KVB’s Tony Ross Wins Griddy Award For Excellence In Football Media
Kankakee Valley Broadcasting’s Tony Ross is one of the best sports broadcasters you will find.
People throughout northern Indiana have gotten to know in the many years Tony has been behind the microphone.
On Sunday at the Indianapolis Colts Complex, Tony got the statewide recognition he so deserves when he won the Griddy Award, recognizing excellence in football media.
Tony was recognized at the annual event, which is a celebration of Indiana high school football.
Over 400 guests gathered to recognize the best players, coaches and media representatives in Indiana high school football.
“It was a little surprising to be honest,” Tony admitted. “This is a great honor based on the fact that it was presented to me from fellow media peers and Indiana Football Digest.”
There’s no one more deserving of this honor than Tony said Doug Griffiths, who has been part of the MAX 98.3 FM WYMR’s sports broadcasting team for seven years.
“Tony’s preparation and dedication to his sports broadcasts is second to none,” Doug said. “I’ve been around college and high school broadcasts my entire adult life and believe me, no one is more passionate and more prepared to his craft than Tony.
“Our area is beyond blessed to have someone as talented as Tony calling high school athletics. His broadcasts are as first class as they come.”
Tony began his broadcasting career at WKVI in 1988 as a senior at Knox HIgh School.
With more than three decades in the profession, Tony is quick to point out had it not been for so many supportive coaches through the years, earning the Griddy Award would not have been possible.
“This award also represents the many important people who have been part of my high school football broadcasts like Andy Dorrel, Tom Condon, Will Hostrawser, John Barron, Bob Holmes, Jordan Leeper and Mike Zehner, in addition to all assistant coaches and their terrific assistance through the years,” said Tony, a Purdue University graduate.
“But the most satisfying part of this award has been my relationship with every football player and family I have come across. Relationships are everything to me and I have valued each and every one of those.
“It’s humbling when I get invited to some of the players’ graduations and/or weddings after I have broadcasted their high school football games,” Tony added.
In 30-plus years, Tony estimates he has broadcasted 300 high school football games.
Tony points to the incredible access school administrators have allowed him to have through all those years that have enabled him to immerse himself into the sport more than most could ever dream.
“This award is as much about how I’ve been able to connect with kids, their families and school administrations in our area, and how they’ve allowed me to go to practices every day to learn more about our student-athletes,” Tony said.
Tony joins some illustrious company of past Griddy Award winners.
This was the 17th annual event. Previous winners include the likes of Chuck Freeby, Tom Condon, Ken Fox, Paul Condry and Bob Lovell.
“It feels good knowing that I have fellow peers who think the same way I do in promoting high school student-athletes,” Tony said.
Needless to say, Indiana high school football is near and dear to Tony’s heart. He even admits to still getting butterflies more than you would expect.
“I still get nervous before my football broadcasts because of my commitment to representing the players and programs the way they should be promoted,” Tony said. “I simply want to do my best.”
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