Where Are They Now?

     
Vince Ferrara

Morning Drive Sports Talk Show Host & Program Director
"The Sports Breakdown w/Vince Ferrara"
Weekdays 7-9 (CT) / 8-10 (ET)
Sports Radio 1420 The Tusk (WACT-AM)
Clear Channel Radio - Tuscaloosa/Birmingham
Personal - I'm an Italian Florida boy.  I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida.  My full name is Vincenzo (Vin-chen-zo) Ferrara (fur-rar-rah). I'm first generation American born.  However, Italian was his first language.  I learned English in school mainly. 

Education - I'm a graduate of the University of South Florida in Tampa, with a B.A. in Broadcast News.  No, I doesn't know why a school located in West-Central Florida is called "South Florida"!  I'm a graduate of Jefferson High School in Tampa, FL.

How it all started - I knew that broadcasting was my thing when I was working at a theme park in Tampa called Busch Gardens, while in college.  You know when you get on a ride and there's a guy on the mic telling you about the ride and to check your lap bars and all that?  Well, after drawing a reaction from the patrons while uttering the line (in a scary voice) "Now sit back and enjoy the STING, of the SCORPION!!!, I knew I was hooked!  The natural highs of informing and entertaining, while worked in the sports industry was a no-brainer.  I went on to be a TV Sports Anchor on a college show that aired on local cable.  After interning at WFLA-TV Ch. 8 in Tampa and WXXL XL 106.7 in Orlando, I landed my first career job 5 months after graduating from college.  New Orleans, Nawlins, The Big Easy...here comes "Vinny Vegas!"  That was my first radio name as a Midday DJ on a Top 40 station, Z-100.

Career - Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket in Dallas, Wild 98.7 and NewsTalk 99 WNOX in Knoxville (no I’m not a Vols fan!), She 100.3 in Orlando, Star 95.7 in Tampa, 970 WFLA in Tampa, Z-100 in New Orleans, Sunshine TV Network in Florida, Time Warner Cable TV in Tampa and most proudly, a trainer at a popular fast food chain!  Those uniforms rocked!  Plus, the benefits!!!  My music radio name in TN was "Vinny V." and just "Vinny" in FL. 

Interesting Facts - I don't drink alcohol!  That does not mean I only drink occasionally, that means I have not had alcohol since my parents used to let us try a little at the dinner table when I was 14.  It also doesn't mean I'm a former alcoholic.  It's a choice!  That being said I still love to go out.  I've worked in bars and clubs and most of my friends drink, so I have no problem with it.  I'm a reliable designated driver for friends, family and fine females!  

Favorite Sports Teams - South Florida Bulls (alma mater), Alabama Crimson Tide, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars.

The Station - Sports Radio 1420 The Tusk was born in July 2004.  I was hired a few months later in September.  I started out doing the afternoon show in October of '04 and moved my show to mornings March 12.  I'm the Program Director, which means I work a zillion hours a week helping to make sure the station runs as smoothly as possible.  If you have any feedback on the station, feel free to send off an e-mail: vinceferrara@clearchannel.com.