(Oakland) Our Week 7 guest for the “Man on the Mic” series joked that Public Address Announcers are usually just people that like to hear themselves talk. Marty Rieken’s venture into the press box at Riverside started eight years ago and it has evolved into him being the voice heard over the loudspeaker during Bulldog home games.
Rieken recently took over the role that had been occupied for many years by Steve Pierce. “I think Steve was the announcer back when I was in high school years ago. I kept bugging Steve to let me read something once in a while. After a while he finally gave in and would let me. Then a couple of years ago he retired and I got handed the job and I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s a lot of fun. We have a lot of fun on Friday nights.”
Rieken admits he didn’t really set out to be the guy on the mic. “One time Steve called me and said he couldn’t be there so I filled in for him and someone after I was done said ‘you did a really nice job’ so I though maybe I could do this.” He laughs, “I don’t think it was my life goal, but I’m glad I’m able to do it.”
He admits the way the team is trending has made things a lot more enjoyable. The Bulldogs are 5-1 on the season. “Anytime you school is successful, community pride swells and it gives you something to look forward to and talk about at the coffee shop. It makes you excited to go to the games on Friday night and you get people coming to the games that haven’t been there in a while.”
Click on the corresponding link to listen to preview interviews
Week 0, Brian Peterson, SW Valley
Week 2, Dave Huff, Nodaway Valley
Week 5, Scott Hansen, Griswold
