First things first, Who is Jake Wimberly? Jake Wimberly is my mentor at ESPN radio 105.9 and you can listen to him weekly Monday through Friday between 4-6 p.m. I got a chance to interview Jake and ask him some questions, some are about himself, and others are advice he would give to other future sportscasters in the making which you can find below.
How did you get into sports broadcasting?
Jake: “Started covering high school football as a stringer (beat reporter) over 12 years ago,I started a podcast and worked tirelessly to find new avenues, places to write, to accept my work and over time, I worked my way up the latter to get to where I am today. Long journey full of long days but I would not have it any other way.”
What do you enjoy most about working in this type of industry?
Jake: “The people I meet on a daily basis, the relationships I have made and the stories i get to tell. This business to me is about story telling and relationship building.”
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Jake: “I was the first ever to place a bet at Ameristar Casino with Deuce McAllister as we cut the ribbon to welcome sports betting into the state of Mississippi. It was a day I will always treasure.”
What advice do you have for others interested in this job?
Jake: “Be patient, work tirelessly- because there is always someone working as well. Do not be scared to ask questions and you MUST be able to self-evaluate yourself to see where you need to improve. You must always be on the improvement “meter”. If you think you do not need improvement, you have lost.”
What is your end goal?
Jake: “To be the best sports talk personality the state of Mississippi has ever heard and most successful. Also to pass the torch to up coming men and women who want to be in this business. Passing the torch is a must to keep this great industry alive.”
What is your favorite quote?
Jake: “You cannot afford the luxury of emotional highs and lows. Control your emotions, or they will control you and you will fail.”
Getting to know Jake and having the opportunity to work with him and learn from him is a great blessing of mine and I am glad to share with you who Jake Wimberly is.
