‘What a cool thing for students’: Jake and Spike celebrate Rick Rizzs reading morning announcements at Auburn school

Days after calling his last game for the Seattle Mariners, broadcaster Rick Rizzs read morning announcements at Auburn Mountainview High School during a visit to present a scholarship.

Discussing the visit during “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, co-host Jake Skorheim praised Rizzs’ broadcasting career, while co-host Spike O’Neill described the appearance as an example for students interested in working behind a microphone.

“He’s one of the greats,” Jake said.

“If you want to make this your career, if this is your passion, what a vehicle,” Spike responded. “And what an example to have a few seconds of hearing how it’s done right.”

Rizzs brings his broadcast voice to school announcements

The hosts played a recording of Rizzs reading announcements, including an invitation to join the school’s French Club.

“Just imagine you’re sitting in class in homeroom, and this is the morning announcements that you get to hear,” Jake said. “Pretty cool.”

The hosts joked about staff members being impressed by the veteran broadcaster’s delivery and his addition of a French greeting.

“How is it possible that this guy, who’s one of the greatest announcers,” Jake said, before Spike finished the thought.

“Could be so good at this job? A half a century of practice,” Spike said.

Spike compares student announcements to the minor leagues

Spike contrasted Rizzs’ experience with that of the students who ordinarily read announcements.

“They’ve been listening to members of the student government or student council,” Spike said. “They’ve been working in the minors with regard to morning announcement delivery. Because they’re students. They’re learning the game.”

He then described Rizzs taking the microphone.

“Here comes the pinnacle of broadcast experience and charisma and talent,” Spike said.

School broadcasts offer a chance to try something new

The discussion turned to the hosts’ own school experiences. Jake asked whether Spike had ever read morning announcements.

“Dude, I was never in school by morning announcements,” Spike said. “I was maybe hanging out in the parking lot for a couple extra seconds.”

Jake recalled his school using classroom televisions for student broadcasts.

“Looking back, what a cool thing for students to get a chance to do stuff like that,” Jake said. “And to have the opportunity to get in front of a camera.”

He compared the experience with the student announcement scenes in the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies.

“They’re so awkward, but they do such a good job of showing how these awkward kids are,” Jake said. “It’s a cool thing.”

Jake encouraged students to give broadcasting a try.

“Have some fun, make some jokes,” Jake said.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3