Florence, SD (KELO) – Taven Sumner has compiled an impressive résumé thus far.
Just at the age of 10, Taven has already had the experience of commentating for two high school basketball state tournament games.
Nevertheless, youth is not the sole remarkable aspect of Taven’s radio broadcasting career.
Here’s an excerpt from a game broadcast this season featuring Taven alongside his co-host, Mitch Reed:
Mitch Reed: Loue stands around 6’9,” and they also have several large players on the Lyman team. What strategy would you employ if you were playing against them?
Taven Sumner: I’d increase them twofold.
That was Taven offering guidance to the Lyman Raiders before their state tournament game against Castlewood.
“I find it really neat to chat on the radio,” Taven commented.
The 10-year-old provides insightful analysis; however, perhaps the most remarkable part is that he delivered color commentary for two state tournament games despite being unable to see them. Taven is entirely blind.
“It was truly thrilling,” Taven mentioned.
Taven, a fourth-grade student from the Florence School District, joined Mitch Reed, the Florence superintendent, in announcing the game scores. For the last decade, Reed has been broadcasting games through KS93 radio station located in Watertown.
“Just getting to observe various communities, having the opportunity to move from one community to another, witnessing young people compete intensely in significant events—moments when some might be experiencing such circumstances for the first time—and observing how this reveals the genuine character of both regular students and athletic ones,” Reed mentioned.
Taven tunes into all of Reed’s broadcasts. With the state tournament approaching this year, Taven inquired whether Reed would be covering any of the games.
“I was sort of playfully nudging him when I told him, ‘This year, you’re doing it with me,’ ” Reed explained. The person chuckled but seemed amused. Despite his initial reaction, I persisted until eventually, we managed to make it work,” Reed recalled.
It took Taven some time to settle in, but after he did, he delivered a broadcast that listeners won’t forget.
“We were hosting the pre-game show when he casually mentioned, ‘I’ll just handle the beginning of the match.’ I replied, ‘We’re live at this moment, so you need to stay on air too.’ Once he felt at ease, everything went smoothly. In fact, he contributed much more than I initially expected after getting settled,” Reed explained.
It was due to Reed guiding us forward.
“He clarified the game for me so that I understood what was going on,” Taven stated.
“One of the most impressive aspects is that he listens and comprehends the game despite not being able to see it. His skill lies in recognizing patterns within the game. Sometimes you’d have to ask questions or guide him a bit since he hasn’t had experience with radio broadcasts,” Reed explained.
The duo developed an excellent chemistry. Below is another exchange they had during a match:
Mitch: What’s your height? Are you aware of it?
Taven: No.
Mitch: You’re not aware? Do you believe yourself to be around 6’4″?
Taven: I wish.
We inquired of Taven what he found most enjoyable about his time on the air alongside Reed.
“Everything,” Taven said.
Two days following Taven’s first radio appearance, the dynamic pair covered the Class B state championship match between Castlewood and Viborg-Hurley. By this point, Taven had nearly perfected his skills.
“He spent the entire weekend behind the wheel; it definitely wasn’t me. I was excited to just go along with him,” Reed stated.
It’s a tale about never allowing anything to hold you back.
“I believe that at times, when events occur in our lives, we erect barriers and start feeling as though achieving those goals might be impossible. However, with Taven, this isn’t an issue; he effortlessly steps beyond such limits. The lesson we can draw from his example is not to allow others to dictate your limitations. Should you have a desire and firmly commit both your thoughts and emotions towards accomplishing something, then success will follow,” Reed stated.
Taven expresses his desire to keep working as a commentator on the radio moving forward. Besides his commentary work, Taven also exhibits goats, engages in wrestling, and participates in football games.
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