In sports, certain play-by-play voices leave an indelible mark in the hearts of their fan bases. A great radio play-by-play voice not only has the ability to put their audience in the seats, but they also have the ability add drama and suspense to the game. They help you feel the deafening roar of the crowd after a touchdown or they can make your nerves tighten up during a pivotal play. People who are the play-by-play voice for a team have a very difficult job because they must accurately describe what is happening right as it’s unfolding before their eyes.
Virginia’s Mac McDonald is one broadcaster that will forever have an attachment to the Cavalier fan base. He’s currently in his ninth season of broadcasting Virginia football and basketball over the airwaves and does a remarkable job of adding to the game day experience. He was recently named as the 2004-2005 Sportscaster of the Year in the state of Virginia. McDonald is not only one of the best play-by-play voices in the state, he’s one of the best play-by-play voices in the ACC. He was mentioned in The Charlotte Observer last Friday as a candidate for the radio play-by-play position for the Carolina Panthers.
One thing that stands out to me about McDonald is that he always has really good timing when he switches his tone of voice. During a big play for the ‘Hoos, you can hear his voice escalate with excitement and when there is a big mistake you can hear his voice choking on the disappointment. If you’ve never had the privilege of listening to Mac over the radio, then go to Virginia's athletics website and watch the football and basketball highlights. If you watch the football highlights, you’ll also see McDonald’s ability to add drama to a game by setting the stage before kickoff.
One of my favorite calls of his came when I was riding around Washington D.C. with my mother and brother. It was November 10th, 2001 and Georgia Tech and the Ramblin’ Wreck of Georgia Tech were in Charlottesville squaring off against former UVA quarterback Bryson Spinner. Trailing 38-33 with less than 2 minutes left in the game, Bryson Spinner put together a spectacular drive that was capped by one of the most unbelievable plays I have ever listened to over the radio. It was 1st and 10 for the Cavs from the Yellow Jackets 37-yard line and Spinner lofted a pass to Billy McMullen. McMullen saw two Georgia Tech defenders closing in on him and was hit, but was still able to pitch the ball to a streaking Alvin Pearman. "It wasn't pretty," McMullen said. "I got hit as I was getting rid of it. It was more like a chest pass, really." Pearman scooped the ball up before it hit the turf and raced down the sideline for 27 yards and the game-winning touchdown with 22 seconds left. The Cavaliers prevailed 39-38 in one of the most thrilling Virginia football games in school history. After the game Virginia coach Al Groh said, "This was a magnificent college football game."
The hook-and-ladder play will certainly go down as one of the best plays in Virginia football history, but that play will always stick with me because Mac McDonald was there putting me in Scott Stadium. I can still hear his voice climbing with that charge of excitement once Billy McMullen pitched the ball to Alvin Pearman. McDonald’s voice will always come to mind whenever remembering great moments in Virginia football and basketball over the past nine years. He’s definitely earned a special place in the heart of many Cavalier fans over the years. Congrats on the award Mac McDonald! You have done a brilliant job over the years and Virginia fans will always remember you, no matter where you go.
