Ethan Kurtz, a sophomore broadcasting and sports communication major from Hummelstown, Pa., has immersed himself in the broadcasting department at Westminster and taken advantage of all the opportunities the program has to offer. Kurtz regularly contributes to Titan Radio and TV with interviews, game coverage and halftime analysis. His skills earned him the privilege of broadcasting the OpenDorse Extra Points Bowl game in Canton, Ohio. Blending hard work and talent, Kurtz is steadily moving toward his dream of becoming a professional sports broadcaster. 

What drew you to Westminster and how do you think it has positively impacted your college career so far? 

I love the campus and always wanted to attend a smaller school atmosphere. I was recruited for lacrosse and as soon as I stepped foot on campus, I could see myself and my future at Westminster. The smaller class sizes and closer relationships forged between myself and professors have allowed me to learn more effectively and develop true connections with other students and faculty members. I was immediately able to get involved with the broadcast department at Westminster, which is one of the many highlights of my time here. I began calling Titan athletic events in my first semester and have since been named an assistant producer for our weekly sports show, “Titan Town Sports,” while continuing to call many Titan games throughout the semester. 

How did you decide you wanted to be a broadcasting and sports communication major? 

I have always had a passion for sports and discussing them with friends and family. In high school, I had the opportunity to announce a few athletic events with some friends and realized that it was something I would love to do as a career. This made it easy to land on broadcasting and sports communication as my major. I absolutely loved my first three semesters at Westminster. 

What do you love most about your major? 

I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of my major and being able to get so much experience right away. As soon as I moved to campus, I was involved with TV and radio broadcasts that have allowed me to truly develop myself as a broadcaster which will be extremely beneficial for my future career in the field. The people in the program, such as Gary Swanson and Mark Slezak, have been incredible to work with, passing down so much knowledge to myself and my peers. 

You had the opportunity to broadcast during the OpenDorse Extra Points Bowl game in Canton, Ohio, in 2024 and 2025. What was that experience like as a student? 

Being able to broadcast a game from the hometown of professional football is an experience I will never forget. Ben Kelly and I traveled to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, last year to announce the Westminster vs. Marietta OpenDorse Extra Points Bowl on Titan Radio. This season, with Westminster once again in the bowl game, Ben Kelly, Mark Slezak and I traveled to announce the game on Titan Radio. This season, I was the sideline reporter for both TV and radio for every Titan home game, providing interesting statistics, history and fun facts about Westminster and their opponent. I also interviewed Scott Benzel, Westminster’s head football coach, at halftime and at the conclusion of every game. For the bowl game I was in the same role, providing updates from the sideline, fun history about the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Westminster and interviewing Coach Benzel following a second bowl win. 

This year, we enjoyed the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum and all it has to offer. It was an amazing experience, especially for me, since I am a big fan of the NFL. 

The entire event ran extremely well and was a great opportunity to call an incredibly competitive football game from football’s hometown. Having the honor to broadcast from the Hall of Fame is an unreal experience and something that I am honored to have been able to do twice. 

What are your future goals and plans after graduation? 

In the future, I plan to work in sports media. I enjoy all aspects of broadcasting on TV and radio, so any role covering professional sports would be incredible. Play-by-play commentary for professional football or soccer would be a dream come true. 

Are there faculty or staff members that have positively influenced you at Westminster so far? 

Gary Swanson’s positive influence has been a tremendous support at Westminster. Gary’s ongoing encouragement for my career aspirations is an integral part of my continued belief in myself and my future career. He has put a lot of trust in me as an announcer and leader within the program, helping to bring me to a higher level and preparing me for the future. 

I had Jesse Ligo for an accounting class and while I am not an accounting or finance major, Ligo has been incredibly supportive of my pursuit of a broadcasting career. He listens to all the broadcasts I announce and aims to assist me in my aspirations in any way he can. Though we were only introduced this semester, Ligo has already had a big influence on my time at Westminster. 

What is your role with the Westminster lacrosse team? 

In addition to my involvement with 88.9 FM Titan Radio and WCN, I am a captain of the men’s lacrosse team. I always wanted to play lacrosse in college and Westminster has been the perfect place to not only continue my athletic career but also allow me to gain experience in my major. Our team, both players and coaches, have a very close bond and it makes every day together a great time. I’m excited for our upcoming season and playing alongside my closest friends. 

Do you have any off-campus activities or hobbies that you like to do in your spare time? 

When I’m at home, I work as a lacrosse coach for middle and high school students. I am an assistant coach on a travel team throughout the summer and I also provide private lessons for attackmen to work on bettering their game. I've always wanted to give back to the sport as much as I can and this is the perfect way to do so. 

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