Post Falls grad wins state 'Best Play-by-Play' award

Dave Tester, who began his broadcast career at Coeur d’Alene radio station KVNI, is the 2016 recipient of the Idaho State Broadcasters Association “Best Play-by-Play” award.

The honor was awarded for his performance calling games for last fall’s College of Idaho football season.

“It’s an honor to win the award from among many talented peers, and it’s to the credit of great sports fans in Idaho that still love to listen to football games every fall,” said Tester, a graduate of Post Falls High (1982) and the University of Idaho (1986).

This is Tester’s 10th honor for play-by-play from the ISBA. He has also been named Idaho Sportscaster of the Year three times by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame.

Tester has been in broadcasting since 1979, providing radio and television coverage for a wide range of sporting events. His college football credits include the University of Montana, University of Idaho and Boise State.

Tester began at KVNI as a disc jockey in 10th grade. He now owns a coaching and consulting business with his wife. This fall they broadcast games for Bishop Kelly High in Boise. Last season they had the unique opportunity of broadcasting the 4A championship game from the Kibbie Dome in Moscow while their son played.

“Coeur d’Alene is a big part of our success,” Tester said. “Not to mention my first radio job, that Mr. Hagadone gave me, in 10th grade at Coeur d’Alene High School at KVNI was the start to my broadcasting career.”