By Vince Teresi
Dick Halter’s familiar voice has been heard through the public address system at the Kennedy High School football field for 25 years.
Halter volunteered his time as an announcer when former Kennedy Athletic Director Dave Kohler was searching for someone to call the play-by-plays at the home games.
Halter has faithfully announced the games for so long that some of the players he first announced now have sons playing.
Achieving the milestone of 25 years in the press box, Halter has decided this is his last season.
The last time his voice will be heard booming out touchdowns, interceptions or sacks will be at the Kennedy High School football team’s last home game on Nov. 5 against Culver.
Athletics have been a lifelong interest for Halter, a 1959 graduate of Woodburn High School where he was a tri-sport athlete. He earned all-league second-baseman honors in baseball, his favorite sport. He also was president of the Lettermen’s Club.
“My first love in athletics is baseball,” he said, “Ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.” He played American Legion Summer Ball for many years, and his talent was noticed by the Philadelphia Phillies who expressed their interest in him. Halter also coached Mount Angel Little League baseball for 16 years.
But Halter also had another love-interest which eventually won out. He married Gertrude, a graduate of Mount Angel Academy. The Halters recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of eight children, all graduates of Kennedy High. Their youngest daughter, Kim, set a javelin record in 1980 which still stands. Son Kevin was an all-league basketball player.
Halter moved to Mount Angel 35 years ago and served on the Oktoberfest Board for 11 years, one year as president.
“I have enjoyed watching the kids grow up in our community and playing sports,” Halter said. “I have seen the football program become really tough — even though there were years when they were unlucky — and on the threshold of a state title.”
Halter also admires the “Virtue First” approach the Kennedy football program has taken.
“The program has been upbeat for the kids,” he said, “and Coach Randy Traeger has done an excellent job in introducing it to Kennedy and the community.”
Halter’s dedication as a public address announcer has been impressive. He rarely missed a Friday night game during the 25 years and admits that he will feel the absence of the press box excitement on game night. His length of service as an announcer is among the longest in Oregon high school sports. What will keep him busy now? Halter chuckled that he has 16 grandkids and one great-grandchild.
“I am very busy keeping up with all their activities. I go to all their ballgames and cheer them on,” he said.
Halter appreciates the value of athletics in the school curriculum.
“I am a big fan of competitive sports,” Halter said. “What would many kids be doing if it were not for such involvement? It keeps them focused not only on the sport itself, but on their performance in the classroom as well. That is good.”
Halter enjoys fishing and huntinG and can be found Tuesday nights in downtown Mount Angel playing cards with friends.
With so many grandkids, Halter said he’ll go from the press box to watching the games at Kennedy in the grandstands. And he’ll be cheering for his favorite team.
