For four years, the voice behind Bridgeport High School sports has been one of its own students, Caden Shmigalsky.  As a freshman, he started out running the clock for his stepbrother, Paddy Kirkwood, and after making an announcement at one of the games, the momentum has never stopped. He further honed his skills announcing for Bridgeport Legion Post, 68 Baseball and Bridgeport Youth Football and, now a senior, was ready for a new challenge.

 

With career aspirations beyond high school, Shmigalsky auditioned with West Virginia University to announce baseball games.  He was hired to announce about 15 games this year, which began this month.  

 

“I am honored to be a part of the team that announces the games for WVU,” said Shmigalsky.  “This is an incredible opportunity and I am making connections that will hopefully help me after I receive my degree.”

 

Although Shmigalsky plans to study business at Fairmont State University, his passion for sports will be a pivotal part of his future.  He hopes to land a position in the athletic department of a college or university and continuing his announcing career while also working in sports management.

 

In addition to his new job as a WVU sports announcer, he was also recently honored as a member of the Marshall University Thundering Herd All-Star Big Band. 

 

“He was the only one from Bridgeport who was selected for the Marshall Jazz Festival,” said BHS Band Director Chris Hayslette. “It is an honor to be a part of the Thundering Herd All-Star Big Band and Caden worked very hard to make it happen.”

 

With fewer than three months left of his senior year, Shmigalsky is focusing his efforts on honing his announcing skills, preparing for college and making the most of his final year at BHS.  

 

“I am so thankful to have had so many opportunities while still in high school,” he said.  “I never would have anticipated that I would be announcing for a college before I even go to college, but I am so excited to continue pursuing options in sports and business as I leave the Bridgeport community.”