Hometown Calls: Don Brooks

For decades, Don Brooks has been a familiar voice on Friday nights. He spent most of his career calling games at W07BN before becoming the voice of Oxford sports on WOXD Bullseye 95.5 FM, bullseye955.com, and osdcharger.tv.

Along the way, Don has been a mentor to many aspiring broadcasters, including myself. His encouragement helped me grow in the sports industry and showed me what it takes to call a game the right way.

How did you get into broadcasting?

“I was always interested in it. In November 1993, I called the Morgans, who owned a low-power TV station in Bruce, and asked if I could help. They let me call the Bruce-Kossuth Bowl Game in Ackerman. After some basketball and baseball seasoning, I started working full-time with them that fall.”

Who were your influences growing up?

“I listened to a lot of broadcasts on my old stereo in the summer. Atlanta, St. Louis, Houston, Texas, Cincinnati — whoever I could pick up. I also tuned in to Stan Torgerson calling Ole Miss games.”

Was this always your dream job?

“Yes. As a kid, I’d pull box scores from Sporting News magazines and recreate games in my bedroom. From about 10 to 13, that’s what I did if it was too hot to go outside.”

How do you prepare for a game?

“When we did a coaches show midweek, it was easier. We’d meet with coaches and players and get a lot of info. Now, after 28 years with the same team, I keep running stats and carry a lot of history with me.”

What’s your pregame ritual?

“I’m not superstitious. I just show up early, check the equipment, and jot down notes. The only exception was eating Whataburger before Oxford’s first state title in 2019 — but I’ve never done that again.”

How would you describe your style?

“For radio-only games, I paint the picture — the sky, the crowd, the atmosphere. For livestreaming, fans can see, so I focus on stats and details. I want people to know as much as possible about the game and players.”

Do you have a signature call?

“Not really. Sometimes I’ll use old sayings like ‘That’s a winner’ or ‘This one belongs to the Chargers.’ My favorite was in 2008 when Oxford’s Willis Certion hit a three. I’d say, ‘What you talkin’ ‘bout Willis.’ The kids loved it.”

Do you adjust your tone?

“I stay pretty level. I’m pulling for the Chargers, but I’m not a homer.”

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

“The travel. Driving two and a half hours to Madison or Clinton isn’t easy.”

Ever broadcast from a crazy or unusual location?

“Plenty. I’ve sat in the bleachers at small gyms and even climbed press boxes with no rails in the ’90s. You couldn’t do that today.”

What’s one call you’ll never forget?

“Game One of the North Half Championship in 2015. Oxford was 31-0, facing New Hope. In extras, a ball got by Drew Bianco at second to give New Hope the lead. Then his brother Ben hit a walk-off bomb. The students stormed the field like Hank Aaron’s homer in the ’70s. Electrifying moment. I couldn’t sleep all night.”

What do you hope people remember about your broadcasts?

“That for a few hours, they smiled, forgot everything else, and just enjoyed the game.”

What advice would you give young broadcasters?

“Do it as long as you love it. Reach out if you want help — I’ll share whatever I can. I’ve always liked Ronald Reagan’s line: ‘I wasn’t a great communicator, but I communicated great things.’ That’s what this is about.”