Matt Mounts has been the voice of Yelm football for two decades and counting and has seen the program grow into a 3A powerhouse from arguably the best seat in the house.
The longtime Yelm High School teacher and FFA advisor has called Yelm football home games from the booth for the last 20 years, serving as the recognizable and enthusiastic voice of the Tornados’ football program. Prior to Mounts taking over as public address announcer for Yelm, he worked in the booth running the clock.
“I’ve been able to experience some really cool moments. I’ve really enjoyed doing it, and I anticipate doing this until I can’t. It’s been a joy and an honor,” Mounts said. “I’ve got to watch this program grind its way to the top. It didn’t just rise to the top. They grinded their way to the top. I’ve watched the culture instilled in this program, and that’s been pretty cool.”
Mounts called every Tornados’ home game in 2022 on the program’s way to winning its first-ever 3A state football championship, including the “home” playoff semi-final matchup against Bellevue at Art Crate Stadium in Spanaway. He said the win against the Wolverines was without a doubt his favorite and most memorable game that he’s called.
“Being able to call that Bellevue game was special considering you didn’t know how that game would end. Not only was it exciting, but it had a lot on the line,” Mounts said. “We came out victorious, so that kind of helped capture the excitement. The kids played with determination and confidence. You could feel it in the box and in the crowd.”
He said that the home playoff wins in 2022 against Bishop Blanchet, Southridge and Kennewick were memorable, too. Though he didn’t get to call the 3A state championship matchup between Yelm and Eastside Catholic, Mounts said everything about that game was unforgettable.
“A state championship win is something I thought would never happen. To watch that run actually come together and happen was incredible. The playoff run last year was amazing,” Mounts said. “The kids and the community came together for something so exciting — that really never happens to a non-private, rural school district. To be able to be a part of it and to announce and try to pump up the crowd was pretty awesome.”
Mounts said he also called memorable moments during his 20-year tenure that didn’t go Yelm’s way, including the Sept. 24, 2004, game against rivals Timberline. Blazer senior and future Oregon Ducks standout Jonathan Stewart broke Washington State’s all-time rushing record at Yelm High School, totalling 242 yards on 12 carries, setting the record at the conclusion of the game with 6,275 career yards.
Mounts also called the games of Reggie Williams, former Lakes Lancer and University of Washington star, in his early years of announcing.
The longtime PA announcer noted the Tornados’ football program has grown tremendously since he first began his tenure. He compared the team’s growth to watching family members or friends making forward strides. Mounts added the community support has also played a role in building Yelm’s football program.
“Watching that growth and watching that confidence build, and the community starting to come together in larger and larger portions to support these kids and the efforts they put in has been awesome. The last few years have been ridiculously exciting,” Mounts said. “I feel like the energy the crowd has in the game can transfer everywhere. It’s contagious. If it can transfer up to me and what I’m doing in the box, I’m sure it can transfer down to the players on the sidelines.
“The fans play a big role in everything that’s happening,” Mounts added. “It’s pretty exciting to be able to do this in such a community-based program because, last year, during that playoff run and state title game, I was in awe of how many people showed up and the energy they brought. It was a community that came to support this team. That community base has always been there, and it’s pretty awesome to see how important the kids are to this town.”
As an announcer of 20 years, Mounts had the opportunity to observe and call the games and big plays of many Tornados. He said he considers many athletes memorable, including Peter Finley, David Evans, Kevin Houlahan, Ricky Blake, the Platt brothers: Austin, Derrick, Logan and Brayden, Kyler Ronquillo, Ray Wright, Travis Erb and the “constant pipeline of effective offensive linemen.”
“There’s also a lot of memorable players that are on the current team that are going to go down and have big names for themselves, I’m sure. They’re determined, prepared and very talented,” Mounts said. “This group of kids are a pretty memorable team.”
Mounts said he’s surprised at how often community members will approach him after games to thank him or tell them they appreciate how he announces Yelm’s football games.
“It’s pretty neat how many people will come up to me after games to tell me “Hey, nice job.” There’s been times I’ve been at a national FFA convention and had to miss home games, and I’d get several texts asking “where are you?” That makes me feel good on the inside that people do enjoy listening to what I have to say,” Mounts said. “The other day I was picking up dinner at 507 Taproom, and a parent of a non-football player came up to me and told me that I was the only reason they come to the games because they enjoy listening to me. It’s nice to know that people appreciate the efforts.”
Overall, Mounts said calling Yelm’s football games is an honor.
“No matter what the outcome, I hope that I have helped add to the Friday night lights experience. This community has always shown great support and passion for their Tornados,” Mounts said. “A few colorful calls can increase the crowd’s desire to cheer the home team and increase an already high energy. My hope is that the high energy leaves everyone feeling at the end of the night that they had a great experience.”
People can hear Mounts call Yelm’s next football game at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 against the Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks.
