The Voice AUGUST 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS

Fast and Furious: Not Just a Movie Don Essig, P.A. Announcer University of Oregon Ducks – Eugene, OR

pening pause for the end of the play University of Oregon Athletics INSIDE (2-3 seconds) to get information lined Fast and Furious: Not Just A Movie 1 Oup in the head. Then you announce, “Jeremy Smith the ballcarrier. That’s a gain NASPAA Football P.A. of 17 yards. It’ll be a first down for the Ducks Announcers’ Clinic 3 at the 43 yard line. Tackle for the Bruins by Oregon Athletic Directors Association Bill Jones and Randy Anderson.” Becomes NASPAA Affiliate Member 4 Now, if the public address announcer Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of gives the information in a somewhat the Year Award Recipients Named 5 understandable tone and speed, you will P.A. Announcer Drops Mic and find out that with the opening pause and Picks Up Camera 6 the announcement it will use somewhere between 12 and 15 seconds. For those of Don Essig Students Deserve P.A. Announcing us now announcing for the latest trend in Most important to the announcer with the Opportunities 7 college football, the hurry-up offense when changes in timing is having very competent New Member Feature 8 the team is only taking 12-15 seconds spotters! These offenses mean that spotters per play with their no-huddle game plan, it also have to make some adjustments in NASPAA and NIAAA Provide makes for an interesting adjustment to how how they provide the necessary information Leadership for P.A. Announcing 9 we announce the game. to the announcer. It also means that the Announcing Helps Prepare Future announcer may have to multi-task even Broadcasters 10 In fact, what has really happened is having more than in the past. Watch the end of the to make the announcements of each play play, get ready to announce, listen to both Something to Cheer About 11 without the extra words we used to use. spotters (or watch their hand signals for NFL Announcers Exchange Questions 12 Now, it might sound like this: “Jeremy Smith yardage), look at the taped-down lineups the ball carrier for a gain of 17, to the 43, for the spotter pointing to the tackles (or P.A. Announcing and Internet tackled by Bill Jones and Randy Anderson, listening to him give the numbers), and Broadcasting Have Something in first down Ducks! “ making the announcement. Common 13 Letter to the Editor 14 The newly revised announcement now takes Having a well-understood working only 6-8 seconds. The team is at the line of relationship and agreements between NASPAA Affiliate Members 15 scrimmage, and already starting the next announcer and spotters on how to put all play. For my 46 years in the college football this together is critical to making it all work. Board of Directors announcing booth, I have always tried not to It’s important and necessary because most brad rumble announce when the team was in the huddle of the no-huddle teams are now running president & executive director or at the line of scrimmage. That’s because 75-85 plays per game instead of the old tom busch we have a very loud sound system, and the 55-65 plays. That means the announcing secretary sound down at the field level is even louder team has an additional number of times jeff kurtz p.a. announcer, kent state university than up in the stands. So it was simply a per game they have to be ready. I am really mark mills professional courtesy to the teams to not fortunate because my spotters and I have p.a. announcer, missouri state high school make announcements when they were trying a tremendous working relationship. Jack activities association to get all the teammates on the same page has been providing me with the tackles gary williams stadium announcer, oakland raiders for the next play. all 46 years and Stan has given me the statistics the past 38 years. This issue is sponsored by Sound Director With the no-huddle offenses now being run by a large number of college teams, So, up to now in the article, are you still the P.A. announcer has had to go to a “no- having fun announcing? nonsense” hurry-up announcing system. We still need to get the necessary information Now let’s add to the announcer’s NASPAA Copyright Statement to the fans, but without sounding hurried concentration level with the addition of This newsletter is copyrighted. Therefore, none of or disorganized. That means even more all the marketing announcements being the content contained herein may be reproduced, concentration on the game, the results of added to the position. I’m not sure what shared in part or whole, without the express written each play, and watching where the team is in other P.A. announcers are having to permission of the NASPAA, unless in one of the preparation for their next play. articles the NASPAA indicates that it can be shared. continued on p. 2 FAST AND FURIOUS, continued from page 1 The Voice provide the fans during the game, but my As soon as the teams or the television crew us about a certain play made during the announcing “booklet,” which is prepared takes a timeout, the P.A. announcer goes game, and we have to stop and think about for me every game by the marketing staff, to work, listening to the marketing person whether or not we even saw it. now is 15-pages in length and essentially in the booth tell you when and what to provides for not many pauses or breaks announce. So, now your brain has to shift It’s funny how the brain can block out parts during the game. rapidly from game announcements to a of the game because it is so busy making wide variety of marketing announcements. sure that the correct information gets Boom! End of timeout, and back to the announced to the fans. That’s why I always hurry-up game. DVR the game so I can go home and watch to see what really happened and what I This article was not written to scare anyone might have missed. away from the fun job of the P.A. announcer. Instead, I just wanted those of you who I don’t know about you, but it’s still fun. aren’t in the no-huddle offenses yet to be Making all these changes has just made prepared, just in case your coach gets the the game that much more exciting to be boot or decides to move on, and in comes around. And, by the way, it also helps when the young buck who only believes in hurry- your team keeps winning. That’s where up football. I’ve been really lucky! Of course, when most people think of fast and furious, they Oh, I also thought it would be fun for those think of the movie. Not me. It’s announcing of you already in the hurry-up football Duck football! Oregon’s fast-paced offense can not only wear out announcing gig to think about why it is the defense, but the P.A. announcer, too! that after the game, someone could ask Game Operations sponsored by

