If you have ever attended a Tinora sporting event, you know the voice. It is the one that welcomes you into the stadium, builds anticipation before kickoff, and brings energy to every big play. For the past 13 years, Gene Sugg has been more than just an announcer. He has been the soundtrack to countless Tinora memories. Simply put, he is “The Voice of Tinora.”
Gene’s journey to the announcer’s booth began in 2000 in a way that perfectly reflects his willingness to step up and serve. While his daughter, Kelsey Langenderfer, was playing softball for Wauseon High School, Gene was working as a mobile DJ. Seeing a natural connection between music and the microphone, he volunteered to handle public address announcing for the softball games. What started as a side opportunity quickly turned into a passion.
Even after Kelsey graduated, Gene continued announcing. When she went on to play softball at Defiance College, he once again offered his talents and soon found himself announcing not only softball, but also football, basketball, and volleyball for the Yellow Jackets.
Years later, another connection brought him to Tinora. As Kelsey began teaching in the district, Tinora’s Athletic Director at the time, Coach Rutter, needed a football announcer. Familiar with Gene’s work through Defiance College, he reached out and the rest is history. Gene now announces football, boys and girls basketball, volleyball, and most recently, softball, while still lending his voice to Defiance College athletics as well.
In total, Gene has been behind the microphone for 26 years, and his enthusiasm has never wavered.
A graduate of Wauseon High School, Gene went on to attend Bowling Green State University before earning a Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary and becoming ordained in 1989. While he does not hold a broadcasting degree, he credits his ministry experience for giving him the confidence and skills to speak comfortably to large crowds. Today, he balances multiple roles. He works full-time as an IT specialist for Miller Brothers Construction and serves as a part-time minister at First Christian Church in Bowling Green. Despite this busy schedule, he still dedicates countless nights and weekends to Tinora athletics.
When asked about his most memorable game, Gene admitted it is nearly impossible to choose. Come-from-behind victories, last-second wins, and rivalry matchups all stand out. However, one moment rises to the top: announcing the very first volleyball match in Tinora’s new gym.
“The atmosphere was electric,” Gene recalled. “The excitement was palpable.” Honored to be part of such a meaningful event for the team and community, he describes a packed gym cheering for the Rams as one of the greatest experiences an announcer could have.
Of course, no one spends decades on a live microphone without a few humorous moments. One of Gene’s favorites happened during a Defiance College football game when he accidentally shouted, “FIRST DOWN RAMS!” instead of “Yellow Jackets!” After years of switching between teams, sometimes announcing multiple games in one day, even the most seasoned professional can have a slip of the tongue.
And when technology occasionally fails to cooperate during the National Anthem? Gene doesn’t miss a beat. He invites the crowd to sing along, and thankfully, the Tinora community always rises to the occasion.
From his vantage point at the scorer’s table, Gene truly does have “the best seat in the house.” But the role comes with challenges. Remaining neutral while fans passionately react to officials can be difficult, yet Gene approaches the job with professionalism and respect, always remembering that the focus should remain on the student-athletes and the game itself.
That professionalism is something the community deeply appreciates.
“So the thing I love about Gene is that he is impartial when he announces,” said community member Bridget Gustwiller. “Yes, he gets excited for our Rams, but he also announces with as much fervor and excitement for the opposing team.”
Tinora Athletic Director Jake Essig agrees.
“Gene Sugg embodies the spirit of our community. His unwavering dedication and passion for Tinora athletics not only elevate the game experience but also inspire our student-athletes to strive for excellence. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as a voice and a leader.”
So what keeps Gene coming back year after year?
At the top of the list is family, especially watching his granddaughters compete in the sports they love. But just as meaningful is the opportunity to create something special for the Tinora community.
“My goal is to provide a polished, professional, high-energy atmosphere that is second to none for the Tinora Rams,” Gene said. “When people come to a Tinora sporting event, I want them to experience something memorable, where the atmosphere is electric and the student-athletes are the focus.”
Thanks to Gene Sugg, that is exactly what happens.
The next time you hear that familiar voice echo through the gym or stadium, take a moment to appreciate the dedication behind it. For more than a decade at Tinora and over a quarter century overall, Gene has helped transform games into experiences and moments into memories.
And for that, we are proud to call him one of our own.
Go Rams!
