Albuquerque aftermath — announcer Peter Taylor as chick magnet
David Albo writes: “I had the pleasure of driving Peter Taylor to a post-meet dinner with the Athena Track Club at a nice place overlooking the city. … With a mere rasp of a voice after three long days of work, he still talked it up big time (while) commuting up and during the fun dinner. So I got to experience his fascinating mental process firsthand. His amazing memory is exceptional. For our sport, most everyone agrees, he brings a lot to the events: detailed knowledge and bringing to life appropriate meaningful drama in real time—on and on all day every day. To paraphrase: He goes out hard from the starting gun in his announcing. I think Day 1 was 10, maybe 12 hours for him. Followed by Day 2. Then Day 3.” David shared this wonderful photo:
22 Responses
Peter, I think you are my new hero ! LOL !
Another fine job I’m sure at ABQ, wish I could have been there. Hope to see you this summer.
Imagine a movie without a soundtrack…
Pete is the soundtrack for our sport. His spirited, knowledgeable commentary creates an exciting environment that makes us all want to do our best.
Great chatting with you in Albuquerque. You’re a class act all the way.
On March 4th Friday morning I was in the process of getting my breakfast plate in the Hotel Doubletree when Peter walked up and rattled off the names and Schools of the athlete on my right side and the left and my own with no hesitation. Amazing – I have trouble remembering the names of my 5 brothers… Sully
Peter is great, the meet would not be the same without him , we are are grateful for his dedication to our sport.
Yes, Peter, I have to say, all of us masters athletes owe you a big thanks for the sometimes thankless work you do. It is obvious that you love the sport and your memory bank is unbelievable. You are much appreciated! And not a bad way to end the trip, surrounded by a bevy of gorgeous (and talented) women!! Looking forward to seeing you at Penn relays.
Only makes him more of a legend! Spectacular talent!
Looking at that picture, it looks to me like his right arm is unusually long.
Great job, Pete!
Pete Taylor is always so consistently good it’s easy to forget the amount of effort and concentration he puts into his announcing. We all appreciate it!
Unmatched in the whole “WORLD” !!
Thank you, Peter, for all you do.
A meet without Pete Taylor ‘s voice is like
A sky without the Sun!
Your Passion for the Sport and for the athletes
Is just amazing to witness.
Thank you for the laughters Mexican style
And for the dance’s sample: priceless!
Maryline
I agree that Peter is truely great. He even pronounced my name like a true Frenchman at the meet. Thanks Peter.
Peter is just simply amazing!!! I always look forward to seeing him and hearing his voice at all the meets. Nobody does it better!!!And nobody knows us better!! Thank you Peter for your dedication and endless energy for masters track and field (and dancing)!!
I was very impressed when Peter pronounced my name
correctlyin the my first event, and all the others.
He is great!
Thanks
Usually when my name is supposed to come up, there is silence instead.
Peter pronounced it perfectly, a rare treat.
Thank you !!
Pete is a great track announcer. I just wish we had an equally talented person to do the throwing events during our major meets.
Agree. Offhand, I would say that at Albuquerque my announcing of events was divided as follows (percentages):
track: 97.2
high jump: 2.0
pole vault: 0.3
triple jump: 0.2
throws: 0.2
all other: 0.1
During the course of the meet I ventured over to one of the throws areas on two occasions and did a bit of announcing there. The track and infield (jumps) were both extremely busy, especially the track.
That was a limiting factor on my announcing of throws, as was the fact that the audience in the stands could not see the throws (and neither could I). Hard to announce something they can’t see while something is going on right in front of them (races and jumps).
Had I walked away from the track while events were going on in order to announce the throws, those in the stands who were eagerly devouring the sight of the great races (and high jumps) would have been surprised indeed. Thus, the need for a field events announcer who does primarily throws.
This worked reasonably well in Oshkosh (2009) and Charlotte (2006). In 2007 (Orono) the designated field announcer bowed out shortly before the meet. In 2008 (Spokane) the field event person was ineffective for some reason and did almost no throws.
In terms of indoors, in 2009 we had someone for field events all three days in Landover, but he did not like the throws and ignored them (I don’t think he announced a single throw). In 2010 (Boston) we tried a different approach, sending my assistant over to the throws and probably one of the jumps to get information. He was rebuffed by the officials, and we gave up.
For 2011 (Albuquerque) I brought the problem up to the local organizing committee, but they did nothing about it. Nor did they pay me for announcing the meet, although I must say they were candid from the start that they would not pay (I mean my basic expenses, forget about a fee).
Oh, I forgot Sacramento 2010. There we had a throws announcer for all 4 days (Mr. Burns), but apparently the nature of the PA system was not fully appreciated by the organizers. Mr. Burns did indeed announce a lot of the throws, but his voice was heard only locally (i.e., at the throwing venues), as I recall.
For 2011 Sacramento Worlds I do not expect to be at the meet. For 2011 Berea outdoors I do expect to be there. If selected, I will ask the local committee to have a roving field events announcer to do mostly throws.
For 2012 Bloomington indoors I am signed up as the announcer. I will ask the local committee to help solve the throwing situation (need for an announcer). For 2012 Lisle (outdoors) I do not expect to be selected.
For 2013 Landover indoors I do not expect to be selected. For 2013 Olathe outdoors I do not expect to be selected.
PT
Quite simply…THE BEST THERE IS..Peter, you have given so much over the years in all the meets you have announced..Thank you so very much..
Thank you very much for your kind words, Roger. It has been a pleasure to announce you, Diane, and perhaps 16,000 others over the years.
PLT
Thank you for your excellent announcing and sportsmanship! Masters track is indebted to you for your fine work.
Thank you, Pete, for your nice words. I have enjoyed announcing you and the other fine high jumpers in the past and hope to do so again. In your case, I will be sure to keep the H silent.
To all track and field enthusiast,
If anyone can put their hands on a video or place me in contact with someone who can assist me in locating this performance on video it would be most appreciated:
Penn Relays 2001 Masters Mens 40+ 4x400m
This was a WR performance 3:20.83 by Sprint Force America.
Thanking you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.
Peter makes everyone feel welcome and makes the meet a greater success. As a Canadian competitor I look forward to not only the meet itself but Peter’s presence as well.
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