Chetan Chaudari Archives - Dave Lewis on the Air

Chet Yoder of the Shreveport Mudbugs pays the price to chase a dream

Any aspiring play-by-play announcer needs to hear Chet Yoder’s story. Just like a salesman, Yoder kept knocking and doors, only to not get answer. With rejections continuing to pile up, Yoder questioned his career choice before getting the call do announce minor league hockey with the Shreveport Mudbugs. Besides calling games, Yoder paints the realistic picture of due paying in order to make ends meet–enabling him to keep chasing the dream. In his conversation with Dave, Yoder becomes emotional on his getting his break, the challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic and what lies ahead for the Mudbugs.

The Dave Lewis Show

Chet Yoder overcame doubt and rejection to chase play-by-play dream

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January 20, 2021

Published by Dave Lewis at January 20, 2021

Chet Yoder overcame doubt and rejection to chase play-by-play dream

"It's remarkable because you just get told 'no' by so many teams and it was such a frustrating summer. And just a guy to give you a chance who doesn't even know you...because you're trying to break down that door. You get told 'no' and get discouraged. I was in the same boat as so many people just getting discouraged."

September 13, 2018

Published by Dave Lewis at September 13, 2018

Success is in the cards for Chet Yoder

"There's nights I have to work until 8 a.m. and then have my morning staff meeting with the Mudbugs at 8:45. So I have to go straight from the casino to the staff meeting and start my day like it never ended. Those are days you're not seeing correctly. Sometimes, you're sleep deprived and I'm asking myself, 'What are you doing here?' Am I seriously going to work insane hours, have no life outside these two jobs, just to try to make it, TRY to make it as a hockey broadcaster?"