B-HP's P.A. voice to step down

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.