Redford senior got behind the mic at World Cup
It’s not every day a CMU student gets to announce a World Cup tournament.
But that’s just what John Schuett did this summer.
The Redford senior was chosen to be the only public address announcer for the 2005 International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations World Cup in Annapolis, Md.
In addition to all games played by the 10 participating countries, Schuett announced the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies.
“The opening ceremony with the parade of nations was very memorable,” said Schuett, who was paid for his work.
It was the next logical step for an expert PA announcer, which Schuett has been since high school.
After learning CMU’s announcer was graduating, Schuett contacted the Athletics Department to apply for the job.
Schuett is now in his fifth year of announcing CMU volleyball, soccer, field hockey, basketball, wrestling and filling in at other sporting events.
His experience at CMU helped him make connections at other universities and on the national level, he said. He now regularly announces sports at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
The announcer typically does the starting line-ups, the play-by play and any opening or closing ceremonies.
“My high school needed a PA announcer and I said I was interested and started doing freshman games,” said Schuett about why he got started in the field.
An important part of PA announcing is incorporating personality into the work, Schuett said, while also making it enjoyable for people to listen to.
“John is very outgoing, optimistic and he’s hilarious. He always has a joke,” said Schuett’s girlfriend, Freeland senior Stacy Pickelman.
Schuett’s involvement at CMU doesn’t end with PA announcing, though. He is also in his second year as Program Board president.
“He has a lot of spirit and he isn't afraid to think big,” said Jamie Brown, Program Board adviser and assistant director of Student Life. “He helped create the CMU Rock Rally.”
One particular Program Board experience that stands out in Schuett’s mind involves comedian Dane Cook, who came to campus during Schuett’s freshman year.
It was Schuett’s first show that he worked at as a Program Board member and they needed someone to introduce Cook. Schuett volunteered.
“Later, I got to sit next to him at dinner because he said he liked the joke I used on stage,” Schuett said.
He said helping Program Board continue to grow is a big priority for him this semester.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without his encouragement,” Pickelman said. “I was shy as a freshman, but he knows so many people on campus and introduces you to everyone he talks to. As a friend, he is always there for you.”
Schuett is earning his degree in teaching, but would like to continue with PA announcing in the future. For him, a dream job would be to announce for a team such as the Detroit Redwings.
“My only regret is that I’ve been here for five years, but that has helped me learn about myself as a person and figure out what I want to do as a career,” he said.
