Scanning the channels for local news, weather and sports continues to get more interesting in Milwaukee. The clashes between longtime rivals on channels 4, 6 and 12 continue, but relative newcomer Channel 58 adds fuel to the fire with its steady climb in the Nielsen ratings.

One of Channel 58's newest additions reflects the station's goal of adding personalities with local roots and perspective. Sports anchor/reporter Trenni Kusnierek may not be so new to people who knew her growing up in Wind Lake or attending school at Marquette University, but she's a bright new face for other sports fans across town. Her on-camera delivery and knowledge of sports gives her the appeal of a Melissa Stark type, though you get the feeling Kusnierek would ask the athletes better questions.

Kusnierek grew up on a steady diet of Milwaukee sports and television. It was only natural that the two combine for her career. Upon graduation from Muskego High School in 1995, she landed an internship with Channel 12 (on a "probationary basis," Kusnierek recalls), handling part-time duties behind the scenes. She initially attended UW-Oshkosh, but as her internship at WISN developed more potential, she took the advice of the station and transferred to Marquette. She remained with Channel 12 at the assignment desk and as a producer in the field for five years, whetting her broadcasting appetite.

Kusnierek took the plunge and joined WXOW-TV in Eau Claire in February 2000, her first on-camera job. The experience in Eau Claire worked out initial jitters and laid the groundwork for moving to the next step, the ideal of which was an anchor/reporter position back in her hometown. Stations in Milwaukee experience less staff turnover on average than most TV markets, so when Channel 58 made it known that they were expanding their sports staff, Kusnierek put together her resume and sent it, as she puts it, "on a wing and a prayer." Last October, she got the call she'd hoped for and loaded up the U-Haul. We're glad she did.

We caught Kusnierek at a local establishment and had security detain her until she granted us an interview. Here's what she had to say.

OMC: This is an exciting year to be reporting sports in Milwaukee. After your stint in Eau Claire, how is it coming back to town and joining Channel 58?

TK: I am SO glad to be back home. Going off to another place is risky in broadcasting; you never know if you'll end up where you want. So when I got this opportunity, I was thrilled. Being at Channel 58 is great. They have room to be flexible and do some things that the more established stations won't do. And I like everyone I work with. Channel 58 has great reporters and everyone has an aggressive enthusiasm. We work hard to grow the station.

OMC: Anything nasty to say about your co-workers at Channel 58?

TK: That's the question I get asked the most. But really, they're a great group of people.

OMC: So, what's your favorite part of the job... anchoring, field reporting, or are you waiting for more locker room interviews before you can tell us that?

TK: No, I have my answer. I like field reporting the best. You're where everything is happening. I love the quick, fast stuff. Anchoring gives you more flexibility, but I like conveying the energy and excitement from a place like the Bradley Center or Lambeau Field. I'm really excited to report from Miller Park this year.

OMC: So you grew up a Milwaukee sports fan. Which sport is your favorite?

TK: I'd say baseball and college basketball. I love the Brewers and the World Series in 1982 is my most vivid sports memory. As an alma mater, I'm also a huge Marquette fan. Tom Crean is doing so much for the program and I'm very excited about their future.

OMC: Which sport do you like covering most?

TK: Hmmm... you know, I don't think I've decided yet! When I'm covering the Packers in Green Bay I think football's my favorite, when I'm covering the Bucks or the Golden Eagles I think basketball's my favorite. I'm sure once baseball season starts I'll think baseball's my favorite again. Right now, I enjoy each of them so much I can't pick just one.

OMC: Speaking of baseball...with the end of County Stadium and the recent passing of Bob Buhl and Eddie Matthews, let's get retro... who are your favorite older, not current, baseball players?

TK: Ted Williams. I saw him at the All-Star Game in Boston. And with my memories of the Brewers growing up in the early 80s, I'd also say (Robin) Yount, (Rollie) Fingers and Paul Molitor.