September 22, 2023
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
Kevin Wright, now in his 12th year as the “Voice of the Patriots,” loves being able to call the games from the press box at Ray Hughes Stadium.
“I really have a lot of fun doing it,” says Wright. “Each Friday my wife joins me in the press box and helps me stay on cue. We have a great time.”
Wright calls the Oakland High School basketball and baseball games as well. He also drives the Oakland football bus to out-of-town events and games.
“When other people and schools see our bus coming, they think ‘Oh, no. Here they come.’ They don’t want to play us,” says Wright.
When asked about his passion for being the voice of the stadium, Wright credits his band in college for helping him love to be on the microphone.
“Anytime I can get a microphone in my hand I take advantage of it,” says Wright.
Wright’s family has been connected to Oakland High School for almost 30 years, with both of his children graduating from Oakland.
“The level of sustained success has been absolutely incredible to witness,” says Wright. “I’ve gotten four [State Championship] rings, so that’s been really cool to be a part of. Oakland’s goal [in football] is to win the state championship every year. Our goal is excellence. Our goal is to win.”
Wright has seen the district grow in many different ways over the past few years.
“You can just look at Oakland’s field and see many changes,” says Wright. “I remember seeing this field be drenched with rain where you couldn’t make out the yard lines. Now we have an incredible artificial turf to play on. It’s amazing.”
Wright cannot help but to laugh as he reminisces on his time in the press box.
“I try to have a lot of fun with it. One of the things that I have become known for during the games is announcing a long third down as ‘3rd & Lascassas’ or ‘3rd & Christiana.’ People really get a kick of out that.”