Lincoln-Way East Alumn Returns As Teacher, Football Announcer

FRANKFORT, IL — At the Lincoln-Way East football games this season, fans may have noticed a familiar face or voice behind the microphone, announcing the game. Lincoln-Way East math teacher and alumnus Matt Watters has had a full-circle moment, returning to announce the games he used to attend as a student himself.

Watters, who attended Lincoln-Way East from 2006 to 2010, said he didn't play football, but "my Friday nights were reserved for watching our team defeat anyone and everyone they played."

He added that he didn't have aspirations of being a teacher or announcing when he was in high school.

While earning a degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois, Watters joined a club hockey team.

"As a goalie, I wouldn’t play each game, especially my freshmen and sophomore year. If I wasn’t playing, I’d volunteer to work the scorebox," Watters said. "Usually this just meant the scoreboard, music and game sheet. Every couple games, the microphone would be left in the score box, so I started announcing goals."

After graduation, he taught at another school but kept an eye out for openings at Lincoln-Way. In the fall of 2019, he was hired for the East math department, and also coached Mathletes.

In fall 2021, Watters said he began to announce for volleyball games.

"I’ve always enjoyed sports, and announcing gives me a great chance to watch some of our best athletes in action," Watters said. "Volleyball, Basketball and Soccer were my main sports I worked."

He also announced a few baseball games, and was approached this year about announcing football.

"I was super excited," Watters said. "The football games at East have a feeling to them. It was always great to experience Friday night in Frankfort when I was a student. The announcers, the music, the team, and the fans all made my Fridays something special when I was here at East. That legend has continued since I left, and I’m excited to join the tradition."

Watters said that no matter the sport, he just wants to make a positive memory for anyone who attends.

"It could be calling an athlete’s name at their senior night, or getting the crowd to cheer for spike that sealed a win," he said. "The staff at East made these memories for me, and I’m happy to be back and have the opportunity to make a memory for the parents and students in the Griffins community."