Well allow me to introduce myself. My name is Randy Brenzen and I am the new Yorkton This Week Sports Reporter and Sports Editor, taking over for the esteemed Kelly Friesen, who decided to return to Saskatoon in order to increase his education.
A little bit about me. I spent most of my childhood in Yorkton with the exception of a couple of years in the booming metropolis of Saltcoats. In 2007 I graduated from the Yorkton Regional High School before moving to Winnipeg to study Broadcasting at the Academy of Broadcasting Corp. A little side note now. In 2007 the Saskatchewan Roughriders met the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup Final. As I am from Saskatchewan all of my classmates at the time decided to "razz" me about the Riders. So, when they won, I decided that there was not better time than right now to get my revenge. I changed the background of each computer in the computer lab to a picture of Saskatchewan's own Gene Makowsky hoisting the Grey Cup in the air, bought white and green streamers and paper and threw them all across the offices and halls and blasted the Rider Pride song on speakers as soon as people started walking in. Why? Because revenge is sweet and so is a Riders victory Especially over the Bombers.
They hated me for it but the message was clear. Go Riders!
I then spent some time working at GX94 as a news reader and occasional overnight DJ before deciding that working in radio was not exactly for me. I then opted to go back to university and in 2011 I moved to London, England, to pursue a degree in Sports Journalism. Two years later and here I am working under the "iron rule" of Neil Thom (if you know Neil you'll know he's one of the nicest guys around) as the new Yorkton This Week Sports Writer.
While in England I didn't just go to university. I joined a baseball team as a pitcher on one of the London Mets club teams, the Mammoths. I also worked my way into a writing position for the British Baseball Federation (yes, they have baseball in England). I ended up becoming the beat reporter for the top British Baseball league (the National Baseball League, or NBL). I was then asked if I would like to go to Zurich, Switzerland to cover an international baseball qualification tournament called the European Baseball Qualifier. I gladly accepted the offer and was lucky enough to be able to cover the tournament for Team Great Britain in temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (I'm still cooked from it).
Now it's time to reveal something that some people seem to think should embarrass me. My co-worker Calvin Daniels has already ridiculed me for this, but here it goes. I'm an Oilers fan. Yes, I know. But hey, there's always next year! I also have a soft spot for the Nashville Predators So yeah I guess you can say I like mediocrity (at best) in my hockey teams.
I'm also an avid baseball fan. I follow most professional leagues throughout the world and have an AL and an NL team. I throw my undying support behind the Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves and nothing will change that (unless the Montreal Expos make a return).
NCAA basketball also has a special place in my heart. I really enjoy college hoops and, to me, one of the best times of the year is March Madness. Even if my Wake Forest Demon Deacons can't find a way to qualify for it anymore!
Well that's me. I was asked to do an introduction piece and I did. I look forward to writing about all the great Yorkton teams in all sports from curling through to hockey and baseball and everything else sports wise that this wonderful city has to offer!