2 West Coast Football P.A. Announcers Clinic Draws Rave Reviews By Dave George, P.A. Announcer De La Salle High School – Concord, CA The Voice

nnouncers announcements for football games, they from the west participated in announcing exercises where Acoast arrived they made those announcements. Williams on Saturday, July provided encouragement and coaching. 20, 2013, filling the large meeting room Then, it was time for announcing game with the voices of action using a large screen to show sports programs high definition football game footage. from many areas of Using rosters and a microphone, each California. It was attendee had the opportunity to be the the largest gathering P.A. announcer and announce the game, Dave George of P.A. announcers based on the action that was playing on in the west. The 2013 NASPAA Football the large screen. It was interesting to hear P.A. Announcers’ Clinic was, for the third how everyone sounded. Again, Williams consecutive year, hosted by De La Salle High provided feedback. The information that School in Concord. Gary Williams, Stadium Williams shared was beneficial not only to Announcer for the Oakland Raiders and the individual who had announced, but to Gary Williams (left) addresses questions posed to him NASPAA Board Member, was the clinician. all attendees. Short of announcing a real by a couple of clinic attendees following the clinic. game, there is no better way to learn! “The NASPAA Football P.A. Announcers’ Credit: Dave George Clinic is something that I look forward to Three attendees were from Modesto each year,” commented Gary Williams. Christian High School in Modesto. The main “As a professional P.A. announcer, it announcer for football is blind. With the is rewarding to have the opportunity use of Braille and a spotter, he performed to give back to P.A. announcers. I flawlessly--in-game promo reads and game am a big proponent of the NASPAA’s action. For those of us who had never clinic curriculum, which represents the experienced this before, it was truly amazing! philosophy of our Affiliate Members. Attendees can be assured that they are Even though the clinic was supposed to last getting correct information about P.A. three hours, many attendees stayed and announcing.” talked for another hour and a half. It was obvious that the clinic was a huge success. I have been to all four NASPAA Football P.A. Because of the NASPAA’s curriculum, which Announcers’ Clinics that have been held Bill Hickman encompasses the core values and P.A. for west coast P.A. announcers. As long announcing philosophy of the associations as the NASPAA would like to conduct P.A. “The reason that I am attending the and organizations that are affiliated with clinics in our area, De La Salle will continue clinic again is because there is always the NASPAA, attendees can be assured to host them. We are proud to support something new coming out in this business,” that what is taught is what their respective NASPAA professional development for P.A. commented Bill Hickman, Boulder Creek state association or section advocates. announcers. High School (AZ) P.A. announcer. “I want to be recognized as being really good, and when asked where I got trained, I’ll tell them about the NASPAA.”

To start the clinic, the microphone was passed to allow each attendee to let everyone know who they are and where they announce. It was interesting to note the range of experience that attendees had. For example, two high school students had never announced a game, while one attendee had announced as many as 124 games last school year!

Williams presented the NASPAA’s formal training curriculum using PowerPoint slides, and he provided tips based on his experience as an NFL announcer. Following his presentation, during which attendees learned how to make the different types of 2013 NASPAA Football P.A. Announcers’ Clinic attendees. 3 Oregon Athletic Directors Association Becomes NASPAA Affiliate Member The Voice

he NASPAA “The OADA Board of The purpose of the Oregon Athletic Directors is pleased Directors voted to Association is: Tto announce become an Affiliate that the Oregon Member of NASPAA to 1. To Improve the educational aspects of Athletic Directors provide professional athletics and their inclusion In the total Association has information for our educational program. become an Affiliate member school Member of the NASPAA. The OADA is a game announcers,” 2. To foster a close working relationship member of the National Interscholastic remarked Bill with the Oregon School Activities Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), Bowers, CMAA, Association (OSAA) and other related which is also an NASPAA Affiliate Member. OADA Executive professional groups. Bill Bowers NASPAA Affiliate Members have the same Director. “Through core values of the NASPAA and have a the NASPAA, these individuals will be able to 3. To improve understanding of athletics similar P.A. announcing philosophy. obtain training, education and professional and establish close working relationships development. Two examples include the among the schools of the State of “We could not be more pleased to have the NASPAA online certification course and P.A. Oregon through the sharing of mutual OADA on the team, and serve as its official announcing manual for game announcers. problems and practices. P.A. announcing resource,” commented Brad These resources will help ensure that Rumble, NASPAA Executive Director. “The our schools receive information about 4. To promote high standards of OADA has a tremendous reputation and is the proper way to announce, which will achievement and ethics in athletics. known for being a class organization with dramatically raise professionalism and outstanding leadership. We are excited to consistency in P.A. announcing. The end Approximately 275 athletic administrators have the opportunity to work with the OADA result is that the quality of our athletic are members of the OADA. Information to help raise the level of professionalism of events will improve, which will provide fans about the OADA may be obtained at P.A. announcing in Oregon high schools.” with a more enjoyable experience.” www.oadaonline.org.

Bob Sheppard P.A. ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR WANTED The NASPAA is seeking nominations for the Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of the Year. Only NASPAA members are eligible. >>>>>> NOMINATION DEADLINE: August 1, 2014 <<<<<<

“P.A. announcers who follow the NASPAA Code of Conduct will definitely enhance their chances for consideration,” commented Glen Waddle, NASPAA NCAA P.A. Announcer of the Year. “Yelling and being over the top won’t cut it.”

