The man behind the mic

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

It's Friday night at Bigfork High School's football stadium. The Vikings are down by a touchdown and their attempt to get on the board has ended without success. A voice comes over the loud speaker and announces, "We'll get our first look at Bigfork's punting team."

The Vikings are nearing the end of their third losing season, but game announcer, and BHS English teacher, Charlie Appleby does his best to keep the mood light and his audience entertained, no matter what the score is on the field.

"That tackle reminds me of a warm scrumptious baked potato that you can get at the concession stand," he says after the Vikings take down one of their opponents.

The crowd cheers and members of the BHS Booster Club yell "thank you" to Appleby in the announcer's booth for plugging the concession stand's special for the game.

"He is great for advertising for the booster club," said the club's secretary Christine Neu, who is the mother of football players Chris and Alex Neu.

A few minutes later Appleby relays to the crowd that "Donny 'the diesel' Tudahl" has made a big play. Appleby has made up nicknames for many of the Vikings players. A few are consistent, but most he makes up as the play is happening.

"I think his nicknames are hilarious," said Kianna Wicklund, a freshman at BHS.

During this particular game, Appleby decides that he is tired of his usual nickname for Garrett Pewe, "Garrett 'all the way' Pewe," and instead refers to him as "Garrett 'needs a new nickname' Pewe."

The crowd is listening. A couple of minutes later a small group of BHS students piles into the announcer box. They tell Appleby they've got a new nickname for Pewe. On the next play Appleby tries it out.

"That was Garrett Pewe 'or the highway' with the catch," he says.

Later on Bigfork scores a touchdown, but there's a penalty on the play.

"It's against Bigfork, but that was exciting anyway," Appleby says.

Somehow he always manages to find the silver lining.

"He's serious when he needs to be, yet puts in some spirited nicknames and comical terminology to keep the crowd guessing and laughing," said Mary Knoll, the mother of football player Travis Knoll. "He makes no bones about making mistakes and corrects them immediately to the bemusement of the crowd."

It is true that Appleby does make an occasional error or two, or misses a play and is forced to ad-lib. But the crowd just gives him a crooked look and laughs along with him. After all, they never know what he's going to say next.

"That play was sniffed out like a beagle on a potato chip," "He was taken down by a covey of Vikings," and sometimes all they get from him is just a random "GRRRR!"

"My favorite one is the 'banana peel on the Bermuda,'" said BHS freshman Melissa VanDerveer, referring to one of Appleby's many ways of relaying to the crowd that there is a flag on a play.

Appleby keeps the crowd entertained and keeps the spirit high, even when the home side of the score board is looking bleak.

"I think we need some cowbell on this one," he says during an important play. "Whose got the cowbell?"

The crowd answers with a bang of their cowbells and a flurry of cheers and clapping.

That's the thing about Appleby that sets him apart from many game announcers, he hooks the crowd and gets the response he's looking for.

"It's almost worth coming to the games just to hear him announce," said Kelly Rieke, treasurer of the Gridiron Club.

Some crowd members say it is his passion that makes him a great announcer.

"Appleby is exciting and he is passionate," said Robin Shanks, a BHS faculty member. "He is one of the most passionate people I know; about kids, teaching and being the center of attention."

Other listeners say that his teaching skills are aiding him in his announcing job.

"I think his announcing is very interesting and superlative," said Becky Sneed, the mother of player Carson Sneed. "He adds an interesting English teacher touch to the game. He always comes up with the best adjectives."

Regardless of where his abilities come from, Appleby is undeniably a crowd favorite among parents, students and community members.

"He's very creative and funny to listen to," said BHS freshman McKenzie Schults.

Neu agrees that the games are better for Appleby being a part of them.

"It's just great comic relief," she said. "We think he needs to do basketball too. We need to get that place pumped up. He keeps the spirit alive. I think he's helped make the games really fun for everyone."

