From shyest to sportscaster

Local sportscaster Todd Walkingstick announced his retirement from his OwatonnaLive.com show Beyond the Game earlier this month after a decade of highlighting local athletes as host.

Walkingstick’s run saw him conduct 237 hours’ worth of interviews with 1,424 athletes, coaches and local legends alike, while hitting exactly 500 shows.

“My heart feels really good. I feel like I’m leaving on a high. I didn’t want the show to end because people weren’t really watching or it wasn’t getting good ratings. I want to leave when it’s going good,” said Walkingstick on his decision to step away at the end of this school year’s sports season.

His reasoning for stepping away revolved around family.

“It’s a lot of work. I have grandkids in Jordan and Waseca and I want to make sure I can spend as much time enjoying life with them and watching their sports,” he said.

Now 60, Walkingstick took some time to reflect on his decision and the journey of a career in sports.

He’s confident that his decision to step in front of the camera was one that surprised more people than just himself.

“I was voted ‘Most Shy Male’ in the class of 1983 at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. There isn’t even a picture in the yearbook. They just wrote ‘Too shy to have picture taken,’” said Walkingstick with a laugh.

After moving to Owatonna in 1987 and raising his family, Walkingstick began to be known for his consistent involvement in local sports.

A super fan through-and-through, he could be found most days at the local fields, rinks or courts, ready to cheer on all four of Steele County’s teams.

His dedication to the community caught the eye of OwatonnaLive.com’s owner, Scott Limberg.

“Funny enough, I remember the exact day he called. April 15, 2015, I was watching a [Minnesota] Wild game on TV and my phone dinged with a notification. It was Scott – he told me he was interested in starting a sports show. I told him I was interested and when we met four days later, he offered me a job,” said Walkingstick.

Walkingstick hit the ground running securing 10-minute interview slots with local senior athletes, coaches and staff.

According to him, not a single guest ever turned up late to an interview – a testament to the community.

His work showcasing local talent made him a fan favorite. Walkingstick recounts being invited to over 400 grad parties, countless team banquets and even being recognized recently as the Owatonna High School National Honor Society’s Monthly Honoree for March over the course of his career.

“It’s a good feeling to know that I’ve touched people’s lives. When I started in 2015, I didn’t know if the show would make it out of the first year… I don’t know if I would have met any of these amazing people if I hadn’t done the show,” he said.

Yet, the recognition was never the motivation.

“I feel so good knowing that everything that I put into the show was legitimate. It’s not an act, like, ‘Oh man, I have to go in tonight. I’ll go knock out some interviews quick.’ I was on fire. I couldn’t wait to see the first guest come in for the day. It’s 10 years later and I still get that feeling of excitement to start my day,” he said.

Since all of his shows are pre-recorded, Walkingstick’s work as host has officially concluded, however, his final show has yet to hit the screen.

The 500^th and final episode of Beyond the Game will come to OwatonnaLive.com on June 6, 2025 and feature three guests: Katie Glaser, Cody Shaw and Anne Hemann.

“It’s all a culmination of being a part of the community. I’ve traveled to the away games for Owatonna and Blooming Prairie this year and there are more fans in blue and black than there are for the home team. I love being a part of Steele County because these teams and the success of the athletes mean so much to everyone. We have some small towns, but they have huge hearts… I’m forever grateful to Scott Limberg for giving me the opportunity to host this show and share how special this community is,” said Walkingstick.