COURTSIDE: ON THE AIR AGAIN.

The last time I sat behind a microphone was in October 2003. It was probably my most memorable interview while at WPTF. Longtime broadcasting legend, Tom Suiter, had agreed (reluctantly) to be my guest as I filled in for the vacationing Tom Kerney on "Open Line."

Now, you have to understand this about "The Legend" -- Tom Suiter: taking him out of his comfort zone is a little unnerving. Ever meticulous, Tom is the central hub on "Football Friday." Coaxing him to have the tables turned took a little bit of convincing. In the end, Tom thoroughly enjoyed his experience. He has lamented to me on several ocassions of how much he enjoyed the interview.

Not as much as I, Suitman. As I've said in an earlier blog, Tom is the champion of the underdog. He's always looking for ways to champion them. Through the years, Tom Suiter has been a mentor, a hero, and a dear friend.

For me, this was the way to go out. You see, I already had interviewed with Lowe's, and felt relatively confident that my time at WPTF was drawing to a close. Indeed, only two weeks later, I was leaving a broadcasting company I had been affectionately attached to for five and a half years to pursue greener financial pastures.

Interviewing Tom was a dream come true to me. And there I was. Surprisingly calm -- soaking in every minute we were on the air together. I tried to keep the premise of the "Open Line" to its core -- laid back; personable.

Growing up as a teenager, I utilized broadcasting as my identity. An awkward kid, it was usually hard to express myself in ways that made establishing friendships difficult. Broadcasting became me. WRAL-TV 5 was what I identified with most.

Along the way, there were naysayers. Students, Teachers, and others said I would never make it as a broadcaster. By the pinnacle that was that final on-air interview, I had grown into a confident man. No longer unsure of himself, feeling ever so comfortable in the role -- I walked away feeling that there was nothing left to prove. People who doubted me were wrong. I proved to myself I could do it. And ... I enjoyed it.

The funniest thing happened after I left -- I didn't miss it. Not that much anyway. That was a little surprising at first. I realized that part of my life didn't identify me. It shaped me. It helped develop me. But -- I wasn't crushed without it in my life.

I've been so fortunate with the great friendships I've developed through the years. More importantly, I married the most beautiful, passionate, and caring wife a man could ask for. She's given me three darling children. Becoming a family man has certainly replaced the identity I once relied on through broadcasting.

Returning To The Air.

The call came the other day. Ric Crews, the Regional Director of Human Resources for Lowe's needed a favor. He, and the rest of the regional staff were on the way to the annual Sales Meeting in Las Vegas. As a result, no one would be able to do the "live" spot on the Wolfpack Sports Network.

After four and a half years, it was time to dust off the pipes. Courtside, I made my way to Tony Hanes and Gary Hahn. After a little chit chat, I put on my headset and stepped back on the airwaves. Tony Hanes -- ever gracious -- mentioned he remembered listening to me deliver the news years ago. Humbled, I babbled on for the next 90 seconds about Lowe's and broadcasting. Tony and Gary are icons to me. Being a State fan, I was sitting beside the guys whom I listen to call all of State's games. That was exciting.

And for one Saturday afternoon at the RBC Center, I stepped back up to the microphone again. The fun and enjoyment came out of being able to do it. The best part about it was not having to let it identify me. From a geeky teenager who's life seemed to depend on being on the air -- to wrapping up a small career in the business by interviewing my hero -- to stepping back up next to icons of NC State basketball broadcasting -- my journey has come full circle.

Who knows? Maybe one day I'll get back in the business part-time. The nice part about it all is not feeling the need.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com