Senior News and Sports Broadcasting major Cadeyn McCrory is no stranger to success or struggle. The voice of the RMU club sports teams discusses his experiences, challenges, and his passion for the art of announcing. 

"My uncle was really big into hockey, he got me into it," McCrory explains, "Ever since I was a kid, I just loved it. At around 3-4 years-old I would record on my Paps recorder and show it to my family." 

Despite discovering his passion for announcing early on in life, the 22-year-old didn't announce his first game until his senior year of high school. He spent his sophomore and junior year learning about the world of TV production before eventually putting the headset on.

"In high school, I had the chance to do it and took the ball and ran with it…I started off with football, and basketball, and did one hockey game that year. I got to do the whole play-by-play for my high school senior night. That was really cool."

Flash-forward five years and now McCrory has harnessed his undeniable talent. Working at the RMU rec center desk by day, he is also a reporter and play-by-play broadcaster for the club sports teams. Some would consider him to be a triple threat. 

"I've been through the ups and downs mentally and physically, but it's helped me so much. It's allowed me to become well-rounded, finding that work-life balance…going into work everyday is fun. There is nothing better than going into work and putting on that headset. There's no better feeling in the world."

However, achieving the best feeling in the world didn't come without its challenges. McCrory explains the pressure and what runs through his mind on a daily basis. 

"The biggest problem is trying to be a perfectionist. I will overthink every little thing before I get on the mic. I will run something 30 times and if it's not the way I plan it, it's a disappointment," McCrory vulnerably states, "There are times when you screw up and I've seen others screw up so bad and they get fired or you never see them again…but you learn to deal with the criticism and move on."

McCrory also expresses his desire to stay humble as well as remember who he owes everything to. When asked about his inspirations, he immediately spoke about his uncle Jack, the one who opened his eyes to the world of hockey. His uncle recently lost his battle with cancer. 

"He died during my senior year of high school…it was the destiny call. Everything from then on, I've done for him…if you have something to live for you, you gotta do it now."

He also expresses his admiration for Mike Lange, Doc Emrick, Steve Mears, and Alex Faust, saying, "The way they handle themselves in entertainment value and what they do with their platform is the biggest thing for me."

His passion for the art of play-by-play announcing is no secret. McCrory can be seen all around campus whether it's on TV screens or at the rec center front desk. He loves it, there's no doubt. 

"The work that goes into it is a lot of fun and when the whole product is done, you can go back and listen to it. You get to be the voice of something and it's really cool," McCrory expresses, "I want to improve, I want constructive criticism. The joy is learning new things to bring into the broadcast and people can learn about what's happening on and off the ice about these people."

When asked about his favorite memory, the triple threat struggled, claiming that he had so many to share. 

"The best game I ever called was one that just happened three weeks ago. It was the RMU versus Kent State playoff game. We won 2-1 in triple overtime. It was the most fun I've ever had because it was a high pressure situation, back and forth, on your toes the entire time, being in the crowd too, people all around us…the win was electric. And as of right now over 1,500 have seen the stream which is crazy in a 2-3 week stream."

While McCrory has experienced challenges, one thing is clear in the sense that passion can take you far. His talent and perseverance shines through everyday and all bets are off when he puts the headset on. 

And if the voice of the RMU club sports could leave people with one thing it would be, "Any chance you have. Take it because you just don't know when that opportunity comes again."