Badger girls meet new coach
Chris Chatburn, Sandpoint, has been coaching at various levels in Sandpoint since 1995, including serving has head coach of the Sandpoint JV program for several years.
And if you've listened to live coverage of Badger sports on the radio for the past 18 years or so, chances are Chris played a role, either on the microphone or behind the scenes.
As operations manager of Blue Sky Broadcasting, a group of independently-owned radio stations based in Sandpoint, including Bonners Ferry's KBFI, Chris works terrible hours, but they do allow him to indulge his love of sports, as coach, as sports fan and as possibly one of the most engaging and irreverent sports reporters in radio today, with a voice heard from Spokane to Boundary County.
Sports fans have to tune in; non-sports nuts who happen to catch a show often tune in for the sheer entertainment value of his programs, which teem with his wry humor and acerbic wit.
And while he covers sports in all its aspects, from pro to pre-prep, what truly shines through in his broadcasts is his absolute love of watching, and helping, young players develop.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity," Chatburn said while his new team warmed up in the background. "I've watched this program, and I'm convinced this Badger team has what it takes to be strong contenders in this league ... and I don't think a shot at state is out of the question. You've had some great coaches, assistant coaches and great support, and we have some real talent. I'm not going to look beyond the next game, but I honestly think this team have what it takes to go all the way."
He did admit though, that there's a lot of hard work ahead.
"I'm coming in late," he said, "but I'm hoping we'll have the chance to compete in four or five tournaments this summer and attend a couple of camps to keep in shape for the season."
While he's coaching varsity, he said, he can't help but be involved in Badger girl's basketball from elementary school, through junior high, freshman and JV.
"You can't be a successful coach if you aren't keeping an eye on the players coming your way," he said. "I'm not just building for next season. I'm building for years ahead."
While Chris will be a new "face" on the sideline to many in Boundary County next season, and though his workday begins at 3 a.m. one thing is almost certainly assured; as a journalist, his Badgers will get the best news coverage ever.
"I didn't expect the whole Bonners Ferry media contingent to be here!" he said with a laugh as I and Herald reporter Laura Roady set up cameras. "No matter what the season might bring, I want all Badger fans to know how hard these athletes are working to make their community proud."
"Pictures on grandma's wall?" I asked.
"Mom and great grandma, too!" he said.