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Channel 5 Sports
With Mark Sudol leaving his job as the WPTZ Channel 5 sports anchor, it will take a while for his replacement, Matt Hobbs, to develop a sense of identity with his audience. I wish Matt the best and, who knows, if he stays long enough he might join the ranks among some of the North Country's favorites who have held the position.
Certainly Mark Sudol is high on my list of favorite Channel 5 sports guys. His style was unassuming, straight-forward, and his somewhat shy smile was always there at the right times. He created the "I Challenge Mark" series, where the likeable broadcaster tried everything from cheerleading to car racing. He picked up a lot of fans during his time in the North Country, which began in 1996. Years ago my buddy Ray Lalonde told me about Mark's little wave at the end of his broadcast, and it was his signature sign-off to viewers. We will miss Mark Sudol.
Another of my favorites at Channel 5 sports is Chris Kelly. He, too, was a friendly guy and he stayed in the North Country for several years. He loved sports and, at times, fancied himself a potential professional athlete, playing in benefit softball and basketball games around the area. I have a videotape of a benefit basketball game that Kelly played in many years ago. He fired up three-point shots from all angles and I think he tossed one up from the locker room. He finally sank one and celebrated like it was an NBA game-winner! I don't know where Chris is now, but I'd sure like to know.
Another Channel 5 sports guy I remember is Tim Singer, a SUNY-Plattsburgh grad who spent eight years at Channel 5. Tim made an impression on his viewers with his coverage of sports events that took place while he was in the North Country, things like the Empire State Games and the Lake Champlain International Fishing Regatta. Apparantly he also made an impression on some of the head honchos in bigger venues, because now Singer is a freelance sports commentator for FOX Sports, ESPN, NBC and other networks. He's shaped a great career for himself and is well-remembered by North Country sports fans.
Do you remember Blaine Applegate? He was a popular Channel 5 sports guy in the 1990s. He came to the North Country in 1990 and stayed about six years. He was an athlete-turned-broadcaster, make no mistake about it. While reporting the news at WPTZ, Applegate donned the uniform of the fledgling Plattsburgh North Stars semi-pro football team in the Empire Football League. Appropriately, he wore number "5" and he was a hard-nosed running back, a straight-up-the-middle guy who would get the Stars a first down on a third-and-three. He was known for running over would-be tacklers and, as a result, Goose, my broadcaster partner, gave him the nickname Blaine "The Train" Applegate.
Applegate left the area in '96 for the job of sports director at WXXA, a FOX affiliate in Albany. However, I've been unable to find where Applegate is today.
Perhaps my all-time favorite Channel 5 sports guy is Rick Whitlow. Does that name ring a bell? He was at Channel 5 from 1980-1985. Rick came to the North Country with shining credentials, having been an All-American basketball player at Illinois State. He averaged 21 points his junior year and 22 in his senior year and once scored 51 in a game against Southern Illinois. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets.
Rick never touted his accomplishments on the hardwood, instead joining the Channel 5 staff and doing his job in business-like fashion. He was a classy guy, soft-spoken and friendly. Back in the 1980s at Stafford Middle School I organized a "Sports Day" for the students and invited guests from the North Country to talk with the students and sign autographs. Rick was a popular guest and talked with students about how sports can help shape your character and have a lasting effect on you.
Whitlow left the area, but he remembers well his time in North Country. "I love Plattsburgh," he e-mailed me last week. "I have nothing but wonderful memories about the North Country. Still perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever been.
"One of my many highlights at WPTZ was when Pete Rose came to the station to do a live interview with me. I still have the pictures and the tape."
Whitlow also mentioned regretfully that he had heard of the death last year of Bird Berdan, who was his colleague at Channel 5. Even though he had relocated far from New York, Whitlow kept in touch with Berdan through the years.
Whitlow is now sports director at WJTV-TV in Jackson, Mississippi. He has two children: son Eric, who was born at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, and daughter Candace.
