Feature Story: A Boy, a Dream and the University of Oregon
Nicholas Battey stood on the field in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by some of the most respected sports reporters in the industry. The final five minutes of the Oregon vs. Ohio State football game ticked away, and the atmosphere crackled with energy. It was more than just a game—it was history in the making. Oregon, the underdog, was on the brink of a stunning upset against the powerhouse Buckeyes. The crowd’s roar echoed through the stadium, a mix of anticipation and disbelief.
For Nicholas, this moment was about more than just football. It was a culmination of years of dedication, passion, and perseverance. As a student journalist entering his senior year, he had dreamed of being on the sidelines for a game of this magnitude. Now, there he was, standing shoulder to shoulder with national media, division-one head coaches, and future NFL stars. The weight of the moment settled in—this was where he belonged.
The dream began in childhood. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, a familiar voice filled the Battey household, echoing the phrase, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball!” That voice belonged to legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, and for 8-year-old Nicholas, it sparked a question that would shape his future: How can I become a sports broadcaster when I grow up?
While most kids idolized players like Jackie Robinson and Clayton Kershaw, Nicholas had a different role model—he wanted to be the next Vin Scully. Night after night, he listened intently to Scully’s storytelling, captivated by the way he brought the game to life. Wearing his Dodgers jersey, young Nicholas dreamed of following in his idol’s footsteps, and he knew exactly where he had to go to make it happen—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 taken full advantage of the opportunities available to him. Since his freshman year, he has been involved with the Warsaw Sports Business Club, an organization that connects students with industry professionals through guest speakers, company site visits, networking, and career development. More recently, he joined Duck TV Sports—the University of Oregon’s student-run television network—where he reports on Oregon sports teams, including football and basketball.
Currently, Nicholas works for the campus radio station KWVA and has secured an internship with Ducks Digest, a Sports Illustrated channel covering all aspects of Oregon athletics. Now in his senior year, he reflects on how these experiences have shaped his college journey and prepared him for a future in sports media.
“Being involved has definitely helped my career growth,” Nicholas said. “With Ducks Digest, I cover Oregon sports teams, attend press conferences, ask questions to student-athletes and coaches, and even do podcast work. One of the most exciting parts has been covering games both at Autzen Stadium 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, microphone in hand, he asked questions to star players and coaches—an 8-year-old dream materializing before his eyes.
“It really is a dream to be able to do these things, and my younger self would be very proud,” Nicholas said. “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 to the classroom to sporting events—I feel like everyone is on the same page.”
For Nicholas Battey, this was just the beginning. The dream that started as a child listening to Vin Scully had led him to the heart of college football, and with each game he covered, he moved one step closer to turning that dream into a career.
