The award-winning voice of Owen Patterson

MINOT, N.D. - The voice behind the mic at Minot State University has become a familiar one.

For junior professional communication major Owen Patterson, what began as a love for sports statistics and storytelling has grown into an award-winning journey in play-by-play broadcasting, one built on preparation, humility, and a deep connection to community.

A native of Washburn, Patterson has spent his entire life in North Dakota. When it came time to choose a college, staying local felt natural. Minot State was the only school that offered the program he was looking for, making the decision simple.

What he didn't anticipate, however, was just how far his voice would carry.

"I have always been a sports fan," Patterson said. "I really like the stats and stories behind sports. When I found out there was a job that combines those things, I decided I would try and pursue that."

It wasn't until the end of high school that he first stepped behind the microphone, but once he did, something clicked.

His first major affirmation came during an early broadcast with PSP Network. After finishing a pregame show for a volleyball match and heading into commercial break, the owner turned to him and asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were this good?" For Patterson, who describes himself as humble, that moment quietly confirmed he had found the right path.

Before the awards and recognition, broadcasting meant creativity, fun, and self-expression. That hasn't changed. Even now, as his résumé grows, he still approaches each broadcast as an opportunity to let his personality come through.

What listeners hear for a few hours on game day, however, is only a fraction of the work.

Preparation can begin nearly a week in advance, especially for football. Patterson starts building roster sheets on Monday, gradually layering in stats and storylines to provide context. Film study is one of his favorite parts of the process, watching multiple full games to understand team schemes and, most importantly, memorize players.

"Lack of preparation can make life as a broadcaster painful," he said. "Those who have a story to tell are simply more interesting to listen to."

That storytelling mindset, he believes, is what separates good broadcasters from great ones. Preparation builds confidence, and confidence keeps a broadcast steady, even when things go wrong.

And they do go wrong.

"There hasn't been a perfect broadcast in my career," Patterson admitted. "It's the beauty of doing things live. The important part is moving forward and not dwelling on a mistake."

Finding his own voice was not immediate. Early on, listening back to recordings became a critical part of his growth. Over time, he began to hear the subtle improvements he was working toward, small adjustments that signaled progress. He compares the process to that of a musician or artist developing a unique style.

"I've always tried to implement my own style to the broadcast," he said. "I'm lucky that people have seemed to like it."

As recognition followed, including multiple awards for his play-by-play work, Patterson remained focused on long-term goals rather than short-term praise. While accolades are appreciated, he says the most meaningful feedback is simple: someone coming up after a game and saying they enjoyed tuning in.

Calling games in Minot has added an even deeper layer of purpose. Whether covering Beaver athletics or summer baseball with the Minot Hot Tots, Patterson broadcasts to a community he sees every day.

"It builds a true sense of pride I can share over the air," he said. "I can sense a connection to the community and want to portray that into a broadcast."

Often, it is the small, unscripted stories that remind him why sports storytelling matters. He recalls a Hot Tots player from Sint Maarten, a Caribbean island with just one baseball field, making his way to North Dakota. Sharing journeys like that, Patterson says, is just as important as reciting statistics.

Now, as he looks toward the next stage of his career, Patterson is focused on becoming even more conversational and inviting on air. He wants broadcasts to feel natural and easy to listen to, the product of careful preparation and calm delivery.

For Minot State, Patterson's voice has become more than play-by-play. It carries the pride of a campus, the stories of its athletes, and the steady confidence of someone who found exactly where he was meant to be, right behind the mic.