When Friday night rolls around and the lights come on at local high school football stadiums, one voice you’ll often hear bringing the action to life is Ronnie Williams.
As the play-by-play announcer for Q105.5 in Oxford for the Lafayette Commodores, Ronnie calls both football and baseball games with his broadcast partner, color commentator Josh Guest. We caught up with Ronnie to hear about his journey into broadcasting and what makes local sports radio so special.
How did you get into broadcasting?
“I was hooked watching Braves baseball on TBS growing up. The play-by-play really drew me in and I fell in love with the craft.”
Who influenced you as you were growing up?
“I grew up listening to Memphis legends David Kellum and Big Jack Eaton. They set the bar for what a broadcaster should be.”
Was this always your dream job?
“I majored in journalism at Ole Miss with a goal to be in this field. It was definitely a dream, not an accident.”
How do you prepare for a game?
“I watch film, interview coaches, and dig through stats. Preparation is key.”
Got a pre-game ritual?
“Talking to a coach always helps get me in the zone.”
How would you describe your broadcasting style?
“All the above—factual, colorful, old-school, and fan-friendly.”
Do you have a signature call?
“Touchdownnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Commodores!”
Do you change your tone depending on the team or moment?
“I’m always ‘me,’ whether it’s a blowout or a nail-biter.”
What’s the hardest part of calling games at this level?
“Getting the rosters right is tougher than you might think.”
Ever broadcast from a crazy location?
“Once I was on the east side of Vaught Hemingway with no crowd on that side. It was surreal.”
How do you handle calling games where one team is overmatched or when it’s your alma mater?
“I try to treat every game the same.”
What role does a local broadcaster play in a small community?
“We connect the community to the players and schools in a way no one else can.”
Do you get recognized or contacted by fans?
“All the time, small towns make that happen.”
Most heartfelt feedback you’ve ever received?
“A grandmother in Florida called to thank me after listening live, then she made the trip to see a game in person.”
Go-to postgame meal?
“No set spot—depends on the line in the drive-thru!”
If you could call any game in history, what would it be?
“Game 7 of the 1985 World Series. I’m a huge Royals fan and would’ve loved to call that first championship.”
Dream color commentator?
“Skip Carey.”
Ever lost your voice or had tech fail during a call?
“Yep, called a doubleheader solo for Ole Miss baseball, and my voice started going in the sixth inning.”
One call or game you’ll never forget?
“The 2025 5A Baseball State Championship at Trustmark Park—my son was on the mound, got the last out, and sealed the win and championship!”
What do you want people to remember about your broadcasts?
“That I was fair and honest, and called the game as I saw it.”
Advice for aspiring broadcasters?
“Don’t say no. Jump in anywhere, even if it means pulling wires or working behind the scenes. Soak it all up.”
Local broadcasters like Ronnie are the heartbeat of Friday night football in our communities. They bring the stories, the excitement, and the connection that make these games more than just sports—they make them part of our shared culture.
Tune in to Q105.5 Lafayette or visit lafco.live to catch Ronnie and Josh’s broadcasts this season!
If you are or someone you listen to would like to be part of this feature, please shoot me a message on here or my More with Gore Facebook page.
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