Jerry Schemmel is one of those unusual souls who has survived a disaster in which many others died. His encounter with destiny came on July 19, 1993 when his flight from Denver to Chicago experienced an in-flight engine explosion and was forced to land without power at the nearest airport, in Sioux City, Iowa. The subsequent crash landing and fire was remarkable in its way, as it seemed as if all were doomed. Yet, of the 296 people on board, 184 survived. Schemmel's book, "Chosen to Live," tells this story and how it has effected his life. Now a radio commentator for the NBA's Denver Nuggets and host of a nationally syndicated radio sports program, he reflects on athletics and the challenges of life from the perspective of a man who has faced great peril, and survived.
Jerry Schemmel has been the radio voice of the Denver Nuggets since 1992. His sportscasting career spans 17 years and includes radio and television play by play of several professional and major college sports. He also spent one year as deputy commissioner and legal counsel for the Continental Basketball Association.
On July 19, 1989, Schemmel boarded United Airlines Flight 232, originating in Denver and bound for Chicago. An in-flight engine explosion crippled the plane and forced it to crash land in Sioux City, Iowa, killing 112 of the 296 onboard.
Schemmel is the author of the book, Chosen To Live. Chosen To Live chronicles the crash of flight 232 and its subsequent effects on his life. The book has been featured in such publications as Reader’s Digest, Hoop Magazine, Sports Spectrum and Guideposts.
He is also the creator and host of the syndicated radio program, Beyond The Game, which is carried on radio stations across the country.
Schemmel has been a guest on several national television programs, including “Regis & Kathi Lee,” “48 Hours,” “CBS This Morning,” “Turning Point,” “The Today Show,” “The Hour of Power,” “Good Morning America,” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
In the summer of 2003, Schemmel rode a bicycle across the United States, covering 3,704 miles in 35 days, to help raise funds to build an athletic field at Front Range Christian High School in Littleton, CO. He is also an assistant football coach at the school.
Schemmel grew up in Madison, SD and now resides in Littleton, CO with his wife Diane, 11-year-old daughter Maggie and four year old son, Ryan.