“The NASPAA Awards Program is a tremendous membership benefit,” remarked Brian McKiernen, NASPAA High School P.A. Announcer of the Year. Information about the Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of the Year Award may be obtained at www.naspaa.net.

4 2012-2013 Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of the Year Award Recipients Named The Voice

he NASPAA has named the recipients High School Association regional wrestling of the 2012-13 Bob Sheppard P.A. tournament. Zach has been a contributor the TAnnouncer of the Year Award. The NASPAA newsletter, “The Voice.” recipients are Jeffrey Griffin, Wake Forest University, and Zach Mackey, a high school “Zach has a great story,” student in Geneseo, IL. said Brad Rumble, NASPAA executive director. Griffin, representing “When his school’s the category of NCAA basketball announcer P.A. announcers, has missed a game, Zach announced 13 years seized the opportunity and at the University level did the announcements— and since 2001 has as a seventh grader. He’s announced every home Zach Mackey even invested in his football game for Wake enhancing his skills by attending football P.A. Forest University. Alumni announcer clinics.” Jeffrey Griffin and supporters boast that they have the “best announcer anywhere.” The Announcer of the Year Award, a membership benefit of the NASPAA, is “Jeffrey is the consummate professional,” said named for Bob Sheppard, legendary stadium Mike Odom, assistant athletic director. “At announcer for the New York Yankees for 57 Wake Forest, the field hockey and volleyball years, whose professionalism has become the players receive the same effort and attention standard for sports P.A. announcers. as the basketball and football players. Our coaches request Jeffrey to announce their “Bob Sheppard once said that a P.A. games year after year.” announcer is not a cheerleader, or a circus barker or a home town screecher. He’s a Besides announcing for many men’s and reporter,” commented Rumble. “His P.A. women’s Wake Forest sports teams, Griffin announcing philosophy, as simple as it was, has also traveled with the school’s marching is what guided our selections. We are truly bands for competitions. A native of Winston- honored to have the privilege of perpetuating Salem, NC, he also provides the voice-overs for his legacy.” the university’s marketing efforts. The NASPAA is a professional association The recipient of the High School P.A. for sports public address announcers with a Announcer of the Year is Zach Mackey, a mission to raise the level of professionalism student at Geneseo (IL) High School. Zach of P.A. announcing. The awards program is announces baseball, football, softball, sponsored by Clell Wade Coaches Directory wrestling, track and field, and boys and girls and Balfour. basketball. He has also announced the Illinois

5 P.A. Announcer Puts Down the Mic and Picks Up a Camera By Joe Breshears, Aledo, TX The Voice

was privileged to equipment bags filled with shoulder pads, promotional trailer to promote American travel to Portugal helmets, and other equipment - all of which football and the 2014 Dusty Renfro Camp. Iand take part for we left there and gave to the players. For many of the athletes, this was the first the first time in time they had ever seen themselves on what was the 5th A record 100 players attended the week-long tape, and they ate it up. I was honored to Annual Dusty Renfro camp, which was held in Ericeira, Portugal, be invited to go, thrilled to share the week Football Camp, a about an hour from Lisbon. We conducted with my son, and to watch him invest a mission outreach two-a-day practices for four days, followed part of his life in young men who love the of FBC Aledo, our by the annual “Dusty Bowl,” a game between game of football, look forward to this camp Baptist Church in two teams that are put together by a player every summer, and look up to the American Aledo, TX. It was an draft on the night before the game. In the players who coach them. Joe Breshears incredible week, and evenings, we had a chance to eat dinner and it is literally the only football camp of its kind hang out with the players, sharing with them It was a highlight week for me to be sure. anywhere in the world. While I’m normally how our relationship with Jesus Christ has God willing, I hope to return every summer the P.A. announcer for several Aledo High forever changed our lives. going forward. School teams, for this international mission trip/football camp, I was the cameraman, I presented practice tape to the players Breshears announces baseball, softball, taping practices and scrimmages. every night after dinner, and I will be doing basketball and football for Aledo (TX) a highlight video of the week and a short High School. The camp is named for one of our church members, Dusty Renfro, who was a four-year starter at middle linebacker for the Texas Longhorns in the 1990s. Dusty was an Academic All-American who later played briefly for the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers, and in between won a World Bowl with the Rhine Fire in the days of NFL Europe. In addition to Dusty, our group included 17 men, many with tremendous football pedigrees. There were two current football coaches, former defensive ends from TCU and SMU, a former defensive lineman from Tennessee Tech, a former MAC player of the year, two former Texas A&M Aggies (including my son), a former safety/ raider back from Texas Tech, and a current safety from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, TX.

There is tremendous interest in American football in Portugal, and a league has started with six of the 11 football clubs from around the country competing. Much of their equipment has been supplied by donations from Texas high schools and colleges through FBC Aledo. We hauled about 15 All the American coaches (17 from Aledo, including Dusty Renfro in the center in the Aledo Bearcats practice jersey, and others from Kalamazoo, MI and Colorado Springs, CO).

