Feature Story: A Boy, a Dream and the University of Oregon

Standing on the field in Columbus, Ohio, with a group of professional sports reporters during the last five minutes of the Oregon vs. Ohio State 2021 football game, Nicholas Battey embraced the significance of the scene before him: the game, the players, the fans, the upset and his own accomplishments. Surrounded by national media, division-1 head coaches and future NFL players, Nicholas began his senior year in an unforgettable way.  

For Nicholas, the dream began from childhood. Growing up, a familiar voice filled the Battey household echoing the phrase, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball!” leaving 8-year-old Nicholas with one question in mind: how can I be a sports broadcaster when I grow up?

While most kids dream of becoming the next Jackie Robinson or Clayton Kershaw, Nicholas had a different plan — he was going to be the next Vin Scully. Nicholas grew up listening to sports broadcaster Vin Scully on a nightly basis from his home in Portland, Oregon. Sitting in his Dodgers jersey captivated by Scully, young wide-eyed Nicholas knew where he had to go to reach his dream — the University of Oregon.

“Oregon was the obvious choice for me,” said Nicholas. “I drove down to games with my dad, and it was an atmosphere I immediately connected with when I was young. When it came time to choose a college myself, the business school being as good as it is was a big plus for me, so it made a lot of sense.”

With a major in sports business and a minor in media studies, Nicholas has capitalized on the many opportunities available to him in both departments. Since his freshman year, he has been involved with the Warsaw Sports Business Club. The Warsaw Sports Business Club brings together students interested in the power of sports and engages them with guest speakers, company site visits, networking, teamwork and career development. More recently, he became involved with Duck TV Sports – the University of Oregon’s student-run television network – in which he reports on Oregon sports teams including football and basketball. Currently, Nicholas works for the campus radio station KWVA, and he earned an internship with Ducks Digest which is a Sports Illustrated channel that focuses on all aspects of Oregon athletics. Now in his senior year, he has found that his involvement not only made his college experience memorable but also provided him with valuable skills and experiences.

“Being involved has definitely helped my career growth,” said Nicholas “I am currently involved with an internship right now with Ducks Digest where I am covering Oregon sports teams. I am in person asking questions to football student-athletes and coaches and I get to do podcast work as well. One thing that has been amazing this term is being able to cover games with the media both at Autzen and on the road. I don’t know if I would have gotten this internship if it wasn’t for the work I did with Duck TV.”

Back in Columbus, Ohio, it all felt surreal for Nicholas. Standing in the post-game media room asking questions to star players and coaches, he thought back to the dream that started at 8 years old at home in Portland.

“It really is a dream to be able to do these things and my younger self would be very proud,” said Nicholas. “I’m very grateful for all of the opportunities that have been made available to me because of the University of Oregon. I love how everyone is so involved and it really is a community. Through everything from extracurriculars, the classroom and sporting events, I feel like everyone is on the same page.”