Dan Borne': LSU's "Voice of the Valley"

Don't let the look on my face fool you. I was actually enjoying my time in the Press Box at Tiger Stadium. I had just witnessed LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee throw another interception to the Georgia Bulldogs, so please forgive my ugly mug.

How could I not enjoy it? Besides the great view, full buffet, and virtual "Who's Who" of LSU VIPs and legendary sports media personalities, I was sitting right next to Dan Borne', the "Voice" of Tiger Stadium.

In addition to Mr. Borne' graciously allowing me to write this profile, he had invited me to come spot for him as he made the announcements for the LSU vs. Georgia game.

So, if you were in Death Valley that day and you heard Borne' announce that a tackle was made by someone other than who actually made it, that would be my fault!

For 22 years, Dan Borne' has been the "Voice of the Valley," and from that unique perspective, I thought that LSU fans and football fans everywhere would enjoy his insight, hilarious stories, and valuable life lessons. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

How did you come to be the PA announcer at Tiger Stadium?

Sid Crocker was the PA announcer at Tiger Stadium for 30 years. He and I worked together at WAFB (a Baton Rouge TV station), and back in 1968, when I was covering an LSU home game, he invited me to his box.

He said, "Come up and see me, because you never know, you might be doing this one day."

Fast forward almost 20 years later, Sid announced that he would be retiring as PA announcer. I called and asked him who would be replacing him, and he said, "I don't know."

I then wrote a letter to the LSU Athletic Department informing them of my interest in the job, but I never heard anything.

Then a few weeks before the 1986 season began, I got a phone call from LSU reps asking me if I was still interested in the job and would I come in to speak with them. I went in and introduced myself.

We exchanged some small talk and didn't talk very much about the position. They then informed me that the job was mine if I still wanted it because nobody else had asked for it. So a good life lesson is that if you want something, make sure you ask for it.

Announcing for LSU football and basketball games are my only true hobbies. I don't hunt, golf, or fish, so this is what I do as an escape from real life. I'm also an adjunct in the Manship School. I enjoy teaching and interacting with the young people.

Do your responsibilities preclude you from being able to participate in the legendary tailgating festivities LSU is known for?

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