In the Upper School (US) Athletic Department, students have been able to serve as managers, timekeepers, and even data analysts. Two new roles made their debut at this year’s Homecoming Varsity Football (VFB) game: student announcer and press box spotter.
The student announcer’s job is to address the crowd at the athletic games with key information about the game or plays, while the press box spotter assists the announcer in knowing what players were involved. These roles have been active at home VFB games following Homecoming and plan to remain so for the rest of the season.
Chief Learning Officer Jed Lippard, who initiated the implementation of both roles, wanted to bring the student announcer role to the school because of his experience in a similar position as a junior in high school.
“I wanted to provide the same opportunity to students at BB&N who love sports but may not be as compelled to play at an elite level.”
Dr. Lippard said the press box spotter lightens the load of the announcer and makes the calls more accurate.
“It’s really hard to announce the game and see all of the action on the field without a spotter,” he said. “Having a second person in the booth allows us to be a lot more precise with the calls, in turn enabling us to announce the names of more of the student-athletes on the field.”
Additional commentary excites both players and fans, increasing engagement at football games, he said.
Announcing the game and introducing the starting lineups definitely adds a dynamic element to the high school football experience for the players and spectators alike,” he said. “It’s fun to energize the crowd with a signature call. After a big play on offense, I like to say, ‘First and ten, BB&N,’ and the crowd usually responds with a big applause.”
While the announcer position currently exists solely for football, Dr. Lippard hopes to expand the program to cover more teams.
“Who knows? Maybe we can even extend to other sports in subsequent seasons.”
Robbie Baker ’25, the first student announcer this year, said his love for sports sparked his initial interest in the job.
“I’ve always watched sports, and I like to kind of announce at home, like call up plays, but I think this is a great way to kind of get involved with that interest.”
For Robbie, the role allows him to interact with a larger group of students, he said.
“I think it is a great way to get connected with the school community. I think it’s important to have a member of the student body in a position like that where you’re heard by all of your fellow classmates, and it brings the community together.”
The position requires him to keep track of details and stay focused, which can be difficult but rewarding, he said.
“You got to get the tackler, if it’s a pass- play with the quarterback and the receiver, you got to get the yardage, if it’s a first down, what down it is. It’s super fun, super rewarding, and super exciting.”
Like Dr. Lippard, he thinks the position is a way to include every student in athletics. He said he takes pride in getting to play that role.
“If you get to call out your buddies for a big play and if BB&N scores a touchdown, it’s super exciting, and I’m the guy who gets to bring the energy and call that out over the loudspeaker.”
