Jerome Jurenovich, Class of 1977
Growing up in Farrell on Shady Drive, Jerome Jurenovich’s roots were deeply tied to the Shenango Valley and its rich traditions. A parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, Jerome’s family helped build the church, with his mother attending Mass daily. Alongside his siblings, David (’73) and Mary Beth (’74), Jerome’s early years laid the foundation for the values of hard work, community, and faith that have defined his life.
A 1977 graduate of Kennedy Catholic (KC), Jerome was an active and engaged student who loved his time at KC. He participated in the Action Club all four years of high school, serving as the President during his senior year. Jerome also played basketball, worked at A&W/KFC, and explored a TV and electronics course that captured his imagination and planted the seed for his broadcasting career.
Jerome’s journey to success in the highly competitive world of sports broadcasting began humbly. While studying at Gannon University, he worked at CBS in Erie and landed his first sports reporting gig covering a Steelers game — an unforgettable moment for a lifelong Steelers fan. Meeting his childhood heroes Franco Harris and Jack Lambert was a surreal experience that fueled his passion for storytelling and sports journalism.
Jerome’s work ethic, honed in the Valley, propelled him to greater opportunities. From Erie to Los Angeles, then Denver, and eventually to Atlanta, he covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and even the 1996 Olympics. As a sportscaster for CNN and Fox Sports, he experienced memorable in-depth interactions with some of the greatest athletes of all time, including Mario Lemieux, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley. These connections extended beyond interviews, as he joined them for dinners and charity events, offering a unique glimpse into their lives off the field.
Despite his extraordinary career — which includes traveling to every major ballpark, earning eight Emmy Awards, and countless stories of perseverance — Jerome remains grounded. He recalls the tough moments early on, like being told he’d never make it on TV. Instead of giving up, Jerome doubled down, believing in himself and his abilities. His persistence, paired with kindness and the power of prayer, opened doors at CNN and Fox Sports, often through unexpected connections and a little luck.
After decades in broadcasting, Jerome retired in 2021 and is now enjoying a well-earned retirement in Atlanta with his wife, Natalie. Jerome’s family is a cherished part of his life. His daughter, Brooke Maine, and his grandchildren, Hayden and Tucker, live in Mercer, PA, keeping his connection to the Shenango Valley alive. He and Natalie also share a loving blended family with three stepchildren: Braden, Breck, and Delaney.
Through it all, Jerome credits his Shenango Valley upbringing and KC education for shaping his character. “The Valley’s hard work ethic, high morals, and strong values are a reflection of the best this community has to offer,” he says. His pride in his roots is evident — his man cave is a shrine to local teams, and he takes his Terrible Towel on all of his travels, including visits to 19 countries, 32 states, and even the Vatican.
Jerome’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, humility, and a strong sense of community. For today’s students and alumni, he offers this advice: “Treat everyone with kindness and compassion. You never know who might help you along the way. Hard work, faith, and persistence can take you farther than you ever imagined.”
Jerome Jurenovich is not only a shining example of Kennedy Catholic pride but also proof that with grit and gratitude, anything is possible.
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