6 Students Deserve P.A. Announcing Opportunities By Christian Martine, Student Announcer, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA The Voice ubways, theaters, by giving color commentary for to announcing. Once tamed by a bit of and sports arenas various sports on our campus experience and study, this energy is Sare associated radio station, WLUR 91.5 FM, complemented by the student’s vested with transportation, during my first year. I will begin interests in supporting his or her peers who entertainment, and public address announcing for are playing. Moreover, there are students feats of human the university this fall. who need a first break. As Zach Mackey, strength and agility. student announcer for Geneseo High The three venues Public speaking ranks up there School (IL) noted in his article in the June share one commonality with death on people’s greatest issue of The Voice, high school is a place very special to me: fears, and that’s before adding for education. Students with an interest in announcements. Among a microphone to the equation. announcing should be given an opportunity my varied interests Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once in school to explore their interests. It is growing up, I discovered joked, “In other words, at a the place for learning and taking chances, that I enjoyed hearing funeral, the average person after all. Just like opportunities are given to professional voices. I would rather be in the casket players on the field or court, cheerleaders became curious what Christian Martine than giving the eulogy.” When on the sidelines, and members of the made a professional voice extra-ordinary, you consider the sheer number of events band performing in the stands or marching and how to acquire one myself. More that require or could use a public address across the field during halftime, student importantly, I listened closely and found announcer, you will quickly find that the announcers should be involved to myself imitating metro announcements and entry levels of announcing are a buyers’ complement the action that is otherwise pre-event briefings. In this way, my history market. High schools generally have a student-centered. in announcing began long before I actually difficult time finding announcers and picked up my first microphone. colleges sometimes have overstretched As numerous NASPAA members individuals trying to fill the wide spectrum recommend, reach out to the athletic That first mic opportunity came in the form of sports. director of the institution you are interested of high school basketball. There was a need in announcing for. You may be referred to for someone to perform (at a minimum) Students are sought and used by many of someone else, and always have the option the pre-game ceremonies, but I offered to these institutions for announcing, but it is to reach out directly to coaches. They have announce the whole program – including can prove difficult to find students in each a special incentive to find someone who the in-game action. It was both a wonderful new class who are able and willing to carve can be that familiar voice to give their opportunity and personally fulfilling to out their schedules to announce season players consistency. be a familiar voice to players and fans of and post-season games. Announcing for my high school. Others picked up on my the first time can be as easy as stepping All-in-all, announcing is great fun. announcing, and I found myself announcing forward. Your talents and interests in Complementing the action on the court games and tournaments outside of school. announcing will likely not land you before or field from the sidelines or press box Before I knew it, I was being asked to a crowd of 50,000 people on day one (if is both rewarding is enjoyable. The best announce a wide variety of contests, and they do, then please submit an article!), but advice for those looking to begin public honored as the 2009-10 NASPAA High you will get your foot in the door and begin address announcing is to reach out to School Student Sports Public Address gaining valuable experience. those in charge and offer your service. Announcer of the Year. You’ll be surprised how eager many The incentive to hire students is equally athletic directors and coaches will be to At Washington and Lee University, I served great. Students bring a strong energy find you!

NASPAA DISCLAIMER The concepts, recommendations and strategies offered by the NASPAA are for general instructional purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice. While the information and recommendations offered have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, the NASPAA makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of such concepts, recommendations or strategies. You are instructed to seek the advice of your school’s legal counsel before incorporating any such concepts, recommendations or strategies into the management or conduct of your school’s public address announcing program. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances of your school’s athletic program. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. In no event will the NASPAA, its agents or employees be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information contained herein or for any consequential, incidental, special or similar damages.

7 New Member Feature Allow Me to Introduce Myself Thomas Ryan, P.A. Announcer University of Detroit Mercy – Detroit, MI The Voice high school and luckily complex in Orlando, my wife worked for became a very good Disney as vice-president in merchandising. player. So good, in fact, When I found out the Atlanta Braves would that when I graduated, play the first professional baseball game at Coach Calihan offered Disney World, I asked her if she could get me me a scholarship to the job doing the PA at that special game. play at the University of Detroit alongside Mission accomplished, she got me that future NBA legend Dave one-time assignment. DeBusschere. However, the job I really enjoyed was doing After college, I got a job the 1988, 1991 and most recently the at a local radio station 2008 NCAA men’s regional basketball as a mail boy, and in tournaments. I did these because the 1966 “Coach,” as I now University of Detroit was the host school. called Mr. Calihan, called and told me they were The very first Pistons NBA game wasn’t looking for a new P.A. without incident. When I was introducing the Tom Ryan announcer. home team Pistons, I said, “And at center, number 54, from the University of Indiana, saw my first college basketball game, in “Gee” I thought, “first, holding up the foul Kent Benson.” The crowd cheered and then fact my first basketball game ever, in early paddles, then punching in the score on the I noticed the 6’11 Benson headed my way. IDecember of 1956 when a fellow 8th grader scoreboard, playing on the team, now P.A. When he got to the scorer’s table he leaned and I snuck into the University of Detroit/ announcer. That head coaching job at U of D down, way down, and said in a stern voice, Louisville contest. is looking good.” “Sir, that’s Indiana University…NOT…the University of Indiana.” I never made that The Detroit coach, Bob Calihan, who was Well, I did end up a head coach, at a local mistake again. my next door neighbor, found about it and Catholic high school, plus I added high school summoned me to his office the following day. basketball referee to my resume, a job I did Once when the Detroit Lions were having a My parents were divorced and “Mr Calihan,” for 35 years. I also made being a radio and bad year, the contact guy for the team came as I always called him, wanted to make sure I TV personality in Detroit my main source of up to the announcer’s booth to inform me stayed the straight and narrow. income, however, during this entire time and that when I announced the Lions’ starting through today, I remain the Public Address lineup not to mention the head coach’s He told me my days of sneaking into Announcer for the Titians of the University of name. “Why?” I asked. “Because he’s sick of basketball games were over and took me into Detroit Mercy. hearing the boos” was the reply. the arena. From then on, he informed me, I would be the person who sat behind the P.A. My wife will ask me, “Why do you continue to The one game I always wanted to do was the announcer and official scorer. When a player do this for $35.00 a game?” The answer is Final Four Men’s NCAA Championship game committed a foul, the man who kept score always the same….”Because Coach Calihan and when it came to Ford Field in Detroit, I would turn around and tell me how many gave me the job and I’ll do it till I get it right.” thought I had a shot at it, but was told they fouls that player had. Then, I would hold up a bring their own guy. paddle with that number on it. Along the way I’ve had some great P.A. jobs because of my affiliation with U of D. I once They wouldn’t even let me hold up the “Wow!” I thought, “I’ve hit the big time!” filled in on a 4th of July weekend as the P.A. paddle. announcer for the Detroit Tigers. From 1978 That job lasted two years and when I went through 1980 I was the Detroit Express into my sophomore year in high school I was professional soccer team P.A. man. I did the Sponsored by promoted to the guy who punches the score Michigan Panthers football of the USFL. Clell Wade Coaches Directory on the scoreboard. “What’s next,” I thought. “Coaching this team?” Not quite. I was a fill in at Detroit Pistons NBA games and for one year when the regular guy took All during this time of my life Coach Calihan, some time off, I did the Pistons for a full as my neighbor and friend, taught me the season. I was also the Detroit Lions P.A. guy game of basketball in his backyard along for three seasons. with his son and daughters. We all loved the game. I attended basketball camps while in When Walt Disney World opened their sports

