Sam Kouvaris

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article does not cite any references or sources. (May 2008)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.
The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia.
Specific concerns may be found on the talk page. See Wikipedia's guide to writing better articles for suggestions.(May 2008)

Sam is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, as well as a graduate from the University of Maryland. Sam Kouvaris began his broadcasting career in Charleston, South Carolina, as the lead sports anchor at the ABC affiliate, WCBD.

Contents

[edit] Before Jacksonville

Sam has also worked as a sports reporter in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. In 1981, he joined WJXT, in Jacksonville, Florida, and was promoted to sports director in March 1982, only 10 months after joining.

[edit] Experience

Sam's play-by-play experience stretches from football to polo, he has also called events for CBS, NBC, ABC and ESPN. He was a three-sport varsity athlete in high school. Sam also participated in football and baseball in college and on the semi-professional level. As part of his sports coverage, Sam has tried out for the Jacksonville Tea Men and the USFL’s Jacksonville Bulls. He served as voice of the Tea Men of the NASL in 1983.

[edit] Stump Sam

A popular feature on WJXT's Channel 4 News at 5:30 p.m. is "Stump Sam." Viewers are invited to send in their sports questions to see if they can stump Sam. Sam has maintained about an 80 percent correct answer rate since the feature's inception in 1990.

[edit] Lex and Terry

His sports commentaries can be heard twice each day on WFYV-FM in Jacksonville and on the syndicated Lex and Terry radio show, which is broadcasted throughout the country.

[edit] The End Zone

Sam hosts a TV Show on Monday nights that summarizes a Jaguars game from the previous day. He hosts alongside Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis and Jacksonville Jaguars long snapper Joe Zelenka. The show is also co-hosted by former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Tommy McManus and WJXT sports reporter Sean Woodland. The show is shot at Sneakers' Sports Grille in Jacksonville Beach. Every week they have a special guest who is a Jaguars player; Maurice Jones-Drew is frequently a guest.

[edit] Hall of Fame

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee, Sam is one of 38 electors asked each year to vote on candidates eligible for induction into the hall. He also is a designated voter for the Heisman Trophy and the College Football Hall of Fame.

[edit] Awards and Achievements

Sam is an Emmy Award winner and has won the Associated Press Broadcast Award, as well as numerous other honors, including Sportscaster of the Year by numerous organizations.

[edit] Personal

Music and drama are among Sam's hobbies he also plays several musical instruments, such as the trumpet and the guitar. He has appeared as the lead vocalist for the St. Johns River City Band at several "Big Band" concerts. He serves on the Board of Directors for numerous charities in North Florida and is active at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Sam lives in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville with his wife. Together, they have three children.