By Jimmy Aaron

Girls’ basketball coach and guitar teacher Eli Moore took the place of science teacher Jay Zimmerman as the announcer for the Homecoming football game, and all future home games.

Moore feels his announcing style is more down-to-earth. While he tends to be more factual, Z is more emotional.

“The only time I get emotional is when we get a touchdown,” Moore said. “[Jay Zimmerman] is one of the best announcers around,” he added.

Mr. Moore’s chant of “Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown!” is indeed one of the few moments in which he projects emotion. The chant comes from Kent Pavelka, the announcer for the Nebraska Huskers in the early nineties.

“I’m a big Huskers fan,” Moore said.

According to Mr. Moore, he wouldn’t be able to announce effectively if it wasn’t for the assistance of his spotter, former assistant football coach Andy Wold.

“He’s up there with the binoculars,” Moore said. “He’s the backbone of the operation. I learn something from him every game.”

Moore’s qualifications for the position of announcer come from involvement in performing arts, as well as 10 years of experience as an announcer prior to coming to Legend.

“I [announced] 10 years at Chaparral,” Moore said. “Being a singer and performer helps.”

The stressors that come with announcing can affect anyone, even somebody as experienced as Moore. One stressor he highlights is the delay between speaking and broadcasting over the stadium intercoms.

“You’re already on the next thought. The echo effect can make you stumble,” Moore said.

The environment of the announcer’s booth may be stressful, but it is its own reward. Such an outlook reflects Moore’s experience and comfort with announcing.

“It’s the best seat in the house,” Moore said.