Hollister
– When Paul Gillies, an avid ‘Baler athletics fan, was given the
opportunity to make the announcements at the high school’s football
and basketball games three years ago, he jumped at the chance.
Hollister – When Paul Gillies, an avid ‘Baler athletics fan, was given the opportunity to make the announcements at the high school’s football and basketball games three years ago, he jumped at the chance.
It didn’t matter to Gillies that the job was unpaid or that the only announcement experience he had was talking to the police dispatch over the radio through his job as a San Jose police officer.
“I figured, I’m there anyway, I might as well get a good seat and be put to work,” Gillies said.
Gillies’ voice has been a staple at varsity basketball, JV and freshman football – and even some baseball and girls’ soccer games – ever since.
Gillies, 44, is just one of the hundreds of individuals who volunteer their time for San Benito High School’s popular athletic program. And like the other volunteers, the games would not be the same without him.
With his strong voice delivering pertinent information over the loudspeakers, Gillies seems to be right at home as a sports announcer.
“Shoot, he did one game and it was obvious he was a natural at it,” said Tod Thatcher, the high school’s athletic director.
Besides his talent, Thatcher said, Gillies is a perfect example of the devoted fans who contribute significant chunks of their time to helping out with ‘Baler athletics.
“He puts in a lot of time at the high school. He’s always there, totally dependable,” Thatcher said. “That’s the type of community we have – it just spills over into the volunteerism.”
Gillies has a daughter, Janessa, who is a junior at San Benito High School and a son, Darin, who will be entering the school as a freshman next year.
During peak season, he announces at up to three events a week. Gillies said he can’t imagine not taking part in the school’s games.
For one thing, he said, that would mean giving up his press box seat during fall evening football games.
“When it’s really cold in the stands, and I get to sit in the box, that’s my favorite time,” Gillies said, laughing.
But despite the fun he has, Gillies also takes his volunteering job very seriously, and he tries to do his part to contribute as much he can.
“I try to make the Haybaler athletic experience top notch. It’s a lot of fun to create an atmosphere that makes it a lot of fun to not only be a player but to go to the games as well,” Gillies said.
Gillies also tries to incorporate a little bit of his work as a traffic officer into his volunteering.
“My signature sign-off is: Please drive home safely. I took that on for myself, because I thought, how am I going to end this?” Gillies said. “If you come to the games you’d hear this every time. I want to ensure the safety of all the people in attendance.”
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at [email protected].
