The second season of Dream Job, the ESPN American reality television show that searches for new on-air talent for the network, began on Tuesday, September 14. Like the show's first season, this edition was also looking for a new anchor for SportsCenter. A talent search for the show had begun in late June 2004. ESPN anchor Stuart Scott returned to host the new season. ESPN, formerly an abbreviation of Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American cable television network dedicated to broadcasting sports-related programming 24 hours a day. ... Reality television is a genre of television programming in which the fortunes of real life people (as opposed to fictional characters played by actors) are followed. ... September 14 is the 257th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (258th in leap years). ... The first season of Dream Job, a popular American reality television show from ESPN, began on February 22, 2004. ... The New SportsCenter Studio SportsCenter is a sports news television show shown every day on ESPN since the network was founded on September 7, 1979. ... June is the sixth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with a length of 30 days The month is named after the Roman goddess Juno, wife of Jupiter and equivalent to the Greek goddess Hera. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Stuart Scott (born July 19, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American sportscaster for ESPN, most visibly as an anchor on SportsCenter. ...

Judges

The show's judging panel had two drastic changes. Gone were first season judges Tony Kornheiser and LaVar Arrington, who had begun play for the Washington Redskins in the 2004-2005 NFL season. Kornheiser and Arrington were replaced by Cold Pizza contributor and Around the Horn panelist Woody Paige, and ESPN NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith. Ironically, Smith was chosen as a judge even though he himself is heavily critisized for his reporting style. Cold Pizza co-host Kit Hoover and ESPN Vice-President of Talent, Al Jaffe, returned for the second season. Tony Kornheiser (born Anthony Irwin Kornheiser on July 13, 1948) is a popular Jewish-American sportswriter, radio talk show host, and columnist for The Washington Post. ... Arrington featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated LaVar Arrington (born June 20, 1978 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a professional football player, who currently plays linebacker for the Washington Redskins of the NFL. Arrington was drafted as the second choice overall in the 2000 NFL draft. ... Year Founded 1932 Conference NFC Division East Home Field FedEx Field City Landover, Maryland Team Colors Burgundy and Gold Head Coach Joe Gibbs League Titles League Championships (5) NFL Champions: 1937, 1942 Super Bowl: 1982 (XVII), 1987 (XXII), 1991 (XXVI) Conference Championships (5) NFC: 1972, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1991 Division... NFL logo For other uses of the abbreviation NFL, see NFL (disambiguation). ... Cold Pizza is a television show that describes sports and other topics on ESPN2. ... For the BBC radio comedy see Round the Horne Around the Horns current logo. ... Woodrow Wilson Woody Paige, Jr. ... The National Basketball Association of the United States and Canada, commonly known as the NBA, is the premier professional basketball league in North America. ... Stephen A. Smith is an American sportswriter and media personality. ...

Unlike the judging panel, the voting for season two did not change. The viewing public still had one vote (which was given to the contestant who had received the highest number of votes from online voting and text messaging) to cut a contestant with. In the first two episodes, the judges were given one vote apiece to vote for a contestant to be cut, with two given to them for the third episode only, making episodes 4-10 also one-cut-apiece shows.

Contestants

Like the first two episodes of season one, the contestants were introduced in 2 groups of six. In episode one, the competing contestants were Valerie Hawrylko, a 31-year-old management consultant from Oakton, Virginia; Brian Startare, a 33-year-old health care management worker from Glassboro, New Jersey; Anish Shroff, a 22-year-old radio anchor who has recently graduated from Syracuse University; Grant Thompson, a 28-year-old writer and actor from Los Angeles; Joe Voyticky, a 37-year-old attorney from Brooklyn, New York; and K.C. James, a 44-year-old account executive from Los Angeles. James had won the Wendy's Wild Card Contest to gain entry onto the show. Oakton is a census-designated place located in Fairfax County, Virginia. ... Glassboro highlighted in Gloucester County. ... Syracuse University Syracuse University (SU) is a private American research university. ... The City of Los Angeles (from Spanish; Los Ángeles) is the second-largest city in the United States in terms of population, as well as one of the worlds most important economic, cultural, and entertainment centers. ... For other meanings, see Brooklyn (disambiguation). ...