So there you have my five favorite sports guys at WPTZ-Channel 5: Sudol, Kelly, Singer, Applegate and Whitlow. It makes sense to have five at Channel 5, but maybe I've forgotten someone! Is there someone else you would add to the list?
Comments
I was the "I Challenge Mark"'s photographer for many years, and had the good fortune to not only be Mark's sidekick, but his friend as well. We have a stack of tapes and hundreds of sports and job challenges that many north country folks helped create. Some memorable ones? Trapeeze, driving the ferry (I got to dock the boat too!), making a new flavor at Ben and Jerrys, making cheese at Cabot, a rainy shoot near Montpelier playing Frizbee Golf (frolf), sinking some holes in one with Arnie in Plattsburgh, making gingerbread houses at Rambach's International Bakery, dogsledding in vermont, skiing with a gold medalist at sugarbush, snowboarding at Whiteface where Mark crashed so hard right on his face, and probably the craziest one was in Lake Placid being allowed to sled down the ski jumps!
Man we had a blast!
I now work in Washington DC at a station that used to be the now-defunct "Dumont Network" which is part of FOX, WTTG Fox 5 News. The station was named for Thomas T. Goldsmith, Dr. DuMont's best friend and the DuMont network's chief engineer.
Today I'll be photographing the Pope as he enters and leaves the Vatican Embassy - I better get to work!
(Foxy's note: Nice to hear from you, Michael. I remember you at Channel 5. Thanks for the memories and update.)
Posted by: Michael French | April 16, 2008 1:23 PM
I also had the pleasure of working with Bird Berdan. I was transmitter engineer and then a studio engineer in the early 70s. For some reason, I remember I can still see him looking out the west window in the back of the control room on Cornelia St, saying in his usual dramatic baritone, "Red sky tonight, sailors uptight!".
Also, don't forget Ron Winders, the sportscaster during the early 70s. I remember him coming into the control room just before his sportscast, working up his game with all kinds of wacky imitations and stupid jokes. His best was an imitation of a local radio DJ, whose name I can't recall right now. I do remember his, "Rickaroo! Just for you!. He would always nail that one.
Dudley Chapman
Anyway, those were fun days at WPTZ.
(Foxy's note: Great to hear from you, Dudley! The Rickaroo you are referring to is Rick Robinson, who used the nickname Rickaroo. He was a great guy. I wonder where he is now.)
Posted by: Dudley Chapman | November 25, 2007 8:56 PM
So what happened to Mark Sudol? I miss him....
(Foxy's note: Mark's wife received a job promotion and they have left the area. Mark had no problems getting another job, but I cannot recall where he is working. Maybe a reader can help.)
Posted by: Tony | April 6, 2007 6:23 PM
I'm astounded that some of you remember me from Ch. 5, WPTZ. I was Program Director and the sports guy from 1961-1966. I had the pleasure of working with the late, great Bird Berdan, Al Hill, Bill Hunter and others. I'm now retired after 34 years as the CEO of the
Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. I still visit Plattsburgh a couple of times a year as my mother-in-law still lives there. I've also been broadcasting the annual Hall of Fame game from Cooperstown for a regional group of stations. The very best to you all. Len Cane
(Foxy's note: Great to hear from one of the North Country greats, Len Cane. I hope you will contact me, Len, when you are in the North Country. You would be a great subject for my "Fox on the Run" interview show. I'm sure you have some great memories to share of the early days at WPTZ.)
Posted by: Len Cane | March 3, 2007 11:46 PM
I would like to add a personal story regarding Mark Sudol. My daughter Megan played soccer at Seton and Mark happened to be videotaping one of her games. I saw Mark just before he left the area and he asked me how my daughter was doing and if she still played soccer. She was a junior in high school at the time and is now a senior in college (St. Rose) but I was blown away that Mark remembered my daughter and took the time to ask about her. I also wish the best for Mark and I know that Matt has some big shoes to fill.
(Foxy's note: Thanks for sharing, UPS Dave! See you on the road sometime this week, I'm sure!)
