Wabash is celebrating a key milestone for one of its most dedicated professionals, Jim Amidon ’87, as he marks his 40th year of broadcasting and service to the College. His time at Wabash has had multiple roles. On top of his duties in the booth, Amidon is the chief of staff to the President, handling significant projects and day-to-day activities.
Furthermore, he has worked as a sports information director and football broadcaster, capturing the spirit of Wabash athletics for generations of fans.
“Few people in Wabash’s history have been as enthusiastic an advocate for Little Giant student athletes as Jim Amidon,” said Joe Emmick ’98. “He promotes every athlete, regardless of their sport, with equal enthusiasm. It is the same enthusiasm one hears on Saturday afternoons as he describes Little Giant football games.”
His four decades of work not only reflect his love for the College but his commitment to share the stories and successes of Wabash athletes. The journeys of student-athletes that aren’t on camera are what Amidon enjoys uncovering the most.
“I love seeing young men who come here and don’t know how good they are,” said Amidon. “It never gets old watching a fresh group of freshmen come in and try to figure out which ones are going to be the rock stars. The best part is getting to know the students, getting to know their parents, watching them succeed and learn from their mistakes.”
Aside from his respect for the development of student-athletes, Amidon is known for his strong attention to detail and elite coverage of Wabash football.
“What sets Jim apart from other broadcasters is his pre-game preparation,” said Wabash football color commentator Steve Hoffman ’85. “He speaks with our head coach, reviews historical stats and prepares his game sheets which have all sorts of information on the players. He does all of this so that our viewers have one of the best Division III football viewing experiences in the country.”
“Jim is always prepared, highly professional and knowledgeable,” said Tim Grusenmeyer ’85, a long-time Wabash football fan. “He’s not going to settle for a sub-par product.”
“Few people in Wabash’s history have been as enthusiastic an advocate for Little Giant student athletes as Jim Amidon. He promotes every athlete, regardless of their sport, with equal enthusiasm. It is the same enthusiasm one hears on Saturday afternoons as he describes Little Giant football games.”
– Joe Emmick ’98
Given his professionalism, Amidon could have easily accepted another broadcasting job with a higher division of collegiate athletics or even a nationally-known network. However, the culture of support and connection has kept him at Wabash.
“It’s the strong sense of community without question,” said Amidon. “After I took the job in sports information, the opportunities just kept growing, I was starting to meet alumni and I was developing all these friendships. We’re really fortunate to be surrounded by so many people that care and in a place that is always trying to get better.”
With 40 years and counting, Amidon currently has no plans to stop what he loves, even as new paths continue to reveal themselves.
“I’ve had so many new opportunities over the course of my time here,” said Amidon. “When I got promoted out of sports information, I oversaw communications and marketing. We shifted from an internal communications shop to more professionalized marketing. Then I became secretary of the board of trustees, which was a whole different thing. I’m always after the next big challenge and have probably had five distinct careers in one place. But I’ve been fortunate to face a lot of fun challenges.”
After 40 years of service to Wabash, Amidon’s passion for the school and its athletic programs remains strong as ever. His influence in broadcasting and behind the scenes will last in Wabash’s tradition for years to come.