Voice of 49ers comes to life

When Dan Smith graduated from Cal State Long Beach in 1984 with a degree in broadcast journalism, he had no idea where he would be working.

He definitely did not think he would be the primary public address announcer for CSULB athletics. "I never even thought of it," Smith said. "I thought about g oing into radio. I just fell into it."

"Fell into it" is a good way to describe the process that landed Smith his current job. He introduces starting lineups, makes announcements and is the voice that can be heard at all CSULB's volleyball matches, basketball and baseball games.

Smith got his start after graduation working in the CSULB sports information office. In 1985, he heard someone complaining that there was not an announcer for women's volleyball matches.

"I said I'd give it a try, " Smith said.

According to Smith, the man who previously worked women's basketball wanted to return at one point, but was denied because the job was Smith's.

"The next year, the guy doing men's basketball and football quit," Smith said. "So I sl id right into that."

Along with being a public address announcer, Smith, 33, is also bartender, a substitute teacher for the Long Beach Unified School District and a group sales manager for the 49er Athletic Association.

According the Smith, The Pyramid basically sells itself.

"It's fun to finally go into work (tending bar) and hear people talking about Long Beach State Athletics and The Pyramid," he said. "I get asked about The Pyramid about three times a day when I work (at the bar)."

Smith has had his share of embarrassing moments as the public address announcer. He's gotten a few names wrong, but his worst experience came at a volleyball match.

"We were playing Indiana Purdue-Fort Wayne in men's volleyball," Smith said. "And I called a side out for Utah State."

In spite of those moments, Smith said he really enjoys his job. "It's great for me," he said. "I love CSULB sports. Before I started working for sports information, I was in the band here and we did every ev ent.

"I'd be going to the games anyhow, so it saves me a lot of money. They give me the best seat in the house, and they pay me to do it."