Miscellaneous

         If you have ever been to a Gobbler volleyball, football or basketball game or a wrestling match you know that you hear results and information from someone, right? Do you ever put a face to that "voice"? Well, we did and we've got some pretty great "voices" that bring those results and information to you. They also do something special. They keep the crowd fired up as well. As a 40-year veteran of bringing games to Gobbler fans, either on radio or as a P.A. announcer, I know a "voice" when I hear one. Let's hear from those "voices" about how they got started.

 Jason Long- “I admired Jason Henke and how he announced football. He made an informative, fun and electric atmosphere for all fans at football games. I was impressed by the amount of effort that the Aitkin Football Association emphasized an optimal Atmosphere for players a fans. I also fel like we are doing a better job of publicly thanking many of the loyal people and businesses that support our youth. So when Henke started coaching football again that’s when I took over. I’m glad he went back to coaching because first he is an awesome coach and teacher and the second is I have a blast doing it with my spotting crew Jesse Kunz and Eric Ostrowski. Picking up the volleyball gig was a blessing. At one point I was sitting courtside announcing while half the varsity volleyball players on the floor were three of my daughters. That was my favorite moment of announcing. I would love to have the pure silky smooth tone of Dave Sadlowsky mixed with Jason Henke’s Harley Davidson pipes. My goal is to create the same environment of every other “Voice of the Gobblers” has done before me. If that’s how I’m remembered someday then it was impactful.”

Dave Sadlowsky-“My intrigue for PA announcing started back in the 70’s and 80’s while attending St. John’s University sporting events with my ad-football, basketball and hockey. I can still remember imitating those announcers voices. Mr. Starz at the football games and the Johnnie hockey announcer..and the Johnnie’s are back at full strength, I started announcing junior baseball while living in St. Louis Park. Upon moving to Aitkin my boys and i would attend Gobbler basketball games and sit in the bleachers to observe legendary announcer John Woodrow with Steve Sandberg at his side. When Mr. Woodrow decided to retire from the PA mic, I asked AD Jason Cline if a guy like me could do it, seven years later here I am still at the table. I enjoy meeting with the opposing players and game officials to confirm their proper name pronunciations and being a part of the game production-feeling the energy from the players, coaches and the crowd. I also really enjoy the special halftime performances, National Anthem performances and the Aitkin Color Guard presentation.”

Dan Stifter-"I just wanted to help out; I had sat with Lance Bauman in a few radio broadcasts. They needed an announcer for a new season, and I said I would do it. After coaching for so long it is fun to stay involved and in a small way still be a part of Aitkin wrestling."