8 NASPAA and NIAAA Provide Leadership for P.A. Announcing The Voice

s the voice of athletic administrators, P.A. announcing, which was introduced in such change was to replace the current the NIAAA has a special feel for 2004 at the National High School Athletic edition of The Voice Above the Crowd, Athe challenges faced by their Directors Conference in New Orleans. which has been the primary resource for membership. To address these challenges, Every three years, the NASPAA updates the course, with a new edition. Hundreds nine years ago the NIAAA established its and revises LTC 625. The lastest update and hundreds of hours have been devoted Leadership Training Program. Today, athletic was this summer, when Rumble and Kent to this endeavor. With this resource and administrators can enroll in any of 37 State P.A. Announcer Jeff Kurtz, LTC 625 how we are restructuring the course, we graduate-level courses on various topics, Course Chair, met at the NIAAA office in are confident that it will be extremely well and three more will be finalized soon. Indianapolis to rewrite the course. received by the NIAAA.”

Among areas of concern for administrators “Since its inception, the NASPAA has Over the last nine years, more than was their need to supervise those who donated its time and all of it resources 82,000 LTC courses have been taught handle the public address announcing each to the NIAAA for 625,” remarked Kurtz. since the NIAAA began this initiative. year at countless athletic events across the “In January, Brad and I met with Bruce Approximately 8,150 courses were taught country. To do so, the NIAAA reached out to Whitehead, NIAAA Executive Director, last year alone. For more information the National Association of Sports Public to discuss the agreement between our about the NIAAA and leadership training, Address Announcers (NASPAA.) two organizations and the changes that go to www.niaaa.org. The NIAAA is an we are going to make to the course. One Affiliate Member of the NASPAA. “It’s no secret that at that time, P.A. announcing was given little attention,” said Brad Rumble, NASPAA executive director. “Because the NASPAA had taken a leadership role to raise the level of professionalism of P.A. announcing, the NIAAA recognized our organization would be the perfect resource to create a course about P.A. announcing.”

Rumble had been involved with the NIAAA for 36 years, 22 of which were when he was with the NFHS. He understood administrators’ expectations for their announcers. He also establish partnerships with the national associations and organizations such as the NJCAA , NAIA, CoSIDA, NASO, American Legion Baseball and Pony Baseball and Softball, state high school associations and state high school athletic directors associations.

“We gained numerous perspectives on this important matter,” said Rumble. “The NIAAA’s expectations helped us clarify and shape our P.A. announcing philosophy and also contributed to the creation of our manual, The Voice Above the Crowd.”

This manual became the basis of LTC Jeff Kurtz (left), LTC 625 Chair and NASPAA Board Member, and Brad Rumble (right), NASPAA Executive 625, the Leadership Training Course on Director, explain their plans for revising LTC 625 to Bruce Whitehead, NIAAA Executive Director.

