Meet the 2019 Award Winners: South Dakota Sportscaster Scott Kooistra

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 South Dakota Sportscaster of the Year, Scott Kooistra. Kooistra is the voice of KYNT-AM radio, originally from 1985 to 2000 but returned in 2011 as sports director and host of “Morning Coffee,” the station’s program. KYNT-AM in Yankton, which is owned by Riverfront Broadcasting, LLC, was Kooistra’s first full-time position. After 2000, Kooistra moved on to act as the sports manager and assistant program director at WCCO Radio in Minneapolis for four years then another four years as general manager and sports director at KNCY in Nebraska City. Three years following that, he worked out of Omaha and Lincoln, conducting interviews and research for the National Gallup Poll.

This will be the very first time Kooistra has been named South Dakota Sportscaster of the Year!

Kooistra briefly spoke with NSMA on his career and other thoughts regarding the industry.

NSMA: What was your career path like on the way to your current position?

Scott Kooistra: KYNT in Yankton, SD for 16 years Morning Host and Sports Director and Operations Manager. Sports Manager at WCCO AM Radio in Minneapolis, MN four years. General Manager and Sports Director at KNCY AM/FM in Nebraska City, NE 4 years. Back to KYNT AM/FM as Morning Host and Sports Director for 10 years

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

SK: Favorite things about being On-Air are covering an exciting Sports Tournament game, also Election Coverage, and Severe Weather Coverage. Off the Air, I enjoy being very involved in Community Organizations, Fundraising for Local Charities, etc.

NSMA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

SK: I am the only person in South Dakota broadcasting history to have won both the Marconi Award and the Crystal Award, and I am in four Halls of Fame.

NSMA: What is the best piece of advice you have for people pursuing a career in sports media?

SK: Work hard, go the extra mile, develop relationships...and I think for a sports broadcaster quick math skills are very important!