By Alyssa Wood > George Washington University

Two Students Take On the World of Sports Broadcasting. They may not be the famous Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy, but these student sportscasters might just be the next big thing in sports broadcasting. Greg Shapiro and Julian Gompertz, juniors at George Washington University, are making their mark in the radio broadcasting arena in hopes of one day breaking into the big leagues.

The two best friends met their freshman year and instantly realized their shared passion for sports. Both are die-hard fans of the New York Giants. New York native Julian roots for the Mets, and Greg, hailing from New Jersey, supports the Yankees. For these dedicated roommates, a Giants’ loss means a full week of moping before next Sunday.

Greg and Julian dove immediately into GW’s radio station, WRGW, their first year on campus. They began by contributing show commentary and helping with game broadcasts, but eventually earned positions as Assistant Sports Directors. This year, Greg took on the role of Sports Director.

Greg’s show, “The Real Deal,” incorporates national, college and international sports. Celebrity guests on the show have even included NBC sportscasting star Bob Costas. GW junior Nick Provazza, a member of “The Real Deal” commentary panel, says his host’s leadership and sports knowledge are ESPN-worthy. “Both Greg and Julian’s careful preparation results in two shows that are more entertaining and insightful than most of what you find in major media outlets,” Nick said. Julian hosts “Half-Jewish Sports,” aimed at listeners interested in Atlantic-10 and GW basketball.

Julian spends time at the station each day logging audio, cutting highlights, creating commercial spots for broadcasts, or outlining for his next show. He also prepares weekly tapings for his work as a TV personality on GWTV’s most viewed show, “Unstoppable,” a debate program for sports topics.

As Sports Director, Greg not only manages the thirty students who co-host six radio shows per week, but also trains young broadcasters. Oh, and both he and Julian personally broadcast nearly every men’s and women’s GW Colonials basketball game. Home and away.

They have gone everywhere from Cincinnati to St. Louis to Philadelphia, even Hawaii for the Rainbow Classic tournament. “I’ve met many of my friends here…from having been through 10-hour Greyhound trips, multiple city layovers and hotel stays together,” says Greg.

After the boys first away game at a women’s basketball tournament at Stony Brook University, they headed out for a late-night snack to celebrate a successful broadcast. It was a fifteen-minute walk in the bitter cold, as they trudged along the highway and through woods—to Hooters. The duo spent their entire trip stipend, over $60. Exhausted and full, they returned to their hotel and called the WRGW Director to fill him in on their evening. Apparently there had been a McDonald’s thirty seconds from the hotel. Needless to say, the supervisor was not pleased.

Greg and Julian plan to advance in the broadcasting field post-GW. Greg, a Sports Management and Marketing major, hopes to make a career in radio/TV broadcasting or work for a team’s front office. Julian, a Journalism and Mass Communication major, sees himself launching into media of any kind, whether it’s writing for an internet publication or working on-camera. Jerry Remy had better not get too comfortable.