The end of an announcing era

When you go to Franklin Field this fall, pay close attention to the raspy voice booming from above. It’s a voice that every Penn grad should recognize. It’s a voice that’s been announcing Quaker football games for the past-half century.

But this season will be the last time you’ll hear that recognizable voice; after 50 years on the job, C.T. Alexander will retire as the Franklin Field public address announcer.

Last week, I went to Franklin Field to interview C.T. along with his son, John Alexander, who has been his chief spotter for 30 years. The three of us went up to the crumbling press box (which is now only used for coaches) to talk about some of their favorite memories and snap some photos. It was a truly great interview – which says something since it was over 100 degrees that day.

C.T. Alexander with his son John in the Franklin Field press box

My story on the father/son announcing team will run in the September/October Gazette issue, so I can’t give away too many spoilers here. But, for your reading entertainment, I can share some notes C.T. gave me on his “accomplishments.” (You’ll see why that word is in quotes.)

• Dean of Stadium Announcers (self-appointed)
• First to use color-coded spotter sheets; first to use recycled paper for spotter sheets
• First announcing team to stand at attention during the entire national anthem – at every game
• First Voice to have pre-game warm-up that includes a prescribed regimen of triple-gargle, mike holding and voice testing
• First Voice to climb the steps to the Penn press box without stopping
• Considered “Best Dressed Ivy Stadium Announcer” six of the last ten years and three years running.
• Only Ivy League stadium announcer to have organized a card section for the Penn stands during his undergraduate years. (Ed’s note: If you don’t know what a card section is, watch the Budweiser World Cup commercial with the fans trying to distract the guy taking a penalty kick.)

Also, in case anyone is curious as to what a football P.A. announcer brings to a game (well, at least, C.T.), here’s a list: press pass, seat cushion, Penn two-deep, opposition two-deep, binoculars (2), ref signals guide, parking permit, ballpoint pen, duct tape, radio  & earphones, other games score sheets, newspaper radio listings, sunscreen, higlighter, hat. (Man, when I cover games, all I bring are a press pass, pen, and occasionally even a notebook.)

In all seriousness, C.T. will be missed. Like his good friend Coach Lake (the Penn football legend who passed away in April), the late basketball P.A. man John McAdams and Palestra caretaker Dan Harrell, he is the kind of person that makes college athletics so great.

The Penn football season begins in two months. Just remember to pay attention to The Voice.