Skidmore College Athletics

As the "voice of Skidmore Athletics," public-address announcer John Meaney has played a major role in promoting the Thoroughbreds. A native Saratogian who makes his living on the at waves, he began announcing for Skidmore Men's Basketball in 1985, when the games drew just a few dozen fans and "the PA system was not the greatest," he notes.
 
Later, he began announcing at Men's Ice Hockey games (until 1997) and Women's Basketball games, becoming that team's regular announcer in 2001.A few key traits make for a good announcer, Meaney attests - including clarity in delivery, knowledge of the sport, and fairness. "It's important that all fans, including those rooting for the opposing team, feel you have been as unbiased as possible and added to the ambiance of an exciting contest," he says.
 
Longtime Skidmore athletics fan Kathryn Gallien describes Meaney as "a true fan but also a consummate professional whose sonorous voice and dignified demeanor contribute greatly to the enjoyment of attending the game. I've never heard him get a name wrong. Nor does he blather during plays. He just does what a professional public announcer does, beautifully, artfully, and reliably."