Ten questions with Charlie Appleby

Why did you start announcing football games?

My very first week of school at BHS I was approached by Nate Hammond, who was the fall sports director. He asked if I would like to announce the upcoming game and since I didn't know a soul in Bigfork yet, I figured making a fool of myself wouldn't hurt.

What do you like about this job?

To be honest, I love to make people laugh, and I love sports. It's a great opportunity to watch a game and try to help people have a good time. It is amazing how supportive our community and booster club is to our football team. This is my small part.

What is the biggest challenge?

I am always worried that I might say something that makes someone mad. I'm sure that almost all of the time people know I am joking around and I mean no harm. Most of those kids who are out there giving everything that they have on the field have done the same in my classroom. I know these kids and I want others to know I'm more than just a little proud at their effort. But, I do make jokes and come up with silly nicknames. It's all in good fun.

What is your favorite nickname for one of the football players?

Until this year it would have to be The Gazelle for Andrew Whittaker. It always looked to me that he was running not to score, or to catch a ball, but to run away from a bigger or meaner opposing player. He seemed like prey out there, and yet he was majestic on that field, and fast like a gazelle. This year I've had a lot of fun with Donny Tudahl, his play and his look just lends him to nicknames and I can never use the same one twice. He looks like a football player, he plays like a football player, and his nicknames just keep coming.

Do you think that being an English teacher helps you be a better announcer?

Perhaps, I think a teacher of any kind needs to be able to think on his or her feet, but this is a sport's game, I like to play around, but I'm announcing a game. I think since I do know the game pretty well I can follow what's happening on the field and also add a little color. I also think it is important not to worry about being perfect, something that is tough as an English teacher who is constantly trying to correct grammar or look for a better, more eloquent way to say something. My obvious glaring mistakes, (I missed a turnover one game and I'll often announce the wrong down, or distance), make me cringe. I figure everyone knows I'm trying, though, so they'll forgive my slips.

Do you ever consider announcing for other sports?

I've been asked to help out at volleyball games and basketball with opening announcements and lineups.

What is your favorite football team (other than the Vikings)?

The University of Michigan Wolverines are my favorite, not just because Michigan is my alma mater, but because of the great tradition of football in Ann Arbor. For a state that has been punished by a terrible professional football team for fifty years, the Wolverines are a bright spot. It doesn't hurt that for four years I got to watch my Wolverines from the stands with over a hundred thousand other fans screaming with me. I don't want to talk about this year's team, though.

What is your favorite sport to watch?

This year it has been our soccer teams. It may seem boring to an American audience, but soccer, and hockey, my other favorite sport to watch, are non-stop physical action. No time-outs, or huddles, no pitching changes or innings. A team could score at any time, from anywhere. It's exciting and nerve racking right up until the clock stops. This year I have had the honor to assist the girls soccer team, and it has been great to watch both our girls and our boys play out at Carlyle Johnson field.

What do you think the Vikings football team needs to do to win their first game?

Right now, in Coach Corbett's second season, the team needs to buy into his system, and get better each week. I'm not sure that they aren't outmatched by bigger teams with more experience, but if they all stick to their assignments and steadily improve these Vikes could surprise a team any Friday night. It's not like they aren't playing with heart, it's not like they aren't leaving it all on the field. Until they do win, though, these boys are learning great lessons about being gracious and finding the little victories.

What has been your favorite game to announce?

I don't think I could pick out one game in particular, it's all about who is in the booth with me, and I have been blessed with great friends and great personalities. Nate Hammond and Matt Jensen helped me figure out what I was doing, often urging me to say things that were funny, but probably not a good idea. Matt Porrovechio and Mike Boshka, the old voice of the Vikings, have helped by running the clock and spotting on the field. Right now, new freshman English teacher Charlie Ball runs the clock with me, so far we've been having a great time, and with the addition of music to the booth, we might even start to sound professional . . . well, I wouldn't go that far.