Austin Bechtold Gives a Play-by-Play for Following Your Dreams

Baldwin High School alumnus Austin Bechtold grew up an avid sports fan. He watched endless games and soaked up commentary as well. He recalls, “I grew up listening to The Fan nearly everyday with my dad, Ray. At family events I would include random stats and storylines that left family members dumbfounded that I knew certain elements of the game.” These interests fueled a clear aspiration. “I’ve wanted to work in sports broadcasting and be a sports writer all my life.” Bechtold says.

He’s realized this ambition as a producer for the Pomp and Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan. In addition to his full-time producing role, he also works as a part-time host for The Fan, writes for Pittsburgh/Nittany Sports Now and SB Nation, and serves as the play-by-play voice of Baldwin football and basketball on the Fighting Highlanders Sports Network, as well as PA announcer for girls and boys volleyball. Bechtold reflects, “I’m very fortunate to be where I am at 23 years old and don’t take it for granted. I love talking sports and can’t imagine doing anything else in my life.”

Work in media brings full days and a rapid pace. “Our show at The Fan is on air from 10–2pm Monday-Friday. Every morning one of our hosts, Joe Starkey, and I call each other and discuss the topics we want to talk about on the show. I help prep the show, book guests, time and block out the show into different segments per hour, record show notes, podcast segments, and contribute to debates and discussions with Joe and Bob Pompeani on air, as well as some of our guests. When the show is over, I podcast any remaining segments and post social media content. I write stories for different outlets on college and pro sports later in the day. I love announcing games on the Fighting Highlanders Sports Network and have broadcasted games for my alma mater for five years!” says Bechtold.

Baldwin High School provided the foundation of skills and character upon which he has build his career. Bechtold explains, “I had my first writing opportunity with The Purbalite, Baldwin’s student newspaper, during my junior year.  Mr. Keith Harrison taught me so much about writing and the structure of sports articles. I’ve always had big ideas and the desire to write sports, but he provided me the structure to be a good writer and I’m grateful for him. Social studies teacher and football coach Chris Reilsono has had, and continues to have, one of the most profound impacts on me in my entire life. Mr. R took me under his wing during my sophomore year and became a mentor for me when I needed it most. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve met and is a great influence for how to live a grateful, respectful, and impactful life with a great sense of direction to believe in yourself.” The Baldwin-Whitehall School District is home to robust community and Bechtold benefitted from the tight-knit relationships it fosters. He was a senior when his twin sisters Alyvia and Alyssa, were freshman. “We spend a lot of time together with our parents and our dog Muffin and Baldwin has always been a center of a lot of our memories,” Bechtold notes.

After graduating Baldwin High School in 2019, Bechtold earned a B.A. in Sports Media (Announcing) from Waynesburg University. While at Waynesburg, Bechtold contained to hone his craft. “I was the sports editor of The Yellow Jacket, Waynesburg’s student-run newspaper, for two years and worked for the Waynesburg University Sports Network and WCTV learning from former Pirates broadcaster Lanny Frattare at WU,” Bechtold says. He is currently enrolled in an online Masters of Arts in Strategic Communications from Penn State. He’s grateful to be using the experience he’s gained in the hometown he loves. He shares, “Baldwin taught me so much and I’ve never left the area, neither do I intend to God willing for a long time and enjoy coming back all the time to give back to a place that has done so much for me.”

Bechtold advises students, “be confident in your work and don’t be afraid to take risks. Working in sports media is difficult but rewarding and a great career field. Connections are very important and having ambition paired with hard work will take you far. If you work hard and take the time to be the best, you will go places. Never be afraid to reach out to someone for advice and new opportunities to broadcast, write, and cover sports.”

Austin Bechtold with Fan Morning Show host Dorin Dickerson at Baldwin