A voice from above
Jack Hittinger
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Sports
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A heavenly voice bellows from Hillsdale resident Greg Morgan. Monday's game marked Morgan's first game as full-time public address announcer for both the men's and women's basketball teams, although he has been subbing on-and-off for three years.
"I'm excited for the opportunity," Morgan said before the game. "It's a ton of fun."
His boss, Sports Information Director Brad Monastiere, says he's excited to have Morgan fulltime this year.
"He adds a very personal touch," Monastiere said. "He's great about keeping the fans informed, both about the game and other college events."
Morgan, who sells medical supplies as a day job, began his PA career doing girl's basketball games at Hillsdale High School on the recommendation of Sandy Nussbaum, wife of Associate Professor of Chemistry Mark Nussbaum. He had never announced before, but she told the high school booster club he had a "good announcer's voice" and they hired him.
When he began announcing Hillsdale College games, he had to adjust to the faster pace - especially for the men's game.
"They're both fast games," he said. "But especially the men's. It's important to keep with the pace and not look away."
To prepare for the games, Morgan visits the opposing team's Web site to "do a little homework." Then he prints out a script for himself, usually containing announcements, player introductions and a few phrases to use during the game.
"But it can't be too scripted during the game," he said. "You just have to be enthusiastic."
Pronouncing names correctly poses the biggest challenge. Some advice?
"Do not let the moms of the players yell out the proper pronunciation of their names," he said. "That's a biggie."
To combat this, he tries to arrive about an hour before tip-off, talking to both coaches and, if possible, the players, to make sure he pronounces each name properly.
"I think the hardest team to announce was two or three years ago when Wayne State came in here with five Lithuanians," he said with a smile. "I made it a point to ask each of them to sound it out for me."
One of Morgan's trademarks is making note of good assists.
"No one does assists," he said. "Every other announcer I've heard comments after huge baskets, but half the time it's a sweet pass that got them the points in the first place. So if there's an exceptional pass I try and acknowledge it."
During the game, Morgan also has to keep track of substitutions and fouls. Mass substitutions during free throws are especially hard.
"It's tough to get them all in while the game's going on and stay focused," he said, right before a free throw in which four players came in.
Morgan also said there is a temptation to announce too much.
"You're not a play-by-play announcer but you still want to keep people informed," he said. "So you have to find a happy balance."
As the Chargers pulled away in the game, Morgan's commentary became more colorful.
"Three threes in a row for Tim Homan, and he's on fire!" Morgan shouted during the Chargers 24-4 run, all scored by Homan, in the second half.
One thing Morgan would like to see is increased community support at games, especially since the GLIAC looks to be very competitive this year.
"I think if people started coming, they'd be hooked," he said. "[The GLIAC] is an exciting brand of basketball."
Morgan will be announcing every home game this season, including the first regular season men's home game Monday against the University of Indianapolis.
Hillsdale College Collegian, 2007
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