Dave DeNatale graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications. After stops at radio stations in Elyria and Defiance, Ohio and Caro, Michigan, he became Sports Director at WOBL AM 1320 in 2000. He became the “Voice of the Yeomen football team” in 2002, adding men’s and women’s basketball to his repertoire in 2004.

MK: How did you get started in sports radio? Did you wake up one day and think to yourself, “My God, I have a sexy and soothing voice that is destined to be carried over radio waves?”
Dino (Laughing): Not even close! Actually I fell in love with radio sportscasting growing up in Cleveland and listening to Nev Chandler calling Browns games. Ever since I was 12, I’ve wanted to be a sportscaster.

MK: You covered major Division I sports at Bowling Green and hundreds of Division III sporting events. Do you find the same energy, enthusiasm and excitement at both levels?
Dino: In many cases I do. Especially at schools like Wabash and Wooster, where the fans are so passionate and teams really feed off of the energy. I’m starting to see that happen here at Oberlin and I think that’s great. But nothing compares to calling the play-by-play at Ohio Stadium in front of 90,000-plus fans. That’s a once in a lifetime experience.

MK: You are an experienced and award-winning announcer. But tell us about a few of your funny follies you may have made live on the air.
Dino: Oh, that would take up too many column inches! Next question!

MK: How did you get the nickname “Dino?” I am trying to get into radio broadcasting. What type of nickname goes well with Matthew Aaron Kaplan? I need a nickname!
Dino: My eighth grade football coach got tired of yelling, “Come on, DeNatale....Let’s hustle out there.” So he condensed DeNatele to Dino and the nickname has stuck ever since. Maybe we should have a contest to give Kaplan a nickname?

MK: Your commentary and play-by-play for WOBL is considered some of the best in the region. How long before we see you on ESPN Radio? What is your dream job?
Dino: Thanks for the compliment. Hopefully someday I’ll be the voice of the Browns or a Division I college team like Ohio State.

MK: You have broadcast all the home Yeomen and Yeowomen basketball events for 1320 WOBL. What are your thoughts on both seasons?
Dino: The Yeowomen are gaining confidence with every game and it’s showing on the court. I think junior Jesse Oram is one of, if not the best post player in the NCAC and the younger players like first-years Kira Rivera, Maggie Casey and Alyssa Clark will only get better with experience.

I think we’ll have a better idea on the men once sophomore Jordan Beard returns [currently out with a knee injury]. Oberlin has really missed having him run the offense. Once he returns, we’ll have a much better idea as to how good this team might be this season.

MK: What are your thoughts on calling games from the press perch above the south basket in Philips Gymnasium? How does Philips Gymnasium compare to some of the other facilities in the NCAC?
Dino: I love being in the Crow’s Nest at Philips Gymnasium. It’s the best seat in the house.

MK: What is more difficult: Defending Jesse Oram in the post or broadcasting synchronized swimming? Trying to tackle Chris Schubert on a kick return or being Bill Walton’s color man?
Dino (Pausing to think): Hmmmm...Since my athletic days are over, there’s no way I could handle Jesse’s post moves or Schubert’s speed and quickness. So, as long as you hook me up with duct tape, I’ll take my chances with Walton.

MK: Lastly, what other types of programs and broadcasting shows can we catch on 1320 WOBL?
Dino: You can catch Lorain County high school football, basketball and hockey as well as local news and classic country music.