CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — For an impressive span of 35 years, Matt Piescinski has been making the climb up the towering steps on the west side of O’Brien Stadium. With microphone in hand, he’s been the voice that greets track enthusiasts at the state finals.
Originally from the Chicago area and an alumnus of Eastern, Piescinski transitioned into the role of public address announcer for the Panthers’ sporting events soon after graduating. When the opportunity arose to announce at the state track finals over 30 years ago, he eagerly accepted the challenge.
“‘Matt, we need you,’ and that was it,” Piescinski recalled. “Saying no wasn’t an option. Everyone pitched in because of how crucial this event is to the university.”
Piescinski quickly became enamored with the vibrant energy of the events on the expansive blue track.
“This is essentially the grand IHSA convention,” he explained. “You won’t find another event that brings together this many schools and 2,000 kids.”
A great deal of preparation goes into this craft, which he takes great pride in, and plenty of help is needed to ensure everything goes off without a hitch for the crowd of thousands.
Retired from his day job at a manufacturing plant in Mattoon, the Charleston legend feels like his vocal cords still have plenty of races left to call.
“To keep doing what you did as a young man and still doing it at almost 70 years old, it means there’s no one can be stopped as long as they persevere.”