Rutgers student races toward NASCAR success

Rutgers student races toward NASCAR success 

By: Ethel Maria Osorio

Tim Catalfamo, radio host of WRSU’s only NASCAR radio show, is working diligently to become a well-respected Sports Broadcaster while studying at Rutgers University.

Catalfamo, a transfer student from Brookdale Community College, is currently majoring in Journalism and Media Studies at Rutgers University.

In the two years that he has been part of the Rutgers community, Catalfamo has been the host of WRSU’s NASCAR radio show every Wednesday morning.

It is an hour long NASCAR program that covers highlights and recaps, and does a thorough analysis of current NASCAR events. He also provides his audience with interviews, audio clips, and highlights from actual radio recordings to add variety.

A moment he will never forget is the unforgettable interview with professional stock car racer Kenneth Wallace.

“It was a big deal. I was nervous, he is a big star,” Catalfamo admitted.

Catalfamo not only hosts his own NASCAR radio show, but also covers football games and will soon add basketball to the list. Working at WRSU has helped him gain a lot of experience in the field. He has done live pregame, halftime, and post-game shows.

His love for cars began at an early age and is what drove him to pursue a career in Sports Broadcasting. His interest primarily lies in NASCAR motor-racing as it is the main sport he followed as a child alongside his grandfather.

“I always tell people that when I came out of my mother’s womb, I came out with a hot wheel’s car in my hand.”

In order to reach his goal, Catalfamo says that he is willing to work at local TV stations, allowing him to gain all the experience he will need in the future.

Originally having enrolled Catalfamo in public school at Saint Thomas Apostle, his mother decided to home school him from fourth grade to twelfth grade.

“I liked it. I learned a lot more because I was able to read good books,” stated Catalfamo. He later added that it helped him learn to manage his time which prepared him for college.

Overall, Catalfamo is grateful for his college experience because it has set him on the course that will one day lead him to a job in the broadcast world.

“I never would have imagined that I would of done all that I have done so far.”