Posted by: UPS Dave | January 23, 2007 7:36 PM
Skip, thats' why I idolize YOU.......
Posted by: Fred Forkey | January 23, 2007 6:07 PM
fred!!! It was Chet Lavalley and the 4 notes. They played on Fridays and Saturdays at Noah's Ark and the Grandvue and either WEAV or WIRY was there for live broadcast.
Posted by: skip zatonski | January 23, 2007 4:46 PM
Really didn't watch much tv when I was younger. But I do remember a LaValley band on channel 5. I can't remember his first name. Also, a fiddle player, Chillou would be his name. More than likely this name is misspelled. That was a long time ago. Memories seem to take a beating. So long........
Posted by: Fred Forkey | January 23, 2007 1:49 PM
Mr. Zatonski, you old cameraman you. You have to remember the wonderful times with Dusty Boyd at Channel 5 during your tenure. Good catch Foxy on the Lydell Family that were featured every weeekend at a place call Severance's, which I believe was in Peru or Schyuler Falls. This was way before "The Bullet" of Carver but maybe "W" or the Old Timer might remember if I am correct on this. Fred Forkey would probably know this as well.
Posted by: zonebreaker | January 23, 2007 7:53 AM
skipper, glad I could perk you up! ..... Captain Al was awsome.. But Chiller theater was a classic.... I'm sure after several bogies and doubles down in SC, you needed a taste of reality .... always good to flash back ... keep thinkin of us old poor souls up here in the Adirondacks and swing that big stick free and easy...
tell Bruce and Wick I hope you all birdie the same hole and fight over the skin until at least groundhogs day! ... you aint missin nothin here ... (other than the usual "bullet" , "zonebreaker", "old timer" banter) never thought I'd say this but I really do miss "W"!! keep in touch! "Good night and Good Sports"
Posted by: the carver | January 22, 2007 10:42 PM
Hi everyone. Just wanted to take this opportunity to again invite all of you bloggers to the Clinton County chatroom. It's nice to see so many interesting folks blogging here and bringing back so many fond memories.
I think it would also be nice if we could get together for some "real time" chatter. I know I would enjoy it.
The room presently is open in the evenings and as our population continues to grow, those hours will be extended. In reality, the room opens the minute one chatter enters.
As of the moment, we have several regulars and numerous "passersby".
Below you will find a link that will get you there simply by clicking on it. After doing so, you will first get the usual "disclaimer" popup , Don't worry about it. the server is perfectly safe. I have been using it for years.
Next you will be given the opportunity to connect (toward bottom of little blue screen).. Click on it... TWICE.
That will bring you into the room itself. Unless you erase "Guest" and type in a preferred nick (ie: Carver, Old-Timer, Lenny.. whatever) you will come in as a guest but -- that's easy enough to change once you are there if you choose not to do it while entering.
It's all FREE and there are no troublesome advertisements to deal with.
It would be nice to see you all there (you included Foxy) and I think you would enjoy the experience. If you try a couple times and there is no one else there, not to worry. Try a little later or stick around and wait. It should not be long before others appear.
Foxy: Congrats on your "blog anniversary" .. I read ya every day and enjoy.
And "Popcorn", if you are reading this, we are like 30 miles apart . (Vero Beach here)
You would all be welcome and those of already tenants, look forward to your arrival.
Best wishes all and the link in question is just below. Bookmark it with your favorites and you'll continue to have easy access.
Al Ryan
http://www.starchat.net/chat/index.php?chan=Clinton-County-NY
Posted by: Al Ryan | January 22, 2007 10:03 PM
Carver- I didnt realize that u were that old!!! I was the cameraman for Al Hill during those days. What a blast. There were no tapes- everything was live broadcasting -- Clutch Cargo with Al Hill Teen Dance on Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings with cw music with ???? family.
Everyone interacted even on Bird Berdan's Atlantic weatherman.
Doing live TV those days were riotous. Thanks for bringing back memories.
(Foxy's note: Skip, that may have been the Lyttle family that played country music on Channel 5 way back when.)
