Dan Hammer said change, in some cases, brings sacrifice.
And Hammer, the seven-year play-by-play voice of UND Sioux football, likely will have to sacrifice something he enjoys with his upcoming career change.
Hammer said Tuesday he will become the sports director of "Valley News Live," the combined KVLY-KXJB newscasts. He starts his new job Monday.
His move from Radio Fargo-Moorhead, where he has been the sports director for the last four years, likely means an end to his years of calling Sioux football games.
"With change, comes sacrifice," Hammer said. "I've got a couple of things on my plate that I enjoy doing, and Sioux football is one of them. But I don't know if I'll have time to do that any more.
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"I think both UND and I recognize that with my new responsibilities and hours, it's going to be difficult for me to remain as the voice of the Sioux. I'd love to keep doing it, but that's 11 weekends I'd be tied up."
UND and Hammer have talked about his move from radio to TV. But there has been no decision on the status of UND's play-by-play announcer for the 2011 season.
"We want to keep him," UND senior associate athletic director Sean Johnson said. "We'd love for him to continue to be the voice of Fighting Sioux football. He's second to none. He's a big part of our program.
"But we're not in a rush to make any kind of decision."
Hammer spent 21 years with KVLY TV in Fargo before joining Radio Fargo-Moorhead in 2002. He later worked for Eventide Living Center as its foundation director before returning to Radio Fargo-Moorhead as sports director in 2006.
"I cut my teeth in TV; I grew up in TV and had a blast," Hammer said. "For the last eight years, the most frequent question I've been asked is, 'Don't you miss TV?' "
But Hammer said he's not cutting ties entirely with UND football. As the "Valley News Live" sports director, he'll still be able to report on Sioux football.
"It's not as if I'm losing touch with it," Hammer said.
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Hammer will replace Scott Peters, who recently left "Valley News Live."
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