The next group of six was introduced in episode two, and, for the first time, featured a second Wendy's Wild Card winner. Episode two's competitors were Jason Ashworth, a 23-year-old assistant tour manager from New Freedom, Pennsylvania; Winston Bell, a 35-year-old banker from Cleveland; Jason Horowitz, a 21-year-old student at Syracuse University who originally hails from West Bloomfield, Michigan; Stephanie Rich, a 35-year-old travel coordinator from [[Arlington, Texas]; Whitney Scott, a 24-year-old sports information assistant from Lockwood, Missouri; and David Holmes, the second Wendy's Wild Card winner, a 22-year-old student at Kent State University from Uniontown, Ohio. New Freedom is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania. ... ... West Bloomfield Township is a charter township in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. ... Lockwood is a city located in Dade County, Missouri. ... David Holmes was the winner of the second season of Dream Job, the ESPN reality television talent search show that looks for new on-air talent for the all-sports television network. ... Kent State University (also known as Kent State or KSU) is an institution of higher learning located in Kent, Ohio, which is about 40 miles southeast of Cleveland, and 12 miles from Akron, Ohio. ... Uniontown is a census-designated place located in Stark County, Ohio. ...

Episodes

Episode One

Like the first season, the first two episodes of the second season began with the main game being "My SportsCenter", and like the series premiere on February 22, 2004, each of the six contestants competing in the first episode of season two read two SportsCenter highlights, most of them being from sporting events from the past weekend. Thompson went first, and was criticized for being too "schtick" and comedic. James went next, paused twice during his highlight readings, and was critisized for the pauses. Shroff went third and made some mistakes, but was praised for being professional by all four judges. February 22 is the 53rd day of every year in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

After the first three contestants read their highlights, an intermission took place, in which a new game called "Get Off the Fence" was introduced. In this game, the contestants were split into three pairs. Each contestant was given a current sports issue which was to be debated by both contestants. Each pair was given two issues apiece. Hawrylko was said to be the best debater by all the judges, while Startare was called the worst. Smith even said he could see Startare sweat during the debate.

When "My SportsCenter" resumed, Voyticky read his highlights. He critisized for being boring and lacking energy. Hawrylko went next, and while she was praised for her debating, she was criticized for trying to tell too many jokes during her highlight readings. Startare was last to go, and Paige called him "brutal." All six were criticized for using too many clichès.

Voting

With 3 votes, Voyticky was the first contestant cut from the show in its second season.

Episode Two

The second group of six was featured in the second episode. A second contestant was going to be cut, reducing the number of competitors to 10.

This show's "My SportsCenter" was reading a list of "Top 5 Plays", while video of those plays was shown. Horowitz was up first and was presented with a list of top 5 catches, which included a fish being caught at the Citgo Bassmasters Classic. All four judges (including Smith) praised Horowitz for writing and speaking clearly. Scott was next with a list of top 5 shots, including a great shot in a table tennis tournament. She was called "solid," but Paige told her to "keep improving." Holmes then took his turn, having the top 5 blocks for his segment, with the top block being an incredible knockaway by Detroit Pistons star Tayshaun Prince on Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller in game one of the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals. Holmes got half praise, half criticism, and was relieved when Smith let him off the hook for an average performance. Professional level table tennis rally, showing table, net, and player Wang Liqin winning a forehand drive against Jorg Rosskopf. ... The Detroit Pistons are a National Basketball Association team based in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area. ... Tayshaun Princes famous block against Reggie Miller. ... The Indiana Pacers are a National Basketball Association team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. ... Reggie Miller Reginald Wayne Miller (born August 24, 1965 in Riverside, California) was a US professional basketball player. ...

The in-between game was "Fact or Fiction", a regular segment on the real SportsCenter, in which an anchor throws out a topic with an opinion attached to it, and two analysts debate (or even agree) on what they think. The contestants were split into three pairs like the previous week, and were given two topics each, ranging from "Oscar de la Hoya should retire" to "The U.S. will win the Ryder Cup in 2006." Rich was unanimously called the worst debater, while Horowitz just barely won the title of best debater. Oscar De La Hoya (born February 4, 1973) —nicknamed the Golden Boy— is a Mexican-American boxer who won the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. ... The Ryder Cup is a golf trophy contested biennially in an event officially called the Ryder Cup Matches by teams from Europe and the United States. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Unfortunately for Rich, she was up next in "My SportsCenter", where her list was the top 5 dives. Even worse, the judges (except for Paige) didn't let up, as Hoover called her "slow." Ashworth was next to take the stage, and his list was a list of top 5 saves. He was praised for his energy, but the judges he needed to back up his highlights with facts. Bell was the final contestant to take his turn on the evening with a list of top 5 hits. His enthusiasm was noticed by all, but Smith told him to smile more.

Voting

The vote was unanimous to cut Rich.

Episode Three

10 became 8 on night three, as for one episode only, two contestants would be voted off instead of one.

