Voice of the Lions retires after 30 years
For three decades, fans entering Robert Nail Memorial Stadium have been greeted by a familiar voice. This fall marked the final season for longtime public announcer John Tate, who retired after 30 years behind the microphone at Albany Lions home games.
Tate’s start in the press box dates back to 1995, when he worked as a spotter for then-announcer Tom Anthony. When Anthony moved away the following year, Tate stepped into the role and never looked back. Before taking over, he had already called a few junior high and JV games, which helped settle the nerves that come with addressing a full stadium. “I love football. I enjoyed doing it,” Tate said. “It’s probably the most satisfying volunteer thing that I have ever done long term.”
Over the span of three decades, Tate estimates he announced 300 to 350 total games, counting varsity, junior varsity, and junior high contests. His years in the booth gave him a front-row seat to countless seasons, players, and community traditions that have shaped the identity of Albany football.
Tate’s service stretches deeper into Albany’s football history than many realized. He was on the Albany school board in the early 1980s when the district hired Coach Denney Faith, a moment he still remembers clearly. Over the years, he served on multiple school boards in different towns before returning to Albany permanently in 1995—just in time to join Anthony in the booth and eventually begin his long tenure as announcer.
He originally planned to retire after 25 years, but reaching that milestone made him reconsider. “I thought, ‘I’ll do this a few more,’” he said. “I decided I’d go 30. And now—it’s time. Somebody younger, somebody that’s closer to the kids, needs to take this.”
Tate said what kept him in the booth so long was the same thing that keeps coaches, teachers, and volunteers rooted in Albany for decades—the community. “It’s the intensity and tradition of this community,” he said, reflecting on the passion surrounding Lions football long before he ever took the microphone.
As he steps away, Tate offered simple advice to the next announcer: study the opposing roster, ask for help on tough pronunciations, and “don’t key the mic until you know what you’re going to say.”
