By Declan O’Malley

Journal contributor

A familiar voice at Friday Harbor High School sporting events has reached a major milestone.

For years, Mike Martin has been the voice of Wolverine Athletics at Friday Harbor High School as the public address announcer for home football, basketball and several volleyball, baseball and softball games. He also provides play-by-play commentary via online stream. His work behind the mic was recognized and celebrated as he worked his 500th Wolverine game in February during a basketball match.

Martin loves doing PA work based on a simple concept that motivates him to bring his best voice to every game.

“It’s my responsibility to honor those who are committed to their craft of playing or coaching,” Martin said, emphasizing that he always wants his work to be about the kids.

When Martin announces, he can gauge his performance in real time.

“You’re there [on PA] and they [the fans] give you feedback by cheering! You can bring the energy and help turn the tide of the game,” Martin said, enjoying being part of the momentum.

The 500th game came during a special season for Martin, as he plans to retire this year after 15 years of announcing, which began in 2009. Martin found the announcer’s booth and role after being encouraged to do so when friends and guests would catch him narrating and announcing games in the comfort of his living room. In 2016, Martin began doing play-by-play for away games after starting Friday Harbor Tiny Radio and Tiny TV, video streaming the games from his phone.

Martin is thankful to have grown up in a hotbed of sports announcing excellence with Seattle’s legendary broadcasters Kevin Calabro (Seattle Sonics) and Dave Niehaus (Seattle Mariners). These broadcasters impacted Martin and encouraged him to sound more natural. He explained that these announcers were like fathers to him because he knew they would always be there and he could count on them. Martin wanted to be a positive influence on those around him.

“For me, when I no longer had a horse in the race after 2016, I wanted to give the kids in Friday Harbor a reason to go to the gym,” Martin said, noting he tried to provide the student-athletes with encouragement and recognition through his work.