Staff
D.J. Whetter
I have always loved sports, and I realized I wanted to be a sports journalist at about the same time I realized I would never be a professional athlete -- in high school. I can't run or jump, but I can write and speak. So, I decided to write and speak about people who can run and jump.
I was born in Lodi, California (little town south of Sacramento), but lived in six different cities around the U.S. before finally moving to Overland Park before High School. I will forever consider Lawrence my true hometown. The seven years I lived in the River City make it the most permanent residence of my lifetime. It's home to my Alma Mater, and it's where I met my amazing wife, Lori.
We were married at Trinity Lutheran Church just off Mass St. in April 2008. Lori and I met at the student TV station while hosting a sports talk show. West Shawnee is where we currently live. My wife works in Kansas City, so we bought our first house in a location that minimized the commute for both of us. I still miss living in Lawrence. We have a weimaraner named Wrigley (see paragraph about my love of the Cubs below) who monopolizes a lot of our time.
I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2005 with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. My time at Channel 6 actually started a year earlier when I was hired part-time to help cover high school football. After graduation, I was offered the weekend sports anchor position, and two months later I filled the open 10 p.m. sports anchor job. I continue in that role today, while also hosting The Drive, and doing play-by-play for the Hy-Vee High School Game of the Week.
While working at Channel 6, I have covered four NCAA Basketball Tournaments, three college football bowl games, and nearly a dozen state titles for our area high schools. Obviously, the early part of 2008 stands out as the most memorable time in my journalism career. Covering an Orange Bowl and a National Title run in a three month span is an experience I will never forget.
I also keep busy away from work. I am a below average golfer, a certified scuba diver, an amateur dog trainer, a Lutheran churchgoer, a State Champion high school debater, an award-winning chili cook, the best first baseman co-ed softball has ever seen, and the most bitter Cubs fan of all-time. Other than the KU, I follow all sports Chicago (minus the White Sox). Since I was devoid of a hometown until college, I claim the Second City because it's where my father and grandfather grew up. The Cubs are my true sports passion, and despite my skepticism, I live by the mantra, "It's Gonna Happen."
Recent stories
- 6News reporter decides to follow father’s footsteps
- November 28, 2009
- The life of a preacher’s kid is full of questions.
- High School Scholar Athlete of the Month: Drue Davis
- November 27, 2009
- Free State’s Drue Davis is November’s High School Scholar Athlete of the Month.
- 6News Video: Local athlete cleared to play for KU women’s team
- August 7, 2009
- Local athlete Tania Jackson was cleared to play basketball for Kansas University’s women’s basketball team. Jackson missed her senior season at Lawrence High School because of a knee injury.
- Kivisto Field gets a makeover
- July 28, 2009
- The finishing touches are being put in place at Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium.
- Raiders seeded fourth in tournament
- July 20, 2009
- The Raiders earned the fourth seed in the upcoming summer league baseball tournament. Games will begin later this week and continue through the weekend.
- 6Sports Top Six
- June 30, 2009
- 6Sports’ DJ Whetter takes a look at last week’s six best plays from around the area.
- 6Sports Shot of the Week
- June 26, 2009
- Featured this week: No. 16 at the Lawrence Country Club.
- Kids strut their stuff at football camp
- June 24, 2009
- It’s kids’ camp season at city high schools.
- 6Sports Shot of the Week
- June 20, 2009
- The 6Sports staff continues its battle on the links with local golf pros.
- Area golfers invited to tee off with Bill Self
- June 15, 2009
- Once again, it’s time for Bill Self’s annual golf tournament.
- Blog: Kansas science and math teachers easily recruited away May 20, 2013 · 56 comments
- Blog: Plans filed for restaurant/retail on South Iowa site once proposed for Olive Garden May 23, 2013 · 13 comments
- Budget cuts force Head Start to close Edgewood Homes facility May 21, 2013 · 9 comments
- Opinion: Why gay role models matter May 23, 2013 · 10 comments
- Blog: More on city recreation center bids, and a possible city policy on drone use? May 23, 2013 · 6 comments
- Republican tax plans would increase state revenue, analyses say May 22, 2013 · 21 comments
- Weekday graduations get mixed reviews from parents and families May 22, 2013 · 16 comments
- House Republican leaders propose 1.5 percent cut to higher education for each of next two fiscal years May 21, 2013 · 33 comments
- City commissioner wants state to revoke nightclub's liquor license May 21, 2013 · 81 comments
- City commissioner wants review of city's storm shelter policies in wake of Oklahoma tornado May 22, 2013 · 17 comments
- 100 years ago: 'The vulturous Kaw triumped' over Billie Bob Atkinson May 23, 2013
- House Republican leaders propose 1.5 percent cut to higher education for each of next two fiscal years May 21, 2013
- No consensus on McLemore's draft position after lottery May 23, 2013
- Hillcrest teacher honored with annual 'Bobs' Award' May 22, 2013
- Free State students and parents share emotions at graduation May 22, 2013
- Opinion: Wayne Selden sizes up recruits May 21, 2013
- Bierocks: Old World culinary icons live on in Kansas January 18, 2010
- Opinion: Why gay role models matter May 23, 2013
- Two men face charges in Sunday morning shooting May 22, 2013
- Free State softball confident in championship chances at state May 23, 2013