Spire Interactive—Official E-Learning Provider of the NASPAA

9 P.A. Announcing Helps Prepare Future Broadcasters By Connor Lenahan, Student P.A. Announcer Abington Heights High School – Clarks Summit, PA The Voice

hen I took over as the announcer the game special for me. I things you say when everyone for the Abington Heights Comets watch football obsessively is listening to you. W(Clarks Summit, PA) in 2011, I had and know the different found my true calling. I was always a sports broadcasters. I was This experience on a small addict, but was unable to play for my high surprised to realize how stage has helped prepare school teams. I suffer from a condition much overlap there is with me to hopefully transition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, which what these guys do in the to bigger stages. This fall causes brittle bones and easy fractures. booth. I will be attending Boston University, and will be looking Instead of playing, I studied the game. When My broadcasting idols have for all the opportunities I can the opportunity to take over the role of a professional polish, and to further extend my career announcer for the girls and boys basketball I tried to bring the same in broadcasting. I hope one teams presented itself, I snatched it like principles of professional day to have people list off David Tyree in Super Bowl 42, holding that presentation and accuracy legendary broadcasters and chance for dear life. to the mic at Abington. Connor Lenahan have my name listed alongside To me, even though I was Costas, Scully, Nantz, I got the privilege of announcing two of the announcing a high school varsity basketball Michaels and Madden. I owe that possibility best seasons in Abington Heights’ history for game, I approached it like it was game 7 to P.A. announcing. the boys team, including runs to consecutive of the NBA finals. To me, the games were state quarterfinal bids. I also had the the most important sporting events on the I never took a snap in football, or dribbled privilege of announcing the best player the planet, and I treated them as such. a basketball. I never swung at a pitch and guys team has ever had, JC Show (Class of never wore a Comets uniform. But, if you 2014, Bucknell). As much as I wanted to give my team ask any of the players or coaches or fans, a boost, as a P.A. announcer, I learned they will tell you that I was a part of the team I grew up admiring broadcasters like Bob restraint. I learned what is appropriate to all the same. All because of P.A. announcing, Costas and Jim Nantz, the “voices” of so say on a microphone and what is not. Things and really, that means more to me than many sporting events. These guys make you say as a fan are strikingly different from words could ever say.

Who Are You?

The NASPAA is interested in knowing about you. When the new website was built, a personal page was created for each member to provide information about his or her announcing history.

This information is extremely important as it helps the NASPAA determine the membership profile. If you have not provided the information requested on your personal page, please do so as soon as possible.

To access your personal page, you will need to log in. If you have not set a password or have forgotten it, when you enter your e-mail address, use Forgot Password.

10 Something to Cheer About: Not a Duty of P.A. Announcers By Richard Keller, CPPA Elkridge, MD The Voice

e have all been there. After the was not about rules or announcements, but games because welcome and sportsmanship about sportsmanship. Both representatives I recognize the Wannouncements, it is time for team emphasized that the tournament was not importance of introductions, starting with the visitors. The a home game and the announcer was treating both announcer, in their best overnight FM radio DJ expected to be even handed. I was pleased the visitors and imitation, talks in a bored monotone. Finally, to tell both representatives that NASPAA home team with the announcer completes the seemingly stood for sportsmanship and that there sportsmanship onerous task of introducing the foe. would be no issues with announcements and respect. favoring the host school. Then, almost as if they were plugged into In P. A . an electrical socket, the announcer is This doesn’t mean that the home team announcing, “less transformed. It is time to introduce the should be announced monotone. There’s is best.” The home team. Every player is introduced as absolutely nothing wrong with showing some bottom line is if it were a WWF wrestling event. Every enthusiasm for the home team, but there is that both teams player’s name, even John Jones, has at least a fine line that should not be crossed. We deserve respect. seven syllables. The announcer is nearly (or have all been to games and events where Your ability to Richard Keller literally) screaming the names. If you don’t the P.A. announcer sounded as if he or she meet that requirement will be a big step have a scorecard, you won’t know the name were a ring announcer introducing a fighter. in promoting sportsmanship, setting the being introduced. Sadly, that practice does little for the image tone for a positive environment and helping of P.A. announcing. provide a positive experience for players, The game starts. Every announcement coaches, officials and fans. Now that is about the visitors is made with disinterest, It should be noted that when announcing something to cheer about. but every home team announcement gets tournaments, there should be no difference in an over-the-top treatment. “Basket by how announcements are made for the visitors Keller is in his 18th season behind the Norrrrrmmmm Johnnnnsonnnn!” “Billy Smith and home team, even if by seeding the home microphone. He is the announcer for the for threeeeeeee!” school happens to be the home team. Catonsville Campus of the Community College of Baltimore County and University Such announcements happen far too often. Always remember that the visitors are not of Maryland Field Hockey. He also It may be the “style” of the announcer, or rivals or enemies, they are guests. We should announces for other Junior Colleges in it may be what the home team expects. treat our guests the same way we would in Maryland and American and Catholic But at the end of the day, over-the-top our own homes – with respect and courtesy Universities in Washington, D.C. He has announcements are disrespectful and announced more than 1,900 events in his unsportsmanlike to the visitors and can be I have been proud of many career, including two NCAA Field Hockey very difficult for fans to understand. accomplishments in 17 years of finals. He is a member of NASPAA’s 1000 announcing. But one of my proudest Club. You can view a list of the 1000 Club In the words of the late Bob Sheppard, achievements is that I have often worked Members at www.naspaa.net. Richard was considered to be the greatest P.A. announcer games where my “home” school is on also the 2009-10 NASPAA Junior College ever, “A P.A. announcer is not a cheerleader, the road. I have been able to call such P.A. Announcer of the Year. or a circus barker, or a hometown screecher. He’s a reporter.” Credit: NASPAA One would have to ask why P.A. announcers feel compelled to cheer or try to incite fans, when in fact, that’s the job of pep bands, cheer squads and mascots. These young people work hard to do what they do best on game-day, which is to get the crowd excited. That’s their role. The role of the P.A. announcer is to provide pertinent information in a timely manner and to do so professionally, not entertain or use his or her position to try and gain an advantage for the home team.

