Championship Announcers

[Ben Martin]

Mark Leon is awesome. It's because of him that the IRI has broadcast over NASA TV for the past two years. In 2007, we had all of our equipment set up just to broadcast to the pits and the big screen, and he came over to tell us he could call a guy and get a satellite truck to come in to broadcast the event. He's got some good stories too, like when he soldered a connection in the arctic with a paper clip.

[IndySam]

Blair is my favorite announcer but I love Mark too.

If you are ever feeling down or tired at a FIRST event, spend two minutes with Mark. His energy will get you going again.

[waialua359]

Dan Green is definitely our favorite announcer.
Mark and Blair are the best at MC.
Dave V. really knows his stuff and is the best at doing Einstein.

Sometimes you get weirdos doing the announcing. Lets just say we had one at one of the regionals we attended.

For example, "I think the balls were grabbed prematurely.......oopps, I meant Moon Rocks." What the heck is that?

[TD78]

When it comes to game announcers, I have only two words.

ANDY!

GRADY!

He is the man and it was awesome having him announce my team on Einstein!

[Nate Edwards]

Originally Posted by JackN

Anytime Dave Verbrugge is involved the drama seems to build. My favorite announcer is Sir Charles, the over the top energy and passion he brings to every match is something that I love to hear. I enjoy watching Blair MC as well, he is smart, funny and is the only person I have seen that is able to roller blade on regolith.

I love Sir Charles, it was like a dream come true when he was at Archimedes at the same time with Mark Leon. His first year in 2004 was awesome, it was back when I was a student. I got to talk to him after the event this year and he is a really nice guy and of course energetic. I hope to see him at future events. I think all the MCs that came to Archimedes were awesome, Troy, Mark, Sir Charles. Both announcers were awesome (Sir Charles and the other guy whose name escapes me) and the assistant was very insightful (Tyler or something.) I have gone to regionals with Mark, Blair and Michelle, all top notch MCs, my favorite is Mark, but Blair is close behind.

I think overall the MCs and Announcers are great and I love the energy they bring to the events, truly gives another aspect to the competition and pumps me up each and every time.

Nate

[Herodotus]

Originally Posted by EricH

I believe that would be Dave Verbrugge.

Or whoever the announcer is.

The difference between MC and announcer: the MC is on the field, says the team numbers, and then the announcer, off the field, says who they are. The announcer may also give the play-by-play...

Dave is seriously one of the most awesome people in FIRST. I don't know if there is anyone with a more comprehensive set of knowledge about the teams, though I'm waiting for him to top his "Approaching Storm" extended metaphor from Great Lakes 2008. That was one of the most epic things I've ever been unfortunate enough not to have recorded (and fortunate enough to have seen.)