We were lucky to catch up with Ryne Turke recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ryne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
The goal for anyone who dreams of pursuing a career in sports media is to one day work for ESPN. While attending Eastern Illinois University, I got my shot. I was selected amongst my peers to assist in the production of the ESPNU Game of the Week, featuring the Eastern Panthers. Working the sidelines with a parabolic microphone, assisting in the control room and getting an inside look at the broadcaster perspective was an amazing experience. Working for ESPN for that single day confirmed my passion and drive to continue my mission of a career in sports media. I still have my pay check framed at home as a reminder of how far I’ve come over the last two decades.
Ryne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi! My name is Ryne Turke and for nearly two decades I’ve been living out my dream as a sports broadcaster in Central IL.
When you tune into a Ryne Turke production, you better buckle up, because you’re in store for an unforgettable broadcast experience. My infectious energy, knowledge of the game and big play calls gives fans a court side experience from wherever they choose to tune in.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work for some prestigious media companies & hall of fame worthy broadcasters during my career. I’m always thankful for the opportunities I’ve been provided and proud of the accomplishments I’ve racked up over the years.
Seeing my broadcast calls go viral on SportsCenter, MaxPreps and social media is an amazing feeling, but nothing compares to the thrill of stepping into the booth and promoting the incredible talent in my community.
Becoming the voice of my hometown Jacksonville Crimsons, Illinois College Blueboys, Routt Rockets and other area schools is a badge of honor I wear proudly. I’m living my best life and can’t wait to see what’s ahead in the next chapters of my career.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
If you asked me this question 5 years ago, I would have told you my goal would be working for a major league team or sports network. As I’ve grown older though, my dreams and priorities have pivoted to family and community.
My hometown of Jacksonville has given me so much: a welcoming place to call home for my growing family, a community of friends and colleagues who’d drop anything to help and a career that I love.
Since the Jacksonville community has given me so much, it’s only fair I do my part and give back. So I started using my status as a local broadcaster to promote the athletes and teams of my area. I may not have the budget of ESPN, but I do my best to provide fresh content on a daily basis to keep fans and players engaged.
If you follow my social media accounts you’ll see
Conference Power Rankings
Top 200 PreSeason Player Countdowns for every sport
SportsCenter worthy highlights
Live Broadcasts from the booth with me
and so much more
While I’ll always pick up the phone if ESPN gives me a call, I’m beginning to believe this was supposed to be my journey all along. There’s some tremendous talent in our community and these teams and players deserve a shot to be put on the national map! I look forward to continuing my mission of providing a platform for Central IL athletics.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
There is no better form of live entertainment than sports. Hearing the roar of the crowd, cheering on our underdogs, crowning a champion…it’s the perfect storm of emotion, action and drama. As a sports broadcaster, I love being the narrator behind behind every thrilling athletic achievement in my community. It’s a badge of honor I’ve worn proudly over the last decade.
Seeing fans, players and coaches rejoice after amazing moments & incredible accomplishments, all while finding a way to capturing those moments with the perfect description and narrative, keeps me coming back and at the top of my game! It’s like being an author and writing a new story on the spot. This job is always an unbelievable thrill because you never know what you’ll see any given night.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryneturke.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryneturke?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryne.turke?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://x.com/ryneturke?s=21&t=zOSH-vxO8KQ5KcKbXfn0Aw
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ryneturke217?si=OcpMwgJfGKGf204P
Image Credits
Amanda Marshall Lucas Photography Talon Thompson