Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Tech Athletics Department has announced that Mike Sparrer will become the new public address announcer for Hokies’ men’s basketball games. Sparrer was selected following an open application and interview process, conducted during September.
Sparrer is no stranger to Virginia Tech and its sporting events. Currently serving as the Marching Virginians in-game announcer, Sparrer has also worked a wide-range of Virginia Tech athletics events during the last several seasons, including volleyball, women’s basketball, softball and baseball. He has also been a substitute announcer during men’s basketball contests.
“I am extremely honored to have been chosen for the position of Public Address Announcer for Men's Basketball at Virginia Tech,” Sparrer said. “I have been an avid fan of the basketball program dating back to the days when Dell Curry lit it up from way deep and through the days of Bimbo Coles, Ace Custis and Erick Green. I've been a longtime fan and am excited to bring a unique level of energy to Cassell Coliseum.
“As a public address announcer for Virginia Tech athletics, I know that Cassell is an amazing environment. Virginia Tech basketball fans are truly like no other and I look forward to the chance to do my part to add to that excitement and that environment.”
As a Virginia Tech student, Sparrer was in Cassell Coliseum for many great moments in Tech basketball history and understands the tradition of Cassell and the men’s basketball program.
Earlier this summer, a process was begun to search for a new announcer, in a continuing effort to enhance the fan experience and Game Day atmosphere in Cassell Coliseum. During the process, resumes and recordings were collected, from which a list of finalists were selected.
Finalists were auditioned and Sparrer was ultimately selected by a search committee which included various athletics department staff members, men’s basketball staff and alumni Floyd Merryman and former basketball standout Wayne Robinson, who currently serves on the University Board of Visitors.
“Participating in the selection process for the men’s basketball public address announcer was rewarding,” Robinson said. “I appreciate the preparation by the Athletics Department and the quality of candidates that were in the talent pool. Mike Sparrer will add a valuable dimension to the atmosphere surrounding Virginia Tech Basketball. We anticipate seeing an improved team and his strong voice that will ignite the energy in Hokie Nation!”
This process is one of many initiatives undertaken by the athletics department to improve the game day atmosphere and fan experience. The department listens to the Hokie fan base and has instituted a number of enhancements in Cassell Coliseum of late.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to serve on the men’s basketball PA announcer search committee,” Floyd Merryman said. “We were fortunate to have a number of qualified candidates; however I feel Mike Sparrer will bring a new and enthusiastic element to the position and assist in making Cassell Coliseum a difficult venue for our opponents within the conference and university sportsmanship guidelines.”
“I am happy to congratulate Mike Sparrer on becoming the new men’s basketball public address announcer,” Devin Johnson, director of player personnel for Virginia Tech men’s basketball. “Mike will compliment our fans by bringing a great amount of energy night-in and night-out. His voice will send a positive wave throughout Cassell that will help create a stronger home-court advantage.”
To purchase men’s basketball season tickets for the 2015-16 season, please visit hokietickets.com or call the ticket office at 540-231-6731 or 1-800-VATECH4.