When the De La Salle Varsity Football Team takes the field on Thursday, August 29, at Wayne State University, against Davison High School, sophomore Gavin Velicevic will be in the broadcast booth, providing roster information to the WJR 760AM play-by-play announcer Gavin Renwick. 

The Pilots’ game is part of the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, sponsored by the Detroit Sports Commission. Game time is 7 p.m.

A member of the DLS Student Broadcasting Club, Gavin was “in the booth” for several DLS basketball games during his freshman year. Gavin himself plays JV football and played freshman baseball. 

“I am excited,” said Gavin. “This is my first opportunity to broadcast outside of DLS, and will be my first ‘gig’ in a semi-professional environment.” 

“Last year, Gavin and several other freshmen helped revitalize our Broadcast Club,” said Fitzhenry. “It’s great to be able to offer our students the opportunity to work with industry professionals and have them gain valuable experience outside of the classroom.” 

Last year Gavin started as the play-by-play announcer for the Freshmen and JV basketball games but quickly graduated to calling Varsity games after only a few weeks.

“This broadcast team has stepped up in a big way,” Fitzhenry said. “Over the summer we installed some new camera equipment and software which will allow our students the opportunity to work graphic overlays and learn more about the back-end of a broadcast production.”  

Last week, during De La Salle’s New Parent Welcome Night, STEM Director Mr. Scott Husken outlined the possibilities of additional Broadcast and Journalism offerings for the Steve and Kathy McShane STEM Innovation Center, currently under construction.

Husken commented, “Broadcast Journalism and Digital Marketing are topics of discussion with Mrs. Annmarie Michol, the DLS Curriculum Coordinator. This opportunity for Gavin to work with WJR fits in perfectly with what we are trying to accomplish with the STEM center. We want kids to gain real-world experience before they graduate.”

Gavin said his role, and that of a Davison alumnus who will also be in the booth is providing information about the players. This week, Gavin is gathering additional data on each player on the Pilots’ roster.

When DLS plays at Orchard Lake St. Mary in week 3 (September 13), Gavin will also be in the booth. Full DLS schedule

He is considering a possible career in broadcasting, but for now, he’s happy to have these experiences. 

Gavin is a member of the Student Council and also participates in the Bible Study group conducted by the DLS Campus Ministry Office. 

He attended Holy Family Regional School in Rochester Hills.