Posted by: skip zatonski | January 22, 2007 7:34 PM
many sportcasters have come and gone at channel 5 over the years, all very respectable ... but let's give some credit to the infamous "Tony Adams" at channel 3 all those years
"Good night and good Sports"
.... the heck with the sportscasters, who host WPTZ's all time best shows ... "Chiller Theater" and "Captain Al's adventure club"????
Posted by: the carver | January 22, 2007 2:54 PM
My brother Chris's father-in-law, Bob Connelly, used to be the sportscaster @ WPTZ. Bob was an All-American offensive lineman @ Tennessee in the 30's. My Dad was sitting in the stands of the 1939 Orange Bowl while Bob was playing in the Orange Bowl game (Tennesse beat Oklahoma). They discovered this @ their kids wedding, who would have thunk? My cousin, Mel Luck, who was from Keene Valley, was the sportscaster in 68-69 - til he snuck out of town.
Posted by: Miney Rowlson | January 22, 2007 8:26 AM
Lenny Kane got his start at WIRY doing Sports back in the mid-50's and early 60's before going to WPTZ. He then left and became the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Kingston, NY where he retired after 30-some odd years. While at the Chamber in Kingston he also served for over 15-years on the BOCES Board of Education for that area. He always fondly remembers his time here in Plattsburgh.
(Foxy's note: Thanks for the update, Zonebreaker.)
Posted by: Zonebreaker | January 22, 2007 7:32 AM
When I worked at Channel 5 in the early 60s the sportscaster was a man named Len Cane. I think he was also the program director.
When the downtown coaches' club was in existence, this club often brought in professional athletes. Len Cane had a special program and interviewed them. As a cameraman I had the opportunity to meet and talk to many of the sports luminaries most notably (I remember) was Jim Brown.
Skip
Posted by: skip zatonski | January 22, 2007 7:18 AM
Foxy, you have some fine former WPTZ Sportscasters still living and working here in the Plattsburgh area. Bob Shimko who works at MLD in Plattsburgh and served on the City School Board for many years worked at Channel 5 back in the early days, John Ryan, retired from a Customs job at the border and lives in Peru was an early sportscaster and another fine sportscaster was the young woman named Dionne (?)who is now doing sports TV work in the San Diego area.
(Foxy's note: Wow, I don't recall Bob Shimko or John Ryan working at Channel 5 sports, but, of course, I remember Dionne!)
Posted by: Zonebreaker | January 22, 2007 7:15 AM
Foxy, I remember another Channel 5 sports reporter from back in the 60's, when I moved to Plattsburgh. His name was Len Kane. Anyone else remember him???
Posted by: Long John Silver | January 21, 2007 11:53 PM
Foxy:
Chris Kelly is now living in Ct. working as a freelance cameraman for ESPN and some of the other networks. He is now married and his wife (Stephanie) works as a producer at ESPN and ABC.
As for Jed Drake. He is the Vice-President of Remote Broadcasting for ESPN. He is in charge of all of ESPN's remote productions. Including NFL and college football, golf, basketball, baseball and the ever exciting -X-Games. I met up with him again awhile back during the Outdoor Games in Lake Placid. Still has found memories of Plattsburgh and WPTZ.
Also, another name from the past, Bill Fine. Bill left the world of sports for a career in media sales and made a very good living. The last I heard is he was the General Manager of WCVB in Boston. They are owned by Hearst-Argyle, the same corporation owning WPTZ.
(Foxy's note: Thanks for the update, Vin!)
Posted by: vin scully | January 21, 2007 2:11 PM
Foxy,
Remember Jed Drake? He may have been before Rick Whitlow.He is high up the ESPN food chain, a producer of various games.
About two years ago ESPN was doing a college football game and simultaneously showed live views of the production truck. It was fascinating. They showed how replays were done as well as spotters communicating with the announcers. Jed Drake was in charge and was interviewed at halftime. I could make a copy of it for you if you want.
Craig Mathews
Posted by: craig mathews | January 21, 2007 12:46 PM