Over the past two years, I have had the privilege and honor of announcing tournaments for the Patriot League and the NCAA. What was striking about the events was the initial conversation with the league representatives. The opening discussion Cheerleading is the role of cheerleaders, not P.A. announcers. 11 NFL Announcers Exchange Questions About P.A. Announcing The Voice

ith the football season about to led to me announcing the Big Ten Football I have the begin, the NASPAA thought it would Championship in 2011, 2012 and again this first down Wbe interesting to give two of our year in December. call that is members who are NFL stadium announcers also done the opportunity to ask each other a To your final point, in 1998 when the Colts with other question or two about their P.A. announcing. drafted Peyton Manning they also hired a teams Participating in the question exchange are new marketing director to help build up the around the Mike Jansen, Stadium Announcer of the fan following and sell season tickets. One of league— Indianapolis Colts, and Tom Kinder, Stadium the first promotions marketing did was open “That’s Announcer of the Cincinnati Bengals. Below tryouts for the public address announcer another are their questions and responses. position. More than 350 people tried out to Indianapolis audition, and I went down to Colts...... ” Tom Kinder: Mike, I know the tryouts to give it a shot. and the the Colts moved into a They invited back the top 16 fans finish new stadium just a few and the Colts marketing staff with “FIRST years ago. How did you get were the judges; they narrowed DOWN.” Mike Jansen this job originally, and how it down to another guy and did this move affect how me. We each announced Tom Kinder: Each year, just before the you do your job? alternating quarters of the season starts, I meet with Bengals’ first home preseason game management to discuss how they envision Mike Jansen: Tom, thanks of the highly talked about the game day operation to unfold. During this for the note. Moving match-up between the Colts meeting I’m able to discuss those aspects to Lucas Oil Stadium and Chargers, between Peyton that can help me keep our fans informed and from the RCA Dome has Manning and Ryan Leaf. I got a fully engaged in the game. not really affected my call from the marketing director announcing. The most the following week, and he As a result of our pre-season meeting, I’m able noticeable difference is asked if I would like to work for to secure all my “reads” three days in advance people say that Lucas Oil Tom Kinder the Indianapolis Colts. so I can review them and/or rewrite them to does not get as loud as the RCA Dome did. fit my cadence. Along with the “reads,” I also In 2007, the last year at the RCA Dome, you People often ask if I had any training get a list of visiting team pronunciations so may recall an ESPN reporter accused the announcing. I had been, and still am, a I’m ready to go each Sunday. Colts of piping in extra sound. He said there voice-over talent. I was also the public is no way the dome could be that loud just address announcer for the Indianapolis Ice Lastly, just this year, I lobbied for and got from the fans. minor league hockey team in 1992-1993. approval for better lighting in our booth. The Thanks again and good luck to the Bengals Bengals have made the playoffs during three Well, it was the fans. The Colts did not pipe in this season. of the last four years, and as a result, are extra sound. Lucas Oil does not get that loud. playing more nationally televised games at Mike Jansen: Tom, I hope you are doing well. night. The improved lighting will help make I am glassed in at the press box level and I It’s great to reach out to another NFL public sure we’re on top of our game. Like all NFL get that feedback from fans. address announcer. As we enter pre-season, teams we have two home pre-season games. I wanted to learn about your game day Our focus is to treat each pre-season game To your next point—yes, it is a blessing preparation in terms of when you arrive at as if it’s the AFC Championship game. We’ll to hold the announcing position with the the stadium and what is your routine leading be ready to go for Game #1 against the Colts. This is my 16th season and I hope up to kick-off. Also, I am curious what fan Titans. Thanks for your questions...and good to go as long as they will let me. It has also interaction calls you have with Bengals’ fans. luck this season!

12 P.A. Announcing and Internet Broadcasting Have Something In Common By Tom Skinner Sports Director, Student Broadcast Federation – Clio, MI The Voice

