Lancaster track coach Beverly Humphrey loves to hear John Pritchett announce her school’s name. Just the way he says Lancaster at the UIL state track and field meet, stretching out the first syllable, feels special.
Laaaain-kister. As in the Lancaster girls team just won a race, set a record, or as is often the case, won another state title.
Pritchett has said that many times in his 31 years as the public-address announcer for the UIL state meet. But Pritchett, in a 50-year run as an announcer that has included thousands of Dallas ISD sporting events, has said just about everything many times.
And, at 81, Pritchett still loves doing it. Every sport, every event, every venue — it always feels new and exciting. It shows in his enthusiastic voice, a gravelly-tinged Texas drawl that is commanding, entertaining and strong.
“I get hoarse sometimes,” Pritchett said, “but once I turn that microphone on, it usually clears up.”
Pritchett is the announcer at Dallas ISD’s Kincaide Stadium and Davis Fieldhouse, but his voice can be heard in many other places. Pritchett doesn’t know how many events he’ll announce during this school year, but even a conservative estimate is pretty astounding.
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