CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Tony Cavalier, chief meteorologist at WSAZ-TV, was honored Saturday as the recipient of the West Virginia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award is given annually by the Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters to an individual who has made significant contributions to news reporting, management, or education in West Virginia broadcasting for at least 20 years.
The Philadelphia native arrived at the station in Charleston, W.Va., 29 years ago with impeccable credentials. He earned a B.S. in physics at Drexel University in Philadelphia and a Master of Science in meteorology at Penn State.
He began broadcasting at NBC powerhouse WGAL-TV in Lancaster, Pa., in 1982. Five years later, he brought his brand of forecasting to the fickle weather patterns of Appalachia when he signed on with WSAZ in 1987.
“Sometimes I nail it, other times I get nailed,” he said. “But always I am fascinated with the art and science of weather prediction… ALWAYS… that’s why what I say is worth watching every night.”
As chief meteorologist, Cavalier has led the weather team at the ABC affiliate through blizzards and tropical storms, and mentored several meteorologists who have gone on to major markets.
“Tony’s expertise is not just in meteorology,” said Amanda Barren, a colleague and anchor at WSAZ. “Tony speaks about the communities for which he forecasts, every little hollow and hill, as if he was just there earlier that afternoon. He knows the people, the events, and the little things that make that particular community tick.”
Cavalier spends much of his time traveling a three-state region to promote life in Appalachia and has notched more than 2,000 appearances at everything from country fairs to fall parades to spring festivals to winter show choirs.
“I love meeting people and fortunately, people enjoy meeting me,” he said.
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