Monty Lobb is unlike other Olivet Nazarene University students. Working as a sports broadcaster, radio host, and former athlete, Lobb is determined to “shoot high” and achieve his dreams of working in the media.
With the sunlight peeking through the bedroom window, the day was sunny and eerily warm for April. A worn leather baseball glove sat near the family’s front door, with the padding worn from the many practices the glove had been through.
The smell of bacon and early morning coffee wafted throughout the home, a signal that an early morning was about to begin. With cardinals chirping loudly outside his closed bedroom window, a young Monty Lobb awoke, ready for his first Reds game.
The Sports Years
Growing up in Ohio, Lobb was born into a family where his love of sports was encouraged. Baseball, golf, and basketball were all forms of competition for him, sports in which he strived to succeed.
His early passion for sports inspired him to broadcast high-school football, wanting to remain in the atmosphere where he had grown up.
Lobb’s love for sports can also trace to the digital world; one of his favorite activities with his roommate, Will Kraft, is F1 racing.
“I think that’s one of the things that helped our friendship grow,” Kraft said, “just getting to play F1 and race together.”
In his additional free time, the junior spends his weekends with Michael Knezevich, vice president of the Regional Radio Sports Network, learning to enhance his play-by-play football skills.
“He’s a great guy, he is. I still have so much to learn from him, but I can see a difference in my broadcasts already,” Lobb said.
Lobb concentrates after taking a swing at the ONU Bill Johnson Fall Invitational on September 18, 2021. (Photo by: Image Groups) 
Lobb prepares to compete in the ONU Bill Johnson Fall Invitational on September 18, 2021, following weeks of practice on the course. (Photo by: Image Groups) 
A trip into Chicago for Lobb’s 20th birthday was a rare treat, especially getting to spend the time with his family. (Photo by: Monty Lobb)
Lobb’s Time at ONU
Lobb’s time at Olivet Nazarene University, majoring in Multimedia Communications with a concentration in Journalism, came down to a love for the campus and wanting to keep the college in his family.
“My grandparents and parents both came here,” he said, “Olivet Nazarene University has always been a school that means a lot to me.”
In his academics, Lobb pushes himself, taking an average of 18 credits per semester with challenging classes, such as Multimedia Storytelling and PR Writing.
Perhaps one of the reasons he pushes himself so far is due to his high ambitions and dreams to work in the media.
“I want to work in the media, whether as a writer, producer, or in some other way.”
With Lobb taking the lead on Sports on Spark, Olivet Nazarene’s student-led sports talk radio, he certainly has the skill set necessary for media-based success.
Behind the Scenes
While most Olivet students recognize Lobb as a talented broadcaster, student, and friend, few are aware of what helped to shape him into the person that he is today.
Fashion and the way that he presents himself is something that has carried over to the person that he is today, taking pride in the outfits that he puts together.
“My parents would sometimes help me pick out my outfits for school,” he said, “There were times that I remember wearing button-downs to class.”
As the oldest of two, Lobb has a close relationship with his sister, Macy, who is currently attending the University of Cincinnati.
“My family has always been so important to me; they’re people I can count on,” he said.
Lobb is much more than a student, Reds fan, or even a broadcaster, he genuinely has a heart for the Lord, accomplishing what he sets his mind to.
