Personnel File: Chet Coppock
Posted by Ed Sherman at 3/5/2009 6:00 AM CST on Chicago Business
Today we're introducing a new feature called The Personnel File. This is a chance to gain some insights about the people who move and shake the sports business and media world in Chicago and elsewhere.
The first participant (victim?) is Chet Coppock, one of the most color personalities this town has ever seen. Here's Chet.
Name: Chet Coppock. People who call me Chester are asking for root canal surgery.
Current position: Talk show host for WMVP-AM 1000. I also host Notre Dame football and basketball on WLS. I do a great deal of commercial work and will speak at any banquet where they leave the bread in a brown paper bag.
Born: April 30, 1948 in New Orleans. I was a major influence on Fats Domino. Actually, I was born premature and was in Chicago two months later.
First job in sports: My first radio gig. I broadcast New Trier High School football during my senior year in Winnetka. My first real paying job was as a production assistant at WFLD-TV when I was 20. Within six months, I was writing sports for Jack Drees and doing interviews at the ballparks. At that time WFLD as a UHF outlet only had about 9% penetration.
Previous jobs: Produced the Milwaukee Bucks radio network in '71, the year the club won the NBA title. Sports anchor in Indianapolis: Jane Pauley was one of my tag team partners. TV sports anchor at WMAQ-Ch. 5. Host "Coppock on Sports" for 11 years. Nightly host on "Newsport Talk" on Cablevision TV in New York and did some work for Sporting News Radio.
Uh, I also was a long-time ring announcer for Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation.
People who influenced you the most: Jack Brickhouse, the greatest ad-lib man I've ever seen or heard. Also the Godfather of my daughter Lyndsey. Brent Musburger, Bruce Roberts and Howard Cosell.
People you admire in the business: Vin Scully, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson. And guys I've influenced myself, most notably, Dan McNeil.
Most memorable day in the profession: Getting whacked by Channel 5 back in Nov., 1983. just 15 days after I'd broken the story of the death of George Halas. The station owed me $900,000 in live contract money. We were forced to settle for 50 grand. The move broke my heart because it wasn't about talent or ratings. A third-rate news director and one of my desk partners with a horrible jealousy complex conspired to throw me under the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Things you value in a business relationship: Honesty, a legitimate handshake; guys who dare to think out of the box.
What would be the perfect day for you outside of your job: A round of golf at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland followed by lunch at the Royal & Ancient, or 18 holes at Kaanapali in Maui with an afternoon nap followed by dinner at a 5-star restaurant and a little karoke.
Biggest challenge: The game has evolved. I have evolved. My biggest challenge is meeting my own expectations whether it is on-air work, my commercial business or the book I'm currently writing for Triumph. Frankly, I beat myself up when I lose.
Favorite sports movies: "Requiem for a Heavyweight." The most underrated film of all time. "The Hustler" and, of course, "Rounders."
Sox or Cubs: Go Go Sox. However, I do love Davey Abrams' skybox on Sheffield on a sunny Friday afternoon.
Favorite athletes to watch: Gale Sayers, Bobby Hull, Kobe Bryant, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Dan Hampton and Ed O'Bradovich.
Your dream foursome: Mike Ditka, Peter Edward Rose and Dave Wannstedt. Ditka and I will begin pressing Rose and Wanny on the second hole.
Bucket list (things you always wanted to do... ): Audience with the pope, visit the Pacific Rim, pay off my Mastercard balance.
Your motto (something that you live by in business): Hey, babe, your dime your dance floor. Always go to bed tired. It means you worked hard and played hard.
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