In 1984, I was a sophomore at Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington when Ronnie Wall, then Director of Athletics, stopped me in the hallway and asked me a seemingly benign question. “Durham, can you handle doing public address at the JV football game tonight?” Even though I had never picked up a microphone, I did not want to disappoint a teacher.

My answer was simple. "Sure." The answer changed my life forever, because that October night was the start of an amazing twenty-five-year journey. I have since been the public address announcer for countless sporting events, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and even short-track auto racing. I have also served as a play-by-play broadcaster for over a hundred collegiate football and basketball games, calling thrilling come-from-behind victories and heart-breaking last-second losses. For each game, when I turn on the mic, I still have the same excitement that I had the very first time, a quarter of a century ago. Along the way, I have also developed expertise in sports marketing and event operations, having helped produce approximately 1,500 sporting events.

Every event brings its own thrills, from planning and marketing, to game-day operations, to the post-game celebrations. I am happy to plan the event or call it, because for me, sports is theater; whether I am serving as narrator or director, I love creating the best experience possible for the audience.

Not too long ago, someone approached me at a local Chamber of Commerce function to compliment me on my football and basketball play-by-play work. I was especially grateful, because the person was Ronnie Wall, now the Mayor of Burlington. His kind words caused me to reflect on just how far I have come over the years.

At the same time, I could not help but look forward to being a part of so many great events to come.