Dennis Michelsen, Farm Director at WITY Radio in Danville, Illinois, has carved out a distinctive niche in agricultural media by combining his background in meteorology with a passion for auto racing and professional Ultimate Frisbee play-by-play.
Michelsen earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Meteorology from Purdue University before spending nearly eight years forecasting weather for agricultural clients and Tribune radio broadcasts. In 1991, he transitioned to United Airlines’ meteorology department, where he provided flight‐planning support and forecasting until 2006. Upon being affected by an outsourcing decision, Michelsen sought new avenues to apply his communication skills.
“I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, but meteorology taught me how to read data and anticipate change—skills that translate directly into live broadcasting, whether for a corn yield report or a high‐speed racing event,” Michelson says.
Following his departure from the airline industry, Michelsen began offering public relations services to young auto racers. His ability to coach emerging drivers on media interactions led him to freelance broadcasting for NASCAR, IndyCar, and other motorsports series.
In 2016, Michelsen discovered an unexpected passion: professional Ultimate Frisbee. Initially hired as a public address announcer for a Pro Ultimate Frisbee team, he quickly pivoted to live audio–video play‐by‐play when the league required broadcasters instead of stadium announcers.
“I had never watched a pro Ultimate Frisbee game in person before,” explains Michelsen. “When I realized I would be calling it live, I traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to see a match. The next week, I was in the booth, and the players were surprised I already knew all the lingo.”
Michelsen’s broadcasting style—marked by energetic, catchy phrases—earned comparisons to Bob Uecker’s comedic flair in Major League. His “Frisbee football” calls quickly became a highlight for fans and players alike. He has since remained the team’s lead announcer, bringing high‐tempo excitement to a sport known for its intricate, chess‐like strategies.
Parallel to his play‐by‐play roles, Michelsen has developed a thriving media coaching practice. Recognizing that many young racers struggle with public speaking, he began offering guidance on interview techniques, sentence construction, and confidence-building. His clients include drivers in the developmental IndyCar series, one of whom earned acclaim for delivering a “best‐ever” championship speech—an accolade Michelsen attributes to focused coaching
His advice? Practice makes perfect.
"The secret is simple: Do laps in front of the microphone," says Michelsen. "Not everyone can become a pro announcer, but everyone can improve. Experience breeds confidence."
