February, 2023 | Horse Racing Free Tips

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Newcomer Stortzum To Announce At Fonner Park In 2023

Dustyn Stortzum, age 24, has been named the new track announcer to begin the 2023 Thoroughbred racing season at Fonner Park.

Stortzum, who lives in Silver Creek, Neb., replaces Grand Island native Steve Anderson, who called races for 19 years at Fonner Park but passed away in 2022 after a battle with cancer.

Dustyn's father and uncle were both jockeys early in their lives and currently work in the Nebraska Thoroughbred racing industry. His mother and several extended family members have also been involved in the Nebraska Thoroughbred racing.

Dustyn has an Associates Degree in Radio/Television Broadcasting from Northeast Community College; while there he won the collegiate division of the 2018 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Pinnacle Awards. In 2020 he received a Gold Award in the College Student TV division of “Best Live Sports Event.” He is currently a semester away from graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Media and Communications.

Dustyn has had only one racecall broadcasted. When at Fonner Park in April 2022, interim announcer Gary Schaff allowed him the memorable opportunity. Prior to then, he had been working with Steve Anderson to learn about racecalling. Dustyn has been refining his skills with the help of fellow announcers and broadcasters, Bobby Neuman, Larry Collmus, former Fonner Park announcer Chris Kotulak (now Fonner Park CEO) and others.

“Dustyn has a solid foundation in broadcasting for his age and his resume of work has impressed me,” said Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak. “Hugh Miner Jr. hired me in 1986 without me having called races anywhere. He he trusted me with a variety of responsibilities which helped through my career. I believe in Dustyn just the same and am delighted to give him a similar opportunity.”

“I would like to thank my mentors, my parents and my sister for supporting me through all the ups and downs in my early broadcasting career. Without their support, I wouldn't be in this position today,” said Stortzum. “I'm ready to have some fun at Fon.”

The post Newcomer Stortzum To Announce At Fonner Park In 2023 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Statement on HISA from NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney

“As a former instructor of constitutional and criminal law at the United States Military Academy, I implored upon the cadets that we are a nation of laws, not of emotional disinformation. Article III of the Constitution gives the courts the task of interpreting the laws to determine constitutionality and that process is exactly what is happening right now with HISA.

“HISA is the law of the land and has been challenged in the courts. In this country constitutionality is not determined by those who may disagree with the language of the law but rather by the courts. HISA was written and passed by Members of Congress and signed originally by President Trump, then amended and signed by President Biden to make our industry better. Petitioning Members of Congress to deem the law unconstitutional is inconsistent with our system of government going back to Marbury v. Madison, unless these efforts are made to repeal the law and replace it with new legislation. Unfortunately, that is not what opponents of the law appear to be seeking. It is therefore my opinion that these opponents are misguided and are serving as a distraction from actually making the Thoroughbred industry safer and better for everyone.

“The fact of the matter is the Thoroughbred racing industry has needed change for quite some time. We all know that. The path we were going down was unfair and unsafe, and after some challenging years we could not as an industry keep doing business as usual. Since the passage and implementation of HISA, we as an industry have made strides that can help preserve horse racing so that future generations can also enjoy it. HISA has been very collaborative, has sought to work with everyone, and has always led with a call for unity. With minimum standards of fairness as set by HISA across the country, Thoroughbred racing will be more competitive and more fun. While we await final verdicts from the courts we must continue to work together as an industry to improve our sport, so the dream of future generations enjoying horse racing can become a reality.

Tom Rooney, President and CEO of the NTRA, five-term member of Congress from the state of Florida, Army JAG Corps Captain