Though he is known around St. Paul Academy and Summit school as a successful Debate coach and history teacher, Tom Fones also can be recognized by his coined phrase “Let’s meet your Spartans!” on the soccer field and basketball court.

For 16 years Fones has announced both basketball and soccer games, enthusiastically naming the starting lineups for the Spartans. “I announce the opening line ups and then I run the scoreboard and work with the person who does the [score]book,” he said.

Fones likes to think of this job as a way to support Spartan Athletics and his way to be “part of the game.” “It really keeps me concentrated on the game,” Fones said. Though he has announced hundreds of games, the boys basketball team’s victory over Minnehaha Academy stands out to him as a memorable game.

Fones has seen a lot of talent on the court throughout his 16 years on the job. He mentioned alumni such as TJ Prunty and Bari Applebaum as some of the talented players he watched play. “It is fun to see the teams develop and get better,” he said.  Watch out Bob Costas; there is a new sportscaster in town!