TOP OF THE MORNIN’

Twibell looking forward to challenge of morning drive time

Y ou might think that Roger Twibell, as the new early morning sports talk-show host at KCSP (610 AM), will feel pressured to produce a show that adheres to the typical drive-time rowdiness.

Not the case. You won’t hear any vulgarity on Twibell’s show, and you won’t hear any Howard Stern-type stories about strippers dancing around in his studio.

“That’s just not my style,” said Twibell, 58. “My focus will be on getting some good guests through all my contacts in sports and also having some strong opinions on the show.

“We’re going to have some fun, but it’ll be sports related.”

Twibell is set to start Jan. 4, replacing Damon Amendolara, who was let go last Friday. The radio station continues to conduct interviews in search of a co-host for Twibell.

One might think that a man at Twibell’s age, and a man who has done national sportscasting gigs for ABC and ESPN, would be the last person interested in the daily grind of an early morning talk show.

“I have to admit that I love challenges,” Twibell said. “I have three kids. Heck, I’m up in the morning at that time anyway.

“I sort of made a decision two years ago as ESPN was winding down from its golf coverage that here was a chance for me to be at home more. So I’ve been looking for an opportunity like this, and after listening to the people at 610, I really believe they’re on the right track.

“They’ve got the Royals radio contract now, and I just like the direction they’re going to go.”

Twibell said he certainly won’t hide the fact he has a long history with golf.

“We’ll have segments on golf, even in the winter,” he said. “Hopefully I will have the opportunity, through my connections, to get some great golf interviews. But we’ll be involved with all sports.”

Other gigs

Twibell, by the way, is also part of the Big Ten Network and has about 20 assignments this winter. He said those duties won’t interfere with his work at 610.

“They are all Saturday assignments, so once Friday’s show is over, I’ll just hop on a plane and go,” he said.

There’s also a chance Twibell could be involved in some Royals broadcasts this season, either television or radio.

“If there’s a situation where they need someone in Chicago or Detroit or wherever for a trip,” he said, “I could certainly be involved in that.”

Back to WHB?

Wouldn’t it make for a fun little radio story if Tim Grunhard actually did go back to WHB and to “Crunch Time” with Frank Boal?

Grunhard’s contract at KCSP is up at the end of the year, and it doesn’t appear he’s likely to stay at 610, at least as a talk-show host.

“Well, Frank and I have stayed good friends,” Grunhard said. “And I was the guy who coined the phrase ‘Crunch Time’ for the show. Stranger things have happened.”

To reach Jeffrey Flanagan, call 816-234-4492 and leave a message or send e-mail to jflanagan@kcstar.com