King of Radio: Through luck and talent, Kurtis Seaboldt found a career in sports radio

“AND THE SHAWNEE MISSION EAST STARTING LINE-UP IS...”

Kurtis Seaboldt’s voice roared across Municipal Arena at the SM East and Rockhurst Stateline Showdown. The players were painted in blue lights, and the stands shook from the sound. Screams and cheers erupted from the audience as Seaboldt announced the names of the SM East starting line-up. The arena couldn’t wait for tip-off.

“No matter what the game is, what sport, what level, when the game begins, you don't know what's gonna happen,” Seaboldt said. “But it's gonna happen in front of you, and it's gonna play out, and there’s going to be some kind of story that may be memorable."

While he currently announces for the SM East football and varsity boys basketball team, Seaboldt began announcing in 1987 at Raytown High School, where the high demand for his announcing, natural talent for speaking and a whole lotta luck led to his success in sports radio. 

At the age of 30, Seaboldt was working at a warehouse, still announcing for Raytown and Raytown South High School. He had roughly ten seasons under his belt, but no connections or experience beyond the high school gig to enter the field of sports radio.

But Bryer’s mint chocolate chip ice cream changed his life. 

Seaboldt wanted ice cream. His cravings led him to the frozen dessert aisle — only a few steps away from a creamy quart of dairy — when he ran into Lanetta Adams, an old high school friend, and her husband Gil.

As a natural conversationalist, Seaboldt immediately jumped into discourse with them, catching up on the years. 

What have you been doing, Kurtis? 

Well, I’ve been trying to get into sports radio. 

Huh, Gil works at a radio station.

Ice cream in hand, they made their way to the parking lot, where Seaboldt was going to take off — he didn’t want his ice cream to melt — when Gil invited him to find a time to sit in and talk on his sports show. After that, he bounced around to multiple stations until he finally settled down at 810 WHB, where he’s the co-producer of a sports radio show, “The Program,” that airs between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

His career has provided many opportunities, such as hosting guests like Chiefs Hall of Famer Tim Grunhard on his radio show and Patrick Mahomes walking in on Seaboldt mid-bathroom break.

“I can't imagine many people have been at work, in the men's room, and the MVP of the National Football League appears over your left shoulder,” Seaboldt said. “That was one of those moments where I realized I have a unique job.” 

As a kid, Seaboldt didn’t have a mentor in sports reporting, but now he can guide others toward the career they aspire to have.
Due to Seabolt’s connections in his field, he connected senior Hank Hunter with Stan Weber, a radio broadcaster and former quarterback for Kansas State University, where Hunter will be attending and pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. 

Both Seaboldt and Hunter announce the boys basketball games, while Hunter records a play-by-play of the games for the National Federation of State High School Associations and Seaboldt announces fouls, substitutions and introductions.

“For him to have enough passion for this business to want to reach out and talk to me about it, right there, that tells me he wants to be good,” Seaboldt said. “And I'll do anything for someone who truly wants to be good at something.”

After a lunch with Seaboldt, Hunter learned numerous announcing tips — when to be quiet and when to let the environment speak for itself during a game.

“He showed me some videos where a guy hit a home run or scored a big goal, and after going crazy, he steps away from the mic and just lets the crowd take over and let that be the call,” Hunter explained. 

Seaboldt is grateful for the career he has and wants to mentor those seeking one similar to his. He never cared about the money or the title; Seaboldt just wanted to enjoy the game.

“It’s an unscripted drama, and I get to sit and watch it play out,” Seaboldt said.