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When you first get into a newsroom, it can be hard to find your niche, your way of standing out and letting people know you're actually there. I had that very problem initially...just answering phones, filing papers, trying not to get overlooked and trying to shine through by working hard. I think the first time I turned my news director's head was back in 2001 after the Ehime Maru tragedy. Every day we'd have a new box full of tapes coming through the newsroom. I would stay hours after work to write out what was on each tape, organize and label them. Eventually, I had the respect of my peers and trust me...there are few things more important than that in this business.
I began working in sports in 2002 and what a ride it's been. There are so many stories that standout. From the Ewa Beach Little Leaguers winning the World Series to Tadd Fujikawa's run at the Sony Open or Michelle Wie turning pro. Following the triumphs and tribulations of local athletes has been an absolute thrill. But I've also enjoyed covering national sports issues. I remember being in the Stan Sheriff Center when Kobe Bryant came here for training camp in 2003. It was the first time he addressed the media after he was accused of rape. I know it seems like a trivial and overly sensational moment to be a part of...but you should have seen the mob of reporters and photographers from all over the world pushing and shoving to get the best shot of him. The energy in the building was intense.
If I had to choose one moment as the pinnacle of my career it would be last year's trip to Alabama to cover the Warrior Football team's season-opener in Tuscaloosa. Talk about amazing! More than 92-thousand rabid fans packed into Bryant-Denny Stadium...Wow! To hear the excitement in the voices of the Crimson Tide faithful, to see the look in their eyes and to understand the expectations built by 12 national titles was unbelievable. Then to be on the field on game day as the Warriors nearly pulled the upset...I knew I had done something right to be entrusted with such responsibility.
I've always enjoyed writing. It was probably the only thing I was good at in high school. That combined with a natural sense of curiosity made journalism a perfect fit.
My life is pretty simple. I spend a lot of time at work, but on my days off I visit with my parents and sister as much as possible. I golf with my dad once a week. We're not very good, but every week goes a long way in terms of bragging rights. We always choose one hole as our "poke" hole. Loser buys poke after the round so we can sit around, add up the scorecard and share a couple of beers. People in the newsroom usually know I'm around when I bring one of my favorite lunches...sardines and baked beans. Hey, don't laugh! It's healthy, cheap and pretty darned tasty!
Steve Uyehara anchors Sunrise on KGMB9 every weekday morning starting at 5a.m. During football season, he also contributes to June Jones on KGMB9, airing Sundays at 10:35 p.m. and again on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Steve has been with KGMB9 since 2000. | 