He barely pronounces his "r's." He's long past the prime years of a sportscaster. His hair is gray. He speaks too fast. And he's biased about UConn. But he's every News Director's dream.

Jim Calhoun makes his NBC 30 sportscasting debut Friday night at 6:00. And then at 11:00, we'll turn the sports anchor chair over to Central Coach Howie Dickenman. It should be a real treat.

I am a huge fan of both men on and off the court. Both guys are well known for their coaching passion, but it's the compassion they've shown towards others over the years that makes them extra special people to me.

Coach Calhoun never sees a cause he's not willing to conquer. We want and encourage Coach to spend much of his time Friday night at 6:00 promoting his Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride that takes place the next morning in Simsbury. Not that I'm telling you Coach what to put in "your" sportscast.

By the way, Coach tells me he plans to ride 50 miles Saturday. In fact, he pedalled 48 miles this morning. If I had reached Oxford, Ma this morning like Coach did, 24 miles from home, I would have been calling my wife for a ride back. Not Coach. He returned on his bike. That's why he's a hall of famer. Persistence.

Just remember that passion, Coach. two minutes into the sportscast Friday, you'll have no choice but to keep pedalling. There is no one that you can call for help. But I'm not worried. As every official in the Big East can attest, you've never been at a loss for words. And Gerry promises not to "t" you up.

Coach Dickenman may have the harder task navigating his way through all of the highlights that make up an 11:00 sportscast. But Coach, you will have Don Laviano as your producer---the best in the state. Think of Don as your Javier Mojica (Central's All-World guard this past season)...an overachiever, a go to guy, who you can trust to make you look good at the end of the night.

Of course, I'll help too. I'll leave my makeup out for you. Not that you need it. I have a feeling viewers will remember your voice more than your skin tone.

So have fun Friday night, guys. After all, there are no winners and losers--at least not until the ratings come out. And if they spike too high, I could be watching one of you in my anchor seat next season instead of on the bench. Check that. We can't pay you enough. And whoever broadcasts the sports at NBC 30 needs something to talk about every night. So just keep winning championships and supporting worthy causes. We'll all be watching Friday night.