Some schools have to find a new P. A. announcer every year or two.  Some get lucky and find someone who can be the voice of the team for half a decade or more, but Ken Grams of Elk Grove (IL), he’s been at is half a century.

Grams has had plenty of experiences behind the microphone in his first 49 years, some that fellow announcers have encountered.

“I think it’s very important before every game to go to somebody on the other team and find out how to say everybody’s name,” said Grams, who believes his total of games announced is around 230. “Everyone is entitled to have their name said properly.”

There are always challenges for Grams. One came from a couple of former Grenadiers. Try as he might, getting it right became a 50-50 proposition.

“The mother one time told me I was saying their last name wrong,” Grams said as he recalled one of his favorite stories.

He went with what she told him and corrected the problem. Or so he thought.

“Then at halftime, I run into their dad, and he told me now I’m saying it wrong,” Grams laughed.

Daily Herald: A milestone season for the voice of Elk Grove Football

If you’re in the Elk Grove area, be sure to stop in and congratulate Grams on his service and dedication to announcing and to high school athletics.