February 7, 2011
Long before he had a microphone, David Tovar would sharpen his broadcasting skills during recess in middle school.
“We had these games that would last five minutes after lunch,” Tovar recalled. “When I wasn’t playing, I would announce the games. My friends would say, ‘David, what are you doing? Be quiet, man.’
“I’d answer, ‘No, I’m trying to announce this for you guys.'”
Now, the sophomore English-communication arts major is putting his talent to use.
Tovar, 19, is the color analyst for the St. Mary’s men’s and women’s basketball online video broadcasts, and he did play-by-play for the men’s and women’s soccer teams during the fall 2010 season. He’ll call the softball games for the spring 2011 season, as well. Tovar is a natural. Whether working with play-by-play man Michael Thompson in basketball or alongside his brother, Raul, in soccer, Tovar has the voice, intellect and charm to make any broadcast click.
Growing ratings suggest Tovar’s a hit.
“When this opportunity came up, my friends were like, ‘Oh man, just like middle school!” Tovar said with a chuckle. “I have a passion for this.”
The San Antonio native hopes to make a career of sports broadcasting.
His path may sound familiar. Tovar’s foray into broadcasting is not unlike that of Brian Anderson (B.A. ’93), the former Rattlers’ catcher-turned-Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play announcer.
“Following in Brian’s footsteps is a big motivation for me,” said Tovar. “I hope I can be in the same sentence as him, because look at his story.”