Barring an upset, this week will be Belton-Honea Path’s final home game this season, meaning 10-year public address announcer Kurt Tavernier will also call his last game. Tavernier has long said he would put the microphone down for the final time when his youngest son, Jacob, a senior, graduates.
And despite the wishes from coach Wayne Green, Tavernier said he expects this one to be his final season in the press box.
Tavernier, who also does the P.A. at B-HP baseball games, often offers his own color to the games, sometimes to the ire of opposing fans.
Long-time press box onlookers often label the Bears’ first downs as a “Kurt Tavernier first down” because he occasionally beats the officials in announcing the gained yardage.
Tavernier also routinely implores the Bears faithful on third down to help the defense make a stop.
“This isn’t a funeral, get on your feet,” he’s known to say.
Tavernier said not being directly involved with at least one of his three sons playing will be the biggest thing he’d miss.
While he’s served in various capacities on the booster club, and on non-athletics committees at the school for many years, Tavernier said he’d continue to support the Bears, and attend most games.
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Comments » 7
Palmetto1966 writes:
While BHP fans may like the way he announces from the press box, I am sure most visiting fans find his "personal" opinions of the calls and situations somewhat classless. Many times, his opinion of any call or bad spot,etc against BHP comes over the PA system loud and clear. The PA announcer, while having the ability to fire up the home fans should keep subjective comments to himself-that position is no place for commentary.
BHP is a great school with a great sports tradition and program and it was always a shame to hear that on Friday nights.
jacketsfan76 writes:
AMEN!!! Could not have said it any better. And btw, I am a BHP graduate so this is not a case of sour grapes!
kickit writes:
As a bear, I couldn't agree more with previous posters. He is arrogant & has an attitude that he's an expert because he played for Ohio State. NO ONE at BHP would've ever had the nerve to say anything to him because he was a big supporter & went to church with some coaches. I don't agree because it did reflect negatively on the school. Usually BHP area doesn't accept outsiders well, but the "in" crowd accepted him. Maybe cause he was a lawyer who they wanted to impress? He or his family did not impress me! Sorry--my honest opinion & I'm a nice person.
kickit writes:
By the way, this headline will probably suddenly disappear. The last time comments were made about him it vanished quickly.
BeHappy writes:
Kurt Tavernier is probably the biggest fan of the entire school! And yes, supporter as well. He is a good man and his family are geniune people. And Kickit - you are the one arrogant with an attitude. Every single one of your comments, past and present are of a hateful and negative nature. Gripe, gripe, gripe!
Buckmaster writes:
I wish more parents shared Kurt's committment to B-HP athletics. Kurt has donated countless hours and dollars to many teams. Does he rub people the wrong way? Absolutely. Is he arrogant? Maybe. He is opinionated and doesn't care what people think about him. But whether B-HP fans like him or hate him, when Kurt says, "It's third down people", those same fans - many of whom apparently sleep through football games - rise to their feet and support B-HP because Kurt told 'em to.
Kurt's committment and support - and his voice in the pressbox - will be missed at B-HP.
gunzunk#208140 writes:
Kurt Tavernier ...yes, he can be some of those things some of the time, but here is the breakdown on the matter. I don't see anyone else lining up to do the job. Most people arrive at the game just in time for the game and leave immediately afterward. They weren't there for the pre-game preparation or post game wrap up of equipment. They don't see his other involvement at BHP....volunteering,financial support, or use of his personal facilities. I see it and my kids do not even attend BHP. I recognize and applaud his dedication,effort,passion,and enthusiasm for the task. Everyone have a Merry Christmas! Go "gettum" Kurt mill hill style..(that's all out for you non-mill hillers)
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