Hometown Calls: Dillon Hutton

When the Tupelo Golden Wave take the field, one of the voices guiding fans through the action is Dillon Hutton.

As the SID and Voice of the Golden Wave, Dillon calls games on the Golden Wave Sports Network. Fans can tune in at goldenwaveathletics.com or through the Tupelo App on Roku, Apple TV, and FireStick. The football pregame show kicks off an hour before game time. We caught up with Dillon to hear his story and what keeps him behind the mic.

How did you get into broadcasting?

“I started in 2011 as a junior in high school. I was tweeting scores from basketball games and realized it was easier to talk than type. Once I got on the mic, I was hooked.”

Who were your influences growing up?

“I loved listening to Vin Scully on Dodger games. Today, I enjoy Joe Davis on Fox for football and baseball. David Kellum on the radio is also one of the best. The energy he brings is incredible.”

Was broadcasting always your dream job?

“I grew up on a farm and wanted to be a farmer or a baseball player. But I struck out more than I got on base, so I turned to broadcasting. I always knew I wanted to work in sports.”

How do you prepare for a game?

“I’m a huge prepper. Probably overdo it. I put together game notes, spot boards, intros and outros, and storylines. For football, I’ll watch two or three hours of film each week and reach out to coaches for info. We’ve also got an amazing stats team that makes my job easier. On video broadcasts, you don’t have to be as descriptive as radio, but you still have to be prepared.”

What’s your pregame ritual?

“When I worked in minor league baseball, I always had a bag of Jolly Ranchers in the booth. They keep your mouth from drying out. I’m also a little superstitious. If we’re on a winning streak, I might wear the same polo or pullover.”

How would you describe your broadcasting style?

“Old school. I respect the craft. I try to be factual and not overly biased. It’s not just Tupelo, Tupelo, Tupelo. The other team can make exciting plays too.”

Do you have a signature call?

“I don’t. I’ve always tried to give an honest account of the game and set up my broadcast partners.”

Do you adjust your tone depending on the sport or moment?

“Yes. Football, basketball, and volleyball are more in the same gear. Baseball is more conversational and light. We laugh a lot more during baseball broadcasts.”

What’s the hardest part of calling games at this level?

“Roster size. Moving from small schools to 7A football was a jump. Going from 30 players on a roster to close to 100 is tough.”

Ever broadcast from a crazy or unusual location?

“Middle of the bleachers. And during Covid, from my house. We remotely called football and basketball games with fake crowd noise.”

How do you handle games where one team is overmatched?

“You still call the game. Sometimes you shift focus to player development or what’s ahead. Not every game is going to be close.”

What role does a local broadcaster play in a community?

“It’s huge. High school athletics are the front door to the school district. The broadcast is a reflection of the community, and Tupelo has incredible support.”

Do fans ever recognize you?

“Not a lot, but it happens. During football season I’ll meet people who say I sound familiar, and then it turns out they watched a Tupelo game a week or two ago.”

Most memorable feedback?

“When I worked in minor league baseball, parents of players would email and say it felt like they were there because of how I described the game. One parent even messaged me later, after their son moved up in the Pirates organization, and said they missed me on the call. That meant a lot.”

Go-to postgame meal?

“Chicken nuggets from McDonald’s and a blue Gatorade. It’s usually the only thing open.”

If you could call any game in sports history, what would it be?

“Ole Miss-Alabama in 2014. Such a memorable game and moment.”

Dream broadcast partner?

“Bill Walton in basketball, just for the laughs. In football, Todd Blackledge or Kirk Herbstreit.”

Ever lose your voice or have tech fail?

“Plenty of tech issues. You just work through them and get back on air as quick as possible.”

One game you’ll never forget?

“The girls’ basketball state championship in 2024. Seeing them win it all was surreal. Being in the Big House with that crowd was electric. When the buzzer sounded, I said, ‘7A is Golden for the Wave.’ It was a special moment.”

What do you hope people remember about your broadcasts?

“That they were professional, unbiased, and honest. That it was never about me, but about showcasing the athletes.”

Advice for aspiring broadcasters?

“Over-prepare, get reps, and be patient. You won’t land your dream job right away. It takes time.”

Dillon Hutton continues to be the steady voice for the Golden Wave. Fans can catch his calls on the Golden Wave Sports Network at goldenwaveathletics.com or through the Tupelo App on Roku, Apple TV, and FireStick.