Goodman leaving WTAJ-TV 10

By Cory Giger, cgiger@altoonamirror.com
Kellie Goodman, central Pennsylvania’s most recognizable TV sports personality, will be leaving her position as WTAJ-TV 10 sports director at the end of the year.

Goodman has accepted a job with the Allegheny Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau. She will be the marketing director, as well as manager of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association and the East-West All-Star Game.

‘‘It’s just a great new challenge and new opportunity I’m really looking forward to,’’ said Goodman, whose last day on air at WTAJ will be around Christmas.

The station’s sports director since 1998, Goodman said ‘‘a lot of different things’’ went into her career change.

‘‘This opportunity was presented to me, and it was really an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up,’’ she said. ‘‘One of the things that the AMCVB wants to do is make a push toward promoting sports and recreational activities in central Pennsylvania, which is obviously something that I’m familiar with and really love.’’

Goodman, who celebrated her 38th birthday Friday, said her new job responsibilities will be helping promote the area’s attractions and businesses to central Pennsylvania residents. She also will get to stay involved with sports through the PSFCA.

‘‘I’ll miss a lot of things about my job as sports director,’’ Goodman said. ‘‘Obviously I love covering local athletes, especially on the high school level. I’ve loved watching kids participate in sports that I think are so beneficial to them in their growth.

‘‘I’ll very much miss the coaches I’ve worked with through the years. Coaches are people I respect more than anybody on earth for the time that they give and the effort and care that they give to work with young people.’’

WTAJ will miss Goodman’s devotion to covering local sports. Under her guidance, the station has placed a premium on high school coverage ranging from football and basketball to softball and soccer.

Goodman also has placed a heavy emphasis on Penn State sports, particularly football, and developed a strong rapport with Nittany Lion coach Joe Paterno.

WTAJ station manager Phil Dubrow said Goodman will be ‘‘sadly missed, and we absolutely wish her the best.’’

‘‘She has revolutionized local TV sports coverage like no one else before her,’’ Dubrow added. ‘‘We’re sad to see her go but wish her the best on her future.’’

Dubrow said the station has yet to begin interviewing for Goodman’s replacement.

‘‘These are hard shoes to fill, [so] it’s not going to be easy,’’ he said.

Asked if current sports broadcasters Mike Fink and Mike Mueller will be considered for the position, Dubrow said, ‘‘We would always like to hire within if possible.’’

Goodman began her broadcasting career as an intern at Johnstown’s WJAC-TV 6 and worked there part time from 1990-93. She moved over to WTAJ in February of 1993, and when Jim Gregory accepted a job with the Altoona Curve in 1998, Goodman became the state’s first female sports director.

‘‘I’m just very grateful to WTAJ for all the opportunities they’ve given me over the years,’’ Goodman said. ‘‘When they hired me as the first woman sports director in the state of Pennsylvania, they took a big risk. I’m just so appreciative that they’ve had so much confidence and faith in me over the years.’’

Goodman is known for her tireless work ethic. Now she’ll be on a different, more normal schedule, working days instead of nights and weekends.

She won’t disappear from the airwaves as she’ll still broadcast Penn State women’s basketball games on WPSU and will host a new show featuring Lady Lion coach Coquese Washington. She has been in contact with the Big Ten Network about possible freelance opportunities, and she also hopes to contribute to WTAJ on a part-time basis.

‘‘I feel like I’m just expanding my horizons a little bit,’’ Goodman said.

Cory Giger is at 949-7031 and cgsports12@aol.com.r />