Kirksville Football Announcer Announces Retirement

Leon Devlin has decided to retire from his position as a Kirksville football announcer. Seven hundred Kirksville football game audiences have heard the voice of Dr. Leon Devlin announcing players and plays over the last 35 years. Since 1983, Dr. Devlin has announced out 175 varsity games, 140 junior varsity games, 280 middle school games, as well as 100 fifth and sixth grade games.

He has worked with the Kirksville school system under the leadership of five superintendents, three high school principals, and five athletic directors. Dr. Devlin has also served for 12 years on the school board, three of which were as president, and several years as a Booster Club member and officer. He also assisted in building the current “skyscraper” press box at Spainhower Field.

Dr. Devlin recalls seeing a son, father, and grandfather all on the Kirksville football field. That family was the Weber family with Slade, Shannon, and Ron, respectively. This family wasn’t the only one; while he was up in the press box announcing, his son-in-law, Paul Stuart, was down on the field serving as a spotter while his two sons, Charlie and Max Stuart, played.

Dr. Devlin always tried his hardest to keep his announcing impartial. He would read every play without bias and make sure every participant received fair treatment when having their name read. Whether it be starters from teams, cheerleaders, coaches, or even returning celebrities, Dr. Devlin spoke of them all fairly. He says, “I’m sure some will remember their names being butchered, inadvertently, but it was always in good spirit.”

Dr. Devlin fondly remember realizing that announcing the names wasn’t just for the parents to be proud and cheer on their players-- it was for the players too. Austin Dovan told Dr. Devlin during his senior year that he always remembered hearing Dr. Devlin read off the starters names as a freshman. He wondered if he would ever make that list. Four years later as a senior, he made the starter list and thanked Dr. Devlin for reading his name.

Dr. Devlin also stated, “I appreciate the opportunity to have somewhat become known as the ‘Voice of The Tigers’ at Spainhower Field for all these years. Thank you!”

This Friday, February 2, 2019, Dr. Leon Devlin will be recognised for his years of service to the Kirksville school district at the Courtwarming game.