Royal Oak High School Student Launches New Sports Podcast

ROYAL OAK, MI — A Royal Oak High School student took the initiative and started a podcast discussing the high school's athletics.

Royal Oak High School Senior Sam Klonke started the podcast, called "The Raven Round-Up," just three weeks ago in his advanced production class. Although the project is still in its early stages, it is already gaining momentum.

"I started this podcast fueled by my love for sports, especially those at Royal Oak High School. Seeing the lack of a platform for Royal Oak sports, I wanted to bridge that gap and share valuable information with our community," Klonke said. "Bringing my close friend and teammate on board as a co-host came from our shared desire for this project."

Klonke, along with Royal Oak High School Junior Ben Machiniak, recap the week’s sporting events on the podcast. They also do segments from the sidelines at the games, and add special guests to the podcast, such as student-athletes and coaches. The duo's chemistry makes for an entertaining show.

The podcast is done so professionally that you’d think the students were working for ESPN.

Royal Oak High School Film/Television/Video Production teacher Mike Conrad said Klonke pitched the podcast idea to him. Conrad said the podcast had the title, the logo, the co-host and everything else Klonke needed to get this podcast off the ground.

"I was happy to guide him through learning the process of recording the podcast, and since then, he has tackled the scheduling, the audio and video production, the distribution, the marketing, and the vision for a podcast that could become his legacy at Royal Oak High School. Every so often, a student comes along with a certain drive and grit that you can’t deny. I’m proud to call Sam a student," Conrad said.

The podcasts can be found on the ROHS WOAK YouTube channel playlist. You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast at The Raven Round-Up. The podcast is also on social media, including Instagram at "Raven_Roundup" and parents can use a QR code that will be present in the gym during basketball games.

“Our goal is simple: shine a spotlight on every ROHS team, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve,” Klonke added.