Matthew Harmon, professor of communication, was named New Jersey Sportscaster of the year for 2011. This was Harmon’s second time winning this honor; he previously won in 2007. Harmon is the play-by-play announcer for the University’s football team and color analyst for the men’s basketball program.
While Harmon’s love of sports has been with him his entire life, his love for broadcasting began as an undergraduate here at the University. Harmon joined WMCX after suffering an injury as a member of the football team. He loved it from the start and eventually became the sports director for WMCX in the fall of 1995. This was also the first time he began getting experience as a broadcaster, calling games for the University’s football and basketball teams.
Harmon worked hard to gain experience working for both WMCX and The Outlook as a play caller and giving sports updates. He also gained tremendous experience as an intern at WFAN.
“I wouldn’t trade my experience at MU and WMCX for anything,” Harmon said. “The opportunities are endless and it provided me with a great learning spot to develop my own style.”
During his time at Monmouth, Harmon developed a great relationship with Men’s Football Head Coach Kevin Callahan. “Monmouth football means a great deal to Matt,” Coach Callahan said. “As a former Monmouth player, he respects the dedication and commitment of the student athletes, and he is proud of the tradition of Monmouth University football.”
“He has always been so supportive and appreciative of the work I do for Monmouth and the football program,” said Harmon. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.”
“I had always hoped to become involved with Monmouth athletics after I graduated and have been fortunate to continue my work at Monmouth, now calling games,” Harmon said. “It makes for a great connection to have worked and seen so many games in my time as a student, and now professional broadcaster and faculty member.”
“Matt’s success as a sportscaster is a direct result of preparation and professionalism,” Callahan said. “He is on top of the teams he covers and he has a genuine interest in the athletes who are competing.”
Harmon’s dedication is also appreciated during basketball games. “Matt brings a unique energy to the sidelines,” said King Rice, Head Coach of Men’s Basketball. “He is passionate and engaging. I am glad to have him on our team.”
“It seems evident that being credited by his peers shows that he is someone that gives 110 percent all the time in his preparation for his broadcasting career,” said Timothy Harmon, Matthew Harmon’s brother. “I know that he thoroughly enjoys Monmouth University and was ecstatic when made a fulltime professor.”
Harmon remains thankful for the real life experience he received at the University that helped shape him into the broadcaster he is today. “I still have tapes of games I did while a student,” Harmon said. “It’s amazing to hear how much I have changed.”
During the games Harmon tries to let the moment dictate what happens and what he says. The same goes for the classroom. “I am very fortunate to have the backing of the Communications Department with the sports communications minor,” Harmon said. “It is something to mesh the two things I love together.”
The sports communication minor has now been offered for two years and Harmon hopes that it will draw students in from all majors, not just communication. As he described, the only thing you need to get started is an interest in sports.
“I have learned a lot from Professor Harmon about the sports broadcasting field both on and off the air,” Gary Kowal said, Communication major and WMCX Sports Director. “He is very good at what he does and there is no doubt in my mind that he deserves this award.”
One of Harmon’s favorite parts of being a teacher is helping young broadcasters become better through his own experiences.
“Number one, it’s not easy, there is a lot of competition for these jobs and always someone willing to work harder than you if you allow that to happen,” Harmon said. “Number two, you have to be prepared; and number three remember your audience.”
Harmon has been a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, growing up in Wall Township. He has been able to root for his home team now for more than 15 years. “I want nothing more than my school to succeed and for the surrounding communities to realize how great the athletics programs are here at MU,” Harmon said. “It is a Division 1 school right in my backyard and I wish more people knew about it.”
“From the second that Matt stepped foot on Monmouth campus he realized he would have a long relationship with the school and he has done a very good job of juggling family, business, career with his passion which has become broadcasting sports, especially Monmouth sports,” Timothy Harmon said. “I know I definitely speak for our entire family.”
Harmon also has been actively involved in public service to Monmouth County for many years. He has been a lifeguard for 24 years and is currently a lieutenant for the Sea Girt Beach Patrol. He and his wife Megan are the parents of three sons Daniel, Cooper and Luke.
