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Davis also keeps a list of synonyms for commonly usedwords so that, as he says, “I don’t say ‘great’ twenty times per game.” After that ritual is completed, Davis hits the gym to release some anxiety. Then he returns to his hotel room and reads newspaper articles and online stories related to today’s game between the Spartans and Ducks. He watches ESPN’s popular Saturday morning college football show, College GameDay . Mostly, he tries to relax. “Calling a game is a little like taking a test,” says Davis— and he has been studying all week. During the week, he has watched tapes of both teams, listened to press conferences, and spoken with both head coaches. By game day, he knows that it is too late to cram. Another part of Davis’ routine is a conversation with Rob Reichley, who is a producer at RayCom Sports. “We don’t work together, but Rob is a good friend and one of my true mentors in the business,” says Davis. “This is part of the routine.” Davis then puts on his suit and heads over to the stadium. He arrives at least three hours before kickoff for every game. Upon arrival, he makes a beeline directly to the production truck, where the show’s producer, director, and technical crew will work the game. The truck is located just outside the stadium.

10 C areers O ff the F ield • Sports Broadcasting