Jerry Schemmel

Broadcasting Career

Jerry Schemmel built a respected broadcasting career that spans nearly 30 years in professional and collegiate sports.

Denver audiences know Jerry best as the longtime radio play-by-play voice of the Colorado Rockies, a role he held for 14 seasons. Before joining the Rockies, Jerry spent 18 seasons as the broadcast voice of the Denver Nuggets, working in both radio and television from 1992 to 2010. Earlier in his career, he also served as a broadcaster for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Throughout his career, Jerry covered professional and major college sports while earning a reputation for insightful commentary and authentic storytelling.

Survivor and Author

However, Jerry’s story reaches far beyond sports broadcasting.

In 1989, Jerry survived the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa. Later, he shared that life-changing experience in his book, Chosen To Live, which explores survival, loss, faith, and resilience. In addition, he authored The Extravagant Gift, an evangelistic outreach booklet.

National media outlets, including ESPN, have featured Jerry’s remarkable story and inspiring journey.

Endurance Athlete and Fundraiser

Jerry also embraces endurance athletics and charitable fundraising challenges. He completed three marathons, nine triathlons, and two cross-country bicycle rides that raised money for Denver-area charities.

Then, in 2015, Jerry competed in the Race Across America as part of a two-person cycling relay team. Together, the team covered 3,000 miles in seven and a half days and won the overall two-person relay division. A documentary about the experience, Godspeed, debuted in 2016.

In 2017, Jerry set an official age-group record in the Race Across Colorado, a grueling 468-mile bicycle race stretching from the Utah border to Kansas. The following summer, he joined another two-person relay team and helped break records in all four directions across Colorado.

Coaching and Education

In addition to broadcasting and athletics, Jerry also coached baseball. He served as Head Baseball Coach at Metro State College of Denver in 2009 after working there as a volunteer assistant coach for two seasons. He later continued coaching as a volunteer assistant at Colorado Christian University.

Jerry earned both his undergraduate degree and law degree from Washburn University. While attending Washburn, he also played baseball and later returned to coach there for three years.

Keynote Speaker

Today, Jerry Schemmel inspires audiences with powerful presentations about resilience, teamwork, endurance, leadership, and hope. His authentic storytelling and life experiences leave lasting impressions on audiences across the country.