- November 19, 2024
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If you have attended any football or boys basketball games at Flagler Palm Coast High School over the last few years, Kevin Lewis’ voice might sound familiar.
That’s because he’s the one announcing plays through the microphone as the Bulldogs’ public address announcer.
Last week’s FPC vs. Matanzas boys hoops game was Lewis’ 500th career game that he has announced.
The Palm Coast Observer recently asked him a few questions ...
What sports have you announced? Where?
I have announced basketball, football, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, and I even have been a Master of Ceremony for beauty pageants. I began at Union Grove High School, in McDonough, Ga. From there, I worked with RV&R Video Productions, Georgia College & State University, and FPC while also mixing in a few others here and there.
What was your first time behind the microphone like?
My first game was varsity basketball at Union Grove High School, in 2003. I got the job because I was doing stats for the varsity girls coach, and the PA announcer did not show up. The athletics director came over and said, “We need someone to announce tonight.” And me being the smart aleck-y high school kid said, “I’ll do it. How hard could it be?” When he said OK, I was quick to try and backpedal, but he put me behind the microphone anyway. I did two games that night and after that, the AD told me to not make any plans for the next couple of years because he found a job for me.
Lots of words are said. Have you made any funny mistakes?
I have had a few funny moments from bad mispronunciations to announcing to an entire stadium that a fake punt was going on just after the snap (in my first football game). I have learned that a PA announcer does not have to give play-by-play — that actually takes away from the experience, in my opinion. I think it is easier to let everything happen, give a quick review and turn my microphone back off. That gives everyone the experience they are looking for.
What have you learned over the last 500 games?
I have learned that my favorite call over the years is probably a tie between the home team starting lineups in a basketball game — especially with an active crowd — or a late touchdown for the home team in packed football stadium. What a lot of people don’t know is that it is 100 times easier for announcer to get in the game when the crowd is in the game. If people are responding to a first down call or a big 3-pointer, then I am more into the game and feel like I am at my best.
Be honest: How many hours have you spent in front of the mirror practicing your 3-point call?
I can honestly say I have never practiced any of my calls. I get people asking to hear me to see what I sound like. All I can tell them is come to a game. I am not sure where the voice change comes from or what causes it, but it only seems to work when I turn on the mic.
