I was wondering if anybody would be good enough to reflect on some track PA announcers you've heard.
Some who stand out to me. Frank Zarnowski (sp) is just incredible. I went down to Georgia Tech to see Stephen Harris try to qualify for the NCAAs a few years ago. Frank was just strolling around the infield basically ad-libbing the whole thing with a remote mike, occasionally referring to his notes! But he was so good and smooth and prepared that it seemed like he was reading a prepared script! Wow! When Harris made his final attempt in the pole vault (his weakest event), Frank said, "And Stephen Harris gives it the ole college try!" Frank was totally aware of the situation (Tennessee needed Harris to have a chance to win NCAAs and everything was riding on this one vault) and he got off a classic remark that everybody present enjoyed. As I understand, Frank specializes in multi-event events.
At the Olympics here in Atlanta, Bob Hersh and I believe a certain editor of a certain track magazine were behind the mike if I'm not mistaken. Also at the Oly trials? It was a great job by them at an electric meet. I'm thinking that Bob also did the NCAAs in Knoxville, but I can't remember.
If I may yet again drop in a reference to my own school, Dr. Buck Jones at Tennessee (former PA man at Tom Black Track) was incredible. He made the races and events seem like the Olympics, with beautiful introductions and knowledgeable commentary. I hated that he hung up the mike, even though he is still around the program.
http://web.utk.edu/~sals/staff/Jones.html
Who are some other great PA announcers that have helped make our sport so great?
Some who stand out to me. Frank Zarnowski (sp) is just incredible. I went down to Georgia Tech to see Stephen Harris try to qualify for the NCAAs a few years ago. Frank was just strolling around the infield basically ad-libbing the whole thing with a remote mike, occasionally referring to his notes! But he was so good and smooth and prepared that it seemed like he was reading a prepared script! Wow! When Harris made his final attempt in the pole vault (his weakest event), Frank said, "And Stephen Harris gives it the ole college try!" Frank was totally aware of the situation (Tennessee needed Harris to have a chance to win NCAAs and everything was riding on this one vault) and he got off a classic remark that everybody present enjoyed. As I understand, Frank specializes in multi-event events.
At the Olympics here in Atlanta, Bob Hersh and I believe a certain editor of a certain track magazine were behind the mike if I'm not mistaken. Also at the Oly trials? It was a great job by them at an electric meet. I'm thinking that Bob also did the NCAAs in Knoxville, but I can't remember.
If I may yet again drop in a reference to my own school, Dr. Buck Jones at Tennessee (former PA man at Tom Black Track) was incredible. He made the races and events seem like the Olympics, with beautiful introductions and knowledgeable commentary. I hated that he hung up the mike, even though he is still around the program.
http://web.utk.edu/~sals/staff/Jones.html
Who are some other great PA announcers that have helped make our sport so great?
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