The "My SportsCenter" game for this evening was co-anchoring, although it was individuals being cut, not duos. The twist here was at the end of their segment, after a couple of highlight readings and a news story, the pairs would interview a player from a Major League Baseball team. Hawrylko and Horowitz were the first pair to go, and their interviewee was New York Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield. Horowitz' interview skills were praised, while Hawrylko was said to have needed more work. As a team, Paige said they were good, but needed to display more chemistry. Ashworth and Startare were next to go, and they conducted their interview with Chicago Cubs pitcher Kent Mercker. Startare got praise for much-needed improvement from episode one. Ashworth was criticized for not asking questions that pertained to the current situation, and for asking questions that were too long. Wendy's Wild Card winners Holmes and James were next, and their interviewee was Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins. Their lack of chemistry and their interviewing skills were both criticized. Said Paige, "Guys, call your mamas, and tell them to keep the front porch light on. If you don't get better than that, you'll be home soon," a message for both of them, drawing a "Wowza!" from Hoover. Holmes was said to be the better of the two. Following Holmes and James was the debut of a new segment featuring real SportsCenter anchors giving advice to the remaining contestants, titled "U.S. Air Force Wingman." The person giving the advice-the first Dream Job winner, Mike Hall. Hall told them "less is more." "Not every play needs a joke, not every highlight needs style, but every highlight does need information," he said. After the commercial break following Hall's "SportsCenter 101", it was time for Shroff and Scott to show what they could do. Their interviewee was Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jose Lima. A problem arose at the start of the interview, when Scott asked Lima, "Can you hear me?" (He could.) Jaffe said some of the teamwork seemed forced, that it was mediocre. Paige said the interview was embarrassing for both of them because of how it started, and that Shroff wasn't as good as he was in week one. Smith said Scott was better than she was in week two, and agreed with Paige that Shroff had slipped from the first week. The last pair was Thompson and Bell, whose interviewee was Houston Astros catcher Brad Ausmus. Their chemistry was praised, and Bell was praised for telling the viewers at home who they would be interviewing him before the "show" started, something that no other contestant did that night. MLB logo Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of play in professional baseball in the world. ... Gary Antonian Sheffield (born November 18, 1968) is an American baseball player. ... Major league affiliations National League (1876-present) Central Division (1994-present) East Division (1969-1993) Major league titles World Series titles (2) 1908 â€¢ 1907 NL Pennants (16) 1945 â€¢ 1938 â€¢ 1935 â€¢ 1932 1929 â€¢ 1918 â€¢ 1910 â€¢ 1908 1907 â€¢ 1906 â€¢ 1886 â€¢ 1885 1882 â€¢ 1881 â€¢ 1880 â€¢ 1876 Central Division titles (1) 2003 East Division... Kent Franklin Mercker (born February 1, 1968) is a Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher who has played for nine teams over his seventeen-year career. ... Justin Morneau (born Justin Ernest Morneau on May 15, 1981 in New Westminster, British Columbia) is a Major League Baseball first baseman. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901-present) Central Division (1994-present) West Division (1969-1993) Major league titles World Series titles (3) 1991 â€¢ 1987 â€¢ 1924 AL Pennants (6) 1991 â€¢ 1987 â€¢ 1965 â€¢ 1933 1925 â€¢ 1924 Central Division titles (3) 2004 â€¢ 2003 â€¢ 2002 West Division titles (4) 1991 â€¢ 1987 â€¢ 1970 â€¢ 1969 Wild... Seal of the Air Force. ... Michael James Hall (born in February of 1982 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois) is an American sports broadcaster who is the top on-air personality at ESPNs newest network, ESPNU, a network devoted to college sports. ... Major league affiliations National League (1890-present) West Division (1969-present) American Association (1884-1889) Major league titles World Series titles (6) 1988 â€¢ 1981 â€¢ 1965 â€¢ 1963 1959 â€¢ 1955 NL Pennants (21) 1988 â€¢ 1981 â€¢ 1978 â€¢ 1977 1974 â€¢ 1966 â€¢ 1965 â€¢ 1963 1959 â€¢ 1956 â€¢ 1955 â€¢ 1953 1952 â€¢ 1949 â€¢ 1947 â€¢ 1941 1920 â€¢ 1916 â€¢ 1900... José Lima (born September 30, 1972) is a right handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. ... Major league affiliations National League (1962-present) Central Division (1994-present) West Division (1969-1993) Major league titles World Series titles (0) None NL Pennants (1) 2005 Central Division titles (4) 2001 â€¢ 1999 â€¢ 1998 â€¢ 1997 West Division titles (2) [1][2] 1986 â€¢ 1980 Wild card berths (2) 2005 â€¢ 2004 [1... Bradley David Ausmus (born April 14, 1969 in New Haven, Connecticut) is a Jewish-American catcher in Major League Baseball with the Houston Astros. ...

Voting

The decision to cut James was so unanimous. Hawrylko's elimination kept both Wendy's Wild Card Winners from being cut on the same night, as America's decision to cut her broke the tie between her and Holmes.

Episodes four through eight

Episode nine

(Sypnosis coming soon.)

