meet announcers

RE: meet announcers

Former Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2003 10:11:02 GMT

I loved the announcers too; the background information on the swimmers was fun to hear. I did notice a lot of local Arizona swimming knowledge! I do have a warning for anyone who does this announcing, though. I did see one heat at the meet where the announcer was announcing the race in one pool (odd) and the race was starting in the other pool. The announcer managed to say "Lane 4" just as the swimmers had come to their marks and the swimmer in lane 4 stood up just as the horn went off, thinking that the starter was speaking to her. She did not swim the race, and I'm sure she was very displeased. So be careful if you are the announcer. It is a lot of balls to juggle. Swim fast, Greg

RE: meet announcers

Former Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2003 11:16:50 GMT

The two main announcers for the meet were Duncan Scott and Phil Whitten. Duncan is the announcer for Arizona State swim meets and does an amazing job. His race analysis and knowledge of the swimmers is incredible. He will also be the announcer at the Santa Clara Invitational this year. If you ever get a chance to hear Duncan call a PAC-10 meet it is something that should not be missed. Phil Whitten is an Arizona Masters swimmer who also happens to be the Editor-in-Chief of Swim, Swimming World and Swim Technique. We are lucky to have someone with his talents training in the area. I have never met anyone with Phil's ability to pull obscure swimming facts up at will. He is a walking treasure trove of masters swimming knowledge. Tom Boak also filled in as an announcer for a few events. Tom was a great help and a wonderful volunteer. In addition to helping us with the meet, Tom also got to call the race where his wife, Carolyn Boak, broke a national record. Rich Ripley was the announcer for each morning's warm-ups. He is a member of the organizing committee for the meet and husband of triple Olympic gold medallist, Melissa Belote-Ripley. Glad you enjoyed their work. I felt that they added a tremendous amount to the meet and we were lucky to have their help. Mark Gill Meet Director (retired)

RE: meet announcers

MegSmath — Mon, 02 Jun 2003 02:11:11 GMT

Tom Boak did some announcing early in the meet too. All the announcers were superb. Our team had some younger swimmers who were at their first nationals, and they commented too how great the announcers were, and how much they added to the atmosphere. They were great! Everybody in Arizona was great. Hats off to Mark Gill and all the Arizona Masters!

RE: meet announcers

Jim Clemmons — Sat, 31 May 2003 10:34:19 GMT

Hiya Greg, Phil Whitten was one and I heard the name of one other but I don't recall it at the moment. I'm sure someone will.