The look on Anderson McNiven’s face last Thursday said it all as he was surprised by Shepherd’s and Huntley Project’s Volleyball Teams as well as his YCN Sports colleagues. He was recognized for his 300th game broadcast and supplied with a whole season’s worth of Cheetos and root beer — his favorite pre-game snack. (Michael Marino photo)
The look on 16-year-old Anderson McNiven’s face said it all last Thursday, Nov. 2 as he walked out of the Columbus High School gym and into a packed room of family, friends and fans, there to congratulate him on his 300th game broadcast.
“I almost fainted,” he said regarding the moment he realized what was going on.
Anderson, a Huntley Project (HP) High School Junior student, started calling local sports tournaments as a seventh grader in 2019 with his dad, Jonathan McNiven. on www.YCNsports.com and 101.1 KFHW-FM. He’s put on broadcasts for state basketball games and at least three state volleyball championships, multiple district and divisional basketball tournaments as well as state playoff football games. He covers varsity games for HP, Shepherd, and Skyview High School districts regularly.
“Anderson spends a lot of time on the road and delivers great commentary due to his preparation, diligence and expertise,” wrote HP School District on social media. “Thank you to the Shepherd and Huntley Project Volleyball teams for helping to commemorate this special occasion.”
HP Activities Director, Tim Kaczmarek said, “Anderson does a great job. He knows our student athletes very well and this is portrayed through his broadcasting. He is on top of every game,’ and you can tell he does his homework for both teams. He’s got a bright future ahead of him!”
“Anderson was here from the get-go in 2019,” said Jonathan McNiven. “He’s helped make YCN Sports what it is today.” Beyond just the sheer number of broadcasts, Jonathan added that it’s all the work Anderson does off-air to deliver a great final product that earned the recognition last week.
“I’m just so proud of him,” said Jonathan. “He represents us well.”
Part of the 300th broadcast celebration included a gift of Anderson’s favorite pre-game snack, Cheetos and Root Beer – an entire season’s worth! This was made possible by the Billings offices of Frito Lay and Pepsi Cola.
Anderson McNiven posing for a quick picture along his years worth of pre-game snacks of Cheetos and Rooter.
In 2022, Anderson co-hosted games for the Billings Outlaws indoor football team with ESPN broadcaster, David Sibley. It was about paying it forward for Sibley. “My intention was to give [Anderson] an opportunity that may not have come otherwise,” he said in an interview in March 2022. Sibley’s childhood dream was to be a broadcaster, but he said life took him on a different path. He went on to invite Anderson to come back and call the Billings Outlaws’ games again any time.
“It’s kind of his show; he can do with it what he wants,” said Sibley.
“My favorite part would have to be… the broadcasts I’m able to do with my dad,” Anderson told YCN Sports. “Ever since he’s let me do this and run away with it, it’s been amazing.” He further said, “I feel appreciated and loved coming here, and this is what I want to do with the rest of my life.”
KULR-8 Sports reporter, Spencer Martin, interviews Anderson for their sports segment on the television which was featured in the November 2 newscast. (Michael Marino photo)
Anderson said the most important lesson he has learned is to always stay positive. “You have some games that are complete blowouts, but you can’t always be negative about [the teams.] You just have to keep the energy going and keep it entertaining,” he explained.
But he doesn’t just call the games for those not in attendance – Anderson also plays high school basketball! In addition, Anderson worked at Yellowstone County News in the summer of 2023. He assisted former YCN Legal Advertising Clerk, Lo Harper, with the preparation of affidavits and other clerical tasks. Harper said she felt they made a great team and that she appreciated Anderson’s work ethic and positive attitude.
“I’m blessed to have been doing this for five years now,” said Anderson. He gave a “big thank you” to his dad and family, and he expressed gratitude for all the teams’ support as well as the sponsors who make YCN Sports & Radio possible.
As for the future, Anderson said he hopes to continue his broadcasting career for many years to come.
