shut down Manning and the talented Colts offense. If they are able to somehow contain Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, Manning can go right to Austin Collie or Pierre Garcon, both whom are better than any receiver the Browns have had in the past five seasons. There is just too many weapons that the Saints will not be able to control.
And even the special teams battle goes to them. Matt Stover has been in the NFL forever and if you remember back he was one of the old Browns before the move to Baltimore...and he still is one of the most consistent kickers in the league.
Enjoy your family and friends' company, the food along with the drinks, because the game itself will not be close. But hey, we're kind of overdue for a bad Super Bowl anyway.
On a safety note, if you're drinking tonight. Please be careful. Last year the number of accidents and fatalities doubled on the day of the Super Bowl. If you're going to get blitzed that's fine...just don't drive. Police will be everywhere and rightfully so, so just be careful.
OR 
?
© 2010
