A member of Anderson University’s 1988 graduating class, Dave Shore, has seen and done it all in the communications world. Shore has served as lead reporter for the Dallas Cowboys, television play-by-play analyst for Texas Tech basketball, a position Bob Knight requested Shore to fill, Operations Manager for ESPN LA 1070, Program Director for Detroit Sports 105.1, as well as many other positions along the way. He is currently working as a freelance NFL/college football network sideline reporter.
The event that Shore has enjoyed covering the most is the NCAA Men’s Division 1 BasketballFinal Four Tournament, something he has done “16 or 17” times. “The March Madness journey culminates in a great stage that never disappoints. I get to see so many of my friends in college basketball each time,” he said.
Over the last two school years, Shore has returned to Anderson University to assist communications students in their future careers. He credits a resurgence in Anderson’s efforts to remain connected with alumni and the enjoyment he experiences will on campus as his reasoning for returning. Dr. David Baird has remained in contact with Shore, helping to organize Shore’s latest visit.
As a talent coach who has worked with the likes of Colin Cowherd, Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley, Shore’s knowledge and expertise are invaluable assets for Anderson students. Sophomore Communications major Wes Davidson raved about the lessons he learned during Shore’s time on campus. “Mr. Shore influenced me greatly in his trip back to AU,” Davidson said. “His work ethic and discipline are something to admire. I can see Dave as somebody who has embraced the process and loves what he does everyday.”
Shore rarely experienced a down moment on his latest visit. Between providing on-camera coaching, visiting classes and leading chapel for the Communications Department, Shore spent his down time preparing to cover the Chicago Bears vs. the Detroit Lions game that took place Oct. 2.
While participating in his many activities across campus this week, Shore did notice some differences from the campus he knew as a student. He explained that there are so many more options for students today than those of yesteryear. “I can tell there is more focus on specializing,” he said. “That is important, but the Liberal Arts options here allow students to receive a well-rounded education.”
Shore and his wife Doreen met during his junior year as a student at Anderson. They were married in 1988. “She has been a saint in understanding the moves and steps I have had to take in this career,” Shore explained. “Our faith has led the way.”
Many of the same faculty that taught Shore are still teaching at Anderson today. Baird, Dr. Jerry Fox, David Armstrong, Mark Dawson and Dr. Doyle Lucas all taught Shore during his time as a student. He credited each for doing a great job.
Shore spoke to Anderson’s entire student body on his last visit to AU. His visit this year coincided with departmental chapel, so Shore spoke to the entire Communications department. He shared stories from his professional career, spoke of how he balances his work life and personal life, explained how he is able to share his faith with his fellow Christian players, coaches and broadcasters, and even participated in a stirring rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” led by head basketball coach Owen Handy.
Maria Neathery appreciated the insight Shore provided into the world of communications during his chapel message. “He expressed the challenges the communications field presents, but he reassured us that if you work hard enough to go above and beyond everyone else, you’ll succeed,” she said. “What I really took from him was the importance of branding yourself as your own individual and what makes you special.”
Although he has traveled the country covering sports, Shore has never lost sight of his roots. Shore credited Anderson and the opportunities that he was afforded while a student for allowing to him reach the levels he has in sports broadcasting. “The size of the school has never mattered,” Shore explained. “Quality always wins out. The ability to get experience in a media market like Indianapolis while I was in school opened my vision.”
With the desire for jobs in the sports broadcasting field continuing to grow, Anderson students have a leg up on the competition after learning under the tutelage of Shore. In the future, the possibilities are endless as to what current Raven may return as an alum to share stories of their work at the highest level, in the same way that Shore so graciously has done.