hroughout my sports P.A. skills early, they were able In its modest existence, the Student life as a fan, a to use those experiences as Broadcast Foundation has provided the Tstudent-athlete at the a springboard into broadcast students in the organization opportunities to high school and college journalism careers. broadcast the Michigan High School Athletic levels, and later with my Association football state championship work as a sportscaster over The NASPAA provides games from Ford Field, home of the Detroit the last 34 years, I have professional develop Lions. These game broadcast opportunities come to appreciate the opportunities for students have also included Catholic High School importance of the sports who are just beginning P.A. League of Detroit Championship games public address announcer. announcing, as well as for from Calihan Hall in Detroit (home of the seasoned veterans who University of Detroit men’s and women’s In this time I have learned choose to hone and improve basketball), Joe Louis Arena (home of how important the public their work. Visit www.naspaa. the Detroit Red Wings), Comerica Park address announcer’s role Tom Skinner net for more information. (home of the Detroit Tigers), as well as is at sporting events at every level and student broadcast of two Detroit Pistons every different sport I have attended as a For many students in the state of Michigan, games at The Palace of Auburn Hills. fan, athlete and working member of the that first step into the world of broadcast press. In fact, long before I broadcasted journalism is happening through Internet For Jeremy Otto, a recent graduate of the my first game on the radio, I worked radio and the Student Broadcast Foundation. University of Detroit Jesuit High School in behind the microphone as a public Detroit, the experience, earned through his address announcer while in high school. The Student Broadcast Foundation work as a public address announcer for (http://studentbroadcastfoundation.org/) his high school games as well as working That experience helped me learn the was established October of 2012, by Thom through Student Broadcast Foundation basics of organizing my information and Lengyel (Advanced Media Services, LLC), Ken Internet Radio broadcast program, has working at pronouncing names correctly, Kolb (former Director of Television - Catholic paid dividends already. Otto, also a student while delivering the information and Television Network of Detroit), and George member of the Detroit Sports Broadcaster’s speaking succinctly. The more I worked at Eichorn (Executive Director of the Detroit Association, is attending Marygrove College this unique and important role, the more Sports Broadcasters Association and SBF in Detroit, and will continue to pursue his confident I became behind a microphone. Board member). They are all longtime broadcasting career as the lead voice of broadcasting veterans whose goal was to the Mustangs’ internet broadcasts. With the advent of the Internet have create educational opportunities for high come new possibilities and opportunities school students interested in broadcasting, “I was the Freshman and JV basketball P.A. in broadcast journalism. Today, there sports information and media relations. The announcer for U of D Jesuit,” said Otto, who are more opportunities for anyone, of Student Broadcast Foundation began working served as President of Cub Sportscast, the any age, who is interested in working with Detroit area high schools by helping broadcast arm of the University of Detroit in the sports media industry. Whether schools create student broadcasting clubs. Jesuit High School. He would eventually it is Internet radio, or Internet video average 60-80 Internet broadcasts of broadcasts, avenues to broadcast in Through the formation of the student high school games for U of D Jesuit. these areas are opening all the time. broadcasting clubs in the Metro Detroit area high schools, the SBF has put a focus “One thing that carries over from radio For those young people aspiring to work on broadcast and web-based tools, while broadcasting to P.A. announcing is in the broadcasting industry, there is no providing an instructional platform to preparation. Let’s face it, if you mess up a better first step than to learn the essential showcase schools tenets of what a professional Sports Public and teams in a Address Announcer should provide. The functional and aspiring P.A. announcer needs training, promotionally education and to develop the combination beneficial way. The of skills that will contribute to a positive fan DSBA has helped experience for sports events at all levels. provide broadcast equipment funding, The National Association of Sports Public enabling schools Address Announcers (NASPAA) has been to broadcast their providing this service through their student/ games on Internet high school membership program for years. Radio. The SBF Through those memberships they have has supported the helped provide that first step for individuals instructors and of all ages. Many professional announcers their students with began their careers after becoming student properly engineered members of the NASPAA in their high school radio equipment. or college years. By developing tangible 13 continued on p.14 P.A. AND BROADCASTING HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON, continued from page 13 The Voice name over the P.A. it is worse than doing it on radio or TV. You never want to do it in either situation, but in a P.A. situation the Letter to the Editor fans are right in front of you,” he added. Hello Mr. Rumble, The benefits to students in particular, to have memberships in both the National My name is Alex Crook, and I attended the clinic last month at Association of Sports Public Address De La Salle High School. I’m just letting you know that I was Announcer’s and the Student Broadcast extremely pleased with what I heard at the clinic. Having never Foundation, seem to be a merger of had any experience with P.A. announcing, it was really cool to talents and resources that have and learn from the best. will continue to be a win, win, win. I will be a freshman at Saint Mary’s College in California this fall, and have already asked to be the P.A. Announcer for Skinner has worked in sports broadcasting baseball games next spring. I am a sports management major, for 34 years. He is currently a staff member but after attending the clinic, I’m thinking about a double and sports director of the Student Broadcast major in communications, as well. Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps teach aspiring sportscasters Next time you hear from Gary Williams, please give him my Alex Crook at the high school level in Michigan. regards, and tell him I said thank you for a great clinic. Very Additionally he is a sportscaster with Play well done. I will be attending the next one at DLS. Thank you. on Sports Midwest and the Michigan High Best wishes, Alex Crook School Athletic Association Network.

14 For information about membership and Not A the NASPAA, go to www.naspaa.net. Member? “Whether you are a rookie If you are a P.A. announcer or have the announcer or a seasoned responsibility of hiring or assigning veteran, the NASPAA can help you to become a better P.A. announcers, the NASPAA announcer, connect with other would like to invite you to become announcing professionals and a member. The annual individual provide tools for self-evaluation and continued professional membership fee for adults is $30 and growth in the eld.” $20 for students. Schools may join Je Kurtz, CPAA for $69, which entitles them to six Kent State University P.A. Announcer and NASPAA Board Member memberships.

Affiliate Members

National Interscholastic Athletic Pennsylvania Mississippi High Missouri State High Kansas State High Tennessee College Sports Administrators Interscholastic Ohio High School School Activities School Activities School Activities Georgia High School Secondary School Information Association Athletic Association Athletic Association Association Association Association Association Athletic Association Directors of America

National Junior National Association National Federation Louisiana High Michigan High Texas University College Athletic of Intercollegiate of State High School Indiana High School Oregon School School Athletic American Legion School Athletic Interscholastic Association Athletics Associations Athletic Association Activities Association Association Baseball Association League

Mississippi Washington Iowa High School Kentucky High School North Carolina High California Association of Interscholastic Athletic Directors Athletic Directors School Athletic Illinois High School PONY Baseball Interscholastic National Association Coaches Activities Association Association Association Association Association and Softball Federation of Sports Officials

Oregon Athletic Directors Association 15