Lou Horvath is known for his booming voice throughout Peden Stadium and The Convo, persuading the crowd to stand for defense and commenting on the range of D.J. Cooper’s three point attempts, but what he does off the mic is just as pleasing to the ear.
Horvath has been the public address announcer for Ohio soccer, volleyball, football and men and women’s basketball. He has announced more games in The Convo than any person, living or dead.
The Ohio University alumnus, who graduated with a degree in sociology and has been retired since 2007, also announces games for the Alexander Spartans and high school basketball tournaments.
Along with announcing, Horvath is the lead singer for the band Backwords, which plays a variety of music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The band refers to itself as “the Iron Dukes of Rock ’n’ Roll” because they are famous for playing two-hour sets without a break. Horvath was the former president of the Green and White club, as well as being involved with Vietnam Veterans.
Horvath said he likes to make the game more conversational and detests announcers who draw out vowels, much like those in the NBA. He said he enjoys the freedom he has announcing volleyball and he tries to bring his own shtick.
When former volleyball player Sue Jacobi would get a kill, he would say, “Float like a butterfly, sting like Jacobi.”
Horvath is careful not to distract from the event itself.
“I try not to be the show,” he said. “The show is the game, I try to help make it a show.”
His comedic personality is in full effect when players check into the game; he cracks a joke to help the athletes loosen up before they take the floor.
“Even the most minute part that I can play, I’m happy to do so,” Horvath said. “It’s just fun to watch kids develop.”
Drake Bolon, Ohio Athletics’ director of marketing, who has known Horvath since his days as an undergrad at Ohio, said he is the essence of Ohio Athletics.
“I think he’s probably one of the most well-known and well-liked Bobcat fans we have,” Bolon said. “We’re so lucky to have him as our announcer. He does a great job.”
Assistant Athletics Director Tom Symonds said Horvath’s passion sets him apart.
“Lou brings a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm, which just makes our game-day atmosphere something that a lot of people will remember when they leave The Convo just because of his enthusiasm for Ohio Athletics,” Symonds said.
Horvath refers to himself as a major league Bobcat fan.
This statement is evident through Ohio’s Sweet 16 run this year. Horvath had finished calling high school basketball tournament games on Thursday and was off Friday so he drove to Nashville to catch Ohio's game against Michigan.
He then drove back Saturday morning and did two regional championship games and proceeded to drive back Sunday to see the game against South Florida.
He said having the opportunity to call games at The Convo and Peden Stadium has been a thrill and a treat, referring to Peden as the crown jewel of the Mid-American Conference and The Convo as the best place in the Midwest to watch a basketball game. He said he couldn’t be happier than announce games at his alma mater.
“It’s a fantastic experience and I feel very honored to do it and I hope that I serve as a good ambassador for Ohio University,” Horvath said.
mk277809@ohiou.edu