Voting

America's vote had broken the tie. Just two men were left: David Holmes and Grant Thompson.

Episode ten

Airing on Tuesday, November 16, 2004, both Holmes and Thompson knew that no mistake would be minor, and that one small error could cost their chance at becoming the anchor. The night opened with Holmes and Thompson going head-to-head in a debate game called "Pardon the Interruption", exactly like the ESPN talk show of the same name. The segment dealt with topics such as Barry Bonds winning his seventh National League Most Valuable Player award, and New York City's bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. Thompson and Holmes went back-and-forth with banter that pushed sarcastic boundaries most of the time. Both were praised by the judges for entertaining them, and Jaffe remarked about the 3 PM (Eastern Standard Time) slot being a "big hole", and that they should start a new show called The Grant and David Show featuring the two. Scott said it was the most he'd ever been entertained on the program in its two seasons of existence. November 16 is the 320th day of the year (321st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 45 days remaining. ... Pardon the Interruption Logo Pardon the Interruption (also known as PTI), is a sports TV show on ESPN filmed in Washington, DC starring syndicated newspaper columnists and longtime friends Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon of The Washington Post. ... Barry Lamar Bonds (born July 24, 1964 in Riverside, California) is a left fielder in Major League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants; he is most famous for his home run hitting. ... This article refers to the American baseball league. ... In American sports, a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests. ... The city is at the center of international finance, politics, entertainment, and culture, and is one of the worlds major global cities (along with London, Tokyo and Paris) with a virtually unrivaled collection of museums, galleries, performance venues, media outlets, international corporations, and stock exchanges. ... The 2012 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, will be held in London, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012. ... The Eastern Standard Time Zone is a geographic region that keeps time by subtracting five hours from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). ...

The next game was a trivia game called "The Rundown." The game consisted of six categories, each containing three questions, all of which increased in difficulty in each category. All questions in the game were worth one point apiece. One player was told to pick a category, and only he could answer the first question as soon as it was given. If he got it right, then he got first chance to answer the next question. If he got it wrong, then the second player would be given the opportunity to correctly answer the question, and if he got it right, then the right to exclusively answer each question first would switch to him. If they both got it wrong, then the contestant who gave the last correct answer would be given first chance to answer the next question or told to pick a new category. Thompson soundly defeated Holmes in this game by a score of 10-3.

Then came the season's final "My SportsCenter" segment. Thompson and Holmes would be paired up with real SportsCenter anchors and perform tasks exactly like the sports news show's anchors perform daily. Both pairs would read highlights and stories, while each contestant would have extra pressure placed on them to see how they performed under difficult circumstances, such as the TelePrompter failing while they were reading a story, or doing a highlight while having a producer read tell them what they were seeing through their IFB. Thompson and Holmes were also told just minutes before their segment that they would be interviewing the New England Patriots' Willie McGinest. Holmes was paired up with Steve Levy, while Thompson was paired up with Dream Job season one winner Mike Hall. Both pairs were praised for having good chemistry, while Holmes garnered the most praise for being almost flawless, but Thompson stumbled badly during his segment, and, as the voting would show, gave away the title. Schematic representation: A teleprompter is a display device that prompts the person speaking with an electronic visual text of a speech or script. ... IFB (interruptible foldback or interruptible feedback) or IEM (in-ear monitor) systems are used in broadcast and motion picture production for crew communication, audio monitoring and cueing. ... Year Founded 1960 Conference AFC Division East Home Field Gillette Stadium City Foxborough, Massachusetts Team Colors Blue, Red, Silver, and White Head Coach Bill Belichick League Titles League Championships (3) Super Bowl: 2001 (XXXVI), 2003 (XXXVIII), 2004 (XXXIX) Conference Championships (5) AFC: 1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004 Division Championships (9... Willie McGinest William Lee McGinest, Jr, (born December 11, 1971 in Long Beach, California, United States), is an American Football linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. ... This page is about the ESPN journalist. ...

Voting

David Holmes won season 2 of Dream Job.

Later on SportsCenter that night, Holmes was given trivia questions to try and see how much money he would make in his first year as an ESPN employee. He started out at $60,000, with each correct answer being worth $5,000 apiece. He got as high as the $75,000 question, which he got wrong, bumping his first-year salary back to $70,000. Holmes was also awarded with a brand-new Mazda 6 5-door car.

(*)The asterisk is placed next to Jaffe because America's vote was read before the judges' votes were given, so when Smith said he voted to cut Thompson, Scott said, "We don't need to go on", and Thompson was immediately sent off, but not before hugging Holmes. Scott did eventually turn to Jaffe, and Jaffe said that if his vote would've been necessary, he would've also cut Thompson.

External link

• Dream Job II official website
• Akron Beacon Journal article on Holmes' win