While most 7th graders were enjoying summer vacation, Hanover Central Middle School student Victor Schlichting was getting a behind-the-scenes look at professional sports broadcasting from the press box at Wrigley Field. Victor won the Wintrust Junior Broadcast Contest with his play-by-play call of Chicago Cubs outfielder Michael Conforto's walk-off home run against the Reds. For a kid who talks to himself like a broadcaster while watching sports, winning this contest was validation that he was meant to do this. 

See Victor's winning video entry and interview on Marquee Sports Network

Victor came home from school one afternoon and turned on the Cubs game when he saw an advertisement inviting young Cubs fans to enter the Wintrust Junior Broadcast Contest. This piqued his interest, so he scanned the QR code, sent the information to his mother, and asked to participate. From there, Victor chose to highlight a play from May 4th for his video entry. With the contest deadline set for May 31st, he waited to see if any other plays would stand out. The day before the deadline, he decided to go with his gut and stick with the May 4th play.

Creating the video took dedication. After three takes, he finally had an entry he was proud of. He spent more time setting up the background and positioning the camera than actually recording the broadcast itself. His mother supported his vision and helped him along the way. The most challenging part was, "Looking back and forth between the play and the camera, and just choosing the right words in between other commentary," Victor explained. Still, what made it all worthwhile was the possibility ahead. "Knowing that this could be the start of something bigger," Victor shared, was the most exciting part of creating his entry.

This wasn't Victor's first contest. Last year, he entered a competition through the local ABC network and didn't win. But that loss didn't discourage him; it motivated him. As a result, he was determined to put more effort into the Wintrust contest, and this time, he was going to give it everything he had. 

Victor has followed the Chicago Cubs since he was little, watching broadcasters like Ron Coomer and Pat Hughes. During football season, he enjoys watching NFL announcers like Kevin Burkhardt and Jeff Joniak. He even talks to himself like a broadcaster when he watches games alone, practicing his craft without an audience.

Victor was in his room when his mom knocked and asked to talk to him. Both of his parents came in, his mom smiling. She pulled out her phone and read the email aloud: Victor had won the Wintrust Junior Broadcasting Contest. His dad recorded the reaction. Victor was completely surprised. Later that afternoon, the family went to a July 4th party, and Victor couldn't wait to share the news with family and friends. He had done it. He was going to Wrigley Field.

July 20th arrived, and Victor's win finally became reality. "It was a ton of fun," Victor said about his VIP broadcaster experience at Wrigley Field. The day included an interview for Marquee Sports Network, a tour of the production truck where he saw the behind-the-scenes technology that brings games to life, and field access to watch batting practice up close. He had first gone to Wrigley in 2025 around Labor Day, then returned the following summer in the 200-level seats by third base. The VIP experience sat them about 13 rows behind home plate, a much different perspective.

Victor made his way up to the broadcasting booth to meet broadcasters Alex Cohen and Rick Sutcliffe. He also met Miguel Esparza, one of the Cubs' Spanish broadcasters. Each conversation gave him a glimpse into the world he hopes to join someday. 

As the tour was wrapping up, Victor’s brother spotted ice cream in the stadium and wanted to get some for the road. While they waited, Ron Coomer walked out of his broadcast booth. Victor introduced himself and told Ron that he looked up to him and Pat Hughes. Ron responded generously, bringing Victor into the broadcast booth to meet Pat Hughes in person. Victor got a picture with one of his broadcasting heroes. This was a moment that wasn't even on the day's itinerary, and Victor would cherish it forever. "Meeting Pat Hughes" was the coolest and most memorable moment of the entire day, Victor said without hesitation.

Victor's video entry and interview were featured on Marquee Sports Network during a Cubs broadcast, giving him a taste of what it's like to be on the other side of the camera. He had an interesting reaction to seeing himself on TV. "Wow, this guy needs to work on some things," he laughed, showing the self-awareness that will serve him well in his future career. Over the summer, Victor emailed a few teachers at Hanover Central to share his experience. Everyone he spoke with congratulated him, and his friends and classmates were impressed when they found out one of their own had been featured during a Cubs broadcast.

Victor's love of sports broadcasting goes beyond the Cubs. He watches White Sox highlights because his dad is a White Sox fan. He watches Brewers highlights "to make sure that they lost." He loves watching football and studying announcers like Jeff Joniak and Kevin Burkhardt. 

At Hanover Central Middle School, Victor is already active and engaged. He serves on the student council and wants to join the National Junior Honor Society this year. His biggest plan is to get hands-on experience doing what he loves, including sports announcing at Hanover Central Middle School games. His career goal is clear: sports broadcasting and stadium announcing. The Wrigley Field experience confirmed he's on the right path.

From scanning a QR code during a Cubs game to standing in the press box at Wrigley Field, Victor Schlichting had a summer day he'll never forget. Victor is back at Hanover Central Middle School now, but the day confirmed what he already knew in his heart when he hit submit on that video entry. This could be the start of something bigger. Victor shared, “Thank you to everybody who said 'congratulations' and for all of the support. Thank you, everybody!”