Examiner Exclusive: ESPN's Scott Van Pelt

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Scott Van Pelt has come a long way since his days as a student at the University of Maryland, but he still loves his Terrapins. Van Pelt co-hosts the nation's most popular radio show “Tirico and Van Pelt” weekdays from 1 to 4 p.m. on ESPN radio. He anchors SportsCenter and is part of the network’s golf coverage. Van Pelt spoke to Examiner columnist Jim Williams about life at the worldwide leader in sports, Tiger Woods and of course, his beloved Terrapins.

What are your thoughts on Tiger Woods’ victory at the U.S. Open after covering the event live from Torrey Pines?

He is an amazing athlete and to play the toughest of the Majors with a bad leg, and add to that he had to play 19 extra holes to win, that is why he is such a special guy. I know that he faces an operation, long hours of rehab and we all expect him to recover and be the same Tiger Woods that we enjoy watching. In the back of our minds, you had to think that he wanted that U.S. Open win just in case anything happened he would go out as a winner.

What makes your radio show with Mike Tirico so much fun?

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We come at topics many times from different directions. Mike is the family man and I am the single guy. I can be the guy that takes the more outrageous stance, while it is more to Mike’s nature to be a bit more conservative. I think the key to why the show has been so successful is that we can be ourselves and each has a voice on the show that at times might be different but we are always there to give the audience something to think about and to enjoy.

How about your Terps?

Well, I do my best to follow them. I try to get to at least two football and two basketball games a year. I think that Maryland has two fine coaches in Ralph Friedgen and Gary Williams. It drives me crazy to see people talk about firing him. He has done a great deal for Maryland basketball and in my mind, has earned the right to leave when he wishes. He came back to his alma mater and made it a top-name basketball school again. He is a class act and we are lucky to have him. Personally, I hope he will be around Maryland for a long time.