Sports is More than a Pastime for WVYC Radio Host

Sport Media major Julian Leon ’23 steps behind the scenes to bring sports to life for listeners. 

Every Monday, if you tune into the York College of Pennsylvania student-run radio station WVYC from 8 to 9 a.m., you’re likely to hear Julian Leon ’23, Sport Media major, discussing all things sports. On his radio show, On The Clock, Julian and his cohost debate everything from the inner workings of the NBA to football lineups and more.

Before entering York College, Julian was originally planning to study biotech. His focus shifted during the summer before he started college. He was engaging in one of his favorite family traditions: sitting on the sofa watching ESPN. His stepdad turned to him and mentioned that he could see Julian doing that type of work one day.

That moment flipped a switch for Julian. He began researching marketing and public relations careers and programs but was struggling to find a major that really fit the role he wanted to play.

“I love sports. I love talking,” he says. “For me to be a person that people want to listen to—that’s what I find most enjoyable.”

A fresh start

When he first found the Sport Media major at York College, it had only launched a few years prior. From the very start, though, before he had even registered for school, he could see how the program stood out.

On a campus tour, he was able to meet professors in the new program and was even offered the opportunity to stand in front of the camera and imagine himself as a sportscaster.

“They want you to get as involved as possible,” Julian says. “They want you to be successful, then come back to York and share what you’ve learned.”

Getting involved

Apart from his involvement at the radio station, Julian has also been an active member of the Sport Business Association. The group runs fundraisers and occasionally has opportunities to go to sporting events and get behind-the-scenes tours. He was even on track to attend the NFL Super Bowl until COVID-19 forced plans to change.

Beginning in February, Julian will deploy his skills during an internship with Franklin & Marshall College. He’ll have an opportunity to potentially be in the press box during games, work with the College’s broadcasting team, talk with athletes, and help with game promotions.

‘The path for me’

Throughout it all, Julian plans to continue his weekly sports show at WVYC. After his cohost graduates this spring, Julian might try to host the show solo. “I hope people see the time and craft that I put into it,” he says. “It’s not just about sitting in front of the TV and watching a game.”

Julian is always striving to view each sport, each rotation, and each player from a different lens—to understand the intricacies of what goes into each game. He takes that very seriously when he is on-air and puts in the time to work on his voice and know the lineup.

“It’s all about your mindset,” he says. “I know this is the path for me. I really see myself doing this in the future.”