FSL Scholarship winner 'truly grateful'
According to the FSL press release, The Florida State League Scholarship Committee awarded 12 $1,500 educational scholarships to applicants from each team in the League on August 3rd. The Committee awarded the scholarships after a review of the applications submitted by each applicant. The award is based both on financial need and grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students eligible for this award must be an employee of, or the child or grandchild of an employee of the participating club and must be at least a high school junior by the 2012 Fall Term.
"I am truly grateful to receive the Florida State League Scholarship," Walkovic said. "It is a truly humbling honor to be selected alongside the eleven other recipients, and to know that all of my hard work and dedication on the job and in the classroom is paying off. I would like to especially thank the Miami Marlins for making all of this possible and for the support as I strive to graduate in December."
Walkovic was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Father Judge High School where he played baseball all four years, including three years on Varsity. He grew up rooting for the Phillies, but has grown to love the Cubs.
Walkovic is also a passionate hockey fan who loves his Philadelphia Flyers. He is a currently a senior Broadcast Journalism major at Penn State University. He has broadcast all major Penn State sports including baseball, football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, softball, and lacrosse. Walkovic accepted the Assistant Broadcasting and Media Relations position with the Cubs in January, delaying his final semester and graduation until the fall of 2012.
"Accepting the position with the Cubs was the greatest decision I've ever made," Walkovic said. "This opportunity has not only allowed me to learn more about the Broadcasting and Media Relations field, but also about the world of Minor League Baseball. "
Walkovic believes the work environment and staff in Daytona have contributed to his one-in-a-lifetime experience.
Everyone on the Cubs' staff welcomed me with open arms in January. They have helped and supported me along the way as well. My broadcast partners, Robbie [Aaron] and Tyler [Murray], have truly helped me get better each and every day. No matter where I wind up, I know I will have some very special extended family members here in Daytona Beach."
The Miami Marlins have sponsored this program for 13 years and have contributed a total of $124, 500.
Florida State League President Chuck Murphy stated, "This program is one of the best things we do in the League and I congratulate the Directors and General Managers on their dedication and enthusiasm in administering this program."
Getting to know Dave 1. Favorite movie - The Town
2. If Dave wasn't pursuing a career in broadcasting, he'd be - training to become a competitive eater
3. Least favorite team in Professional Sports - Pittsburgh Penguins (no other team comes close)
4. Most memorable sporting event attended - Joe Paterno's 400th win vs. Northwestern at Beaver Stadium
5. Best new food in Dave's diet - Bagels & Lox
6. Two random things Dave is known for - Listening to loud music in the car & using the word BOSS
7. Most unique aspect of the Daytona Cubs Organization - The fans and the community, for sure
8. Fun fact - Dave has been to Fenway Park twice, and neither time was for a Red Sox game (2010 Winter Classic & Cape Cod All-Star Game in 2011)
9. Something Dave likes to do that most other people don't - Pulling tarp: He could do that all day
10. Broadcaster he'd like to meet someday - Mike (Doc) Emrick