LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Sports Director Kevin Sjuts will celebrate 20 years at 10/11 on Friday, July 25. To mark the milestone, his co-workers hit him with 20 burning questions, revealing several things viewers might not know.

1. Share a story about how you got hired.

I remember meeting with Kyle Delia, who was 10/11’s Sports Director in 2005, at Perkins after a 10pm newscast. Kyle encouraged me to apply for the Weekend Sports Anchor position, which I accepted about a month later.

2. Share a notable interaction you’ve had with a Husker player or coach.

I asked John Cook permission to propose to my wife during Nebraska volleyball’s Senior Night.

3. What Husker sporting event has the best media lunch and what is it?

Ohio State’s press box has McFlurries and McCafe options, which is hard to beat. As for media food at Nebraska-hosted events, breakfast pizza before an 11am football game always tastes great. The Huskers also serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal when they host on the day after Thanksgiving. Chili and cinnamon rolls are a treat, too. That’s a once-a-football-season meal, which tends to get some awkward looks from visiting media members.

4. What’s your caffeine of choice to get you through the day?

Black coffee. Every day around 2pm.

5. What’s the closest you’ve been to missing a deadline or late to the set/liveshot?

Attempting to write and edit a package in 15 minutes after Tom Osborne retired as Nebraska’s Athletic Director was a bad choice. The story wasn’t complete as the 5pm newscast started. Also, there are countless times in which I sprinted across Memorial Stadium to a liveshot immediately as a game ended, including last fall after Nebraska’s win over Colorado. After students rushed the field and I shot video of the celebration, I sprinted to the northeast tunnel, weaved through the crowd, up the stairs, across the skybridge, down the stairs, onto the practice field and was on-air shortly after to recap the game. During my sprint, the camera was on my shoulder, cords were dangling, and my earpiece was in while I listened to CBS programming.

6. How/when did you know you wanted to be a sports broadcaster/journalist?

I always knew I wanted to be a sports broadcaster. I remember announcing the action as my friends and I played whiffle ball in my backyard as a child.

7. What’s a life hack you have in your workflow to get everything done – shooting, writing, editing, web story, etc.

Use Voice Memos on your phone. Whenever a good lead or a script pops in your head, voice it into your phone. Doesn’t have to be perfect, just record the thought. It’ll certainly help when writing the story. I currently have 274 recordings on my Voice Memos. Guessing 273 are work related.

Also, always gear down.

8. What kind of makeup do you wear on air?

Mary Kay

9. Viewers have noticed a slimmer Kevin, can you share what led to this?

I had a back injury at the beginning of the year. The “fix” was to strengthen my core. I dedicated myself to regular exercise and healthier eating in 2025. As a result, I can now walk my 75-pound dog and can put a camera on my shoulder again.

10. Have you ever messed up on air – or is there a blooper moment from you or a co-worker that you can recall?

I’ve messed up more times than I can remember. I once got licked on the side of my face while reporting live outside of Memorial Stadium. Presumably, the football fan was intoxicated. Thankfully, I was off camera and a graphic was on the screen.

11. If you had to choose a different career, what would it be?

Teaching or Coaching.

12. Any secret talents/skills?

I can play the piano.

13. What music do you listen to?

I love music and listen to all genres. I especially enjoy Christian rock and acoustic guitar. Currently, Chris Stapleton and Forrest Frank are two of my most listened to artists.

14. Huskers have had some great rivalries over the years, what team did you want Nebraska to beat the most?

Texas Volleyball.

15. Which athlete that you’ve covered would you most like to have a beer with?

I drink wine with my wife often. She was a Husker, so that counts, right?? In all seriousness, Jordan Burroughs, Zac Taylor, Sam Hahn, and Angelo Altavilla would be on the list.

16. Favorite/Least favorite mascot?

Purdue Pete is creepy. Goldy Gopher is fun.

17. What’s it like working with Ken Siemek?

Ken is a legend. It’s incredible to have a front-row seat for his forecasts. The banter during commercial breaks is often a highlight of my day. Ken is also a great friend who listens to stories about my kids and chats about the Huskers (long past the 10pm newscast sometimes!)

18. Share a FUN memory you’ve had while working here.

Too many to count! In 2010, the 10/11 sports staff revised the “12 Days of Christmas” to the “12 Plays of Christmas.” It was a tongue-in-cheek rendition to recap some edgy moments from Nebraska’s football season. “6(teen) flags a flyin” and “5 frisky fingers” were among the lyrics.

19. What’s a viewer interaction you’ve had that stands out to you?

Viewers become friends when traveling on Holiday Vacations trips. The relationships built while as a tour host remind me that 10/11 serves an audience of hard-working, friendly, and selfless Nebraskans.

In a much lighter instance, the Waverly student section once had a large cutout of my headshot at a State Basketball game.

20. What’s a story you’ve done that’s really impacted you?

Reporting on Sam Foltz’s death was perhaps the most challenging day of my career. Sam was a friend and I think of him often. I hope our viewers learned about his character on that tragic day. Dream Big. Work Hard. Stay Humble.

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