A refresher course in the English language may do me some good

I've subjected blog readers to this image before, but it's the only one I have of me announcing. So...here's a picture of my big gaping mouth. Please enjoy.

I look forward to this time of year because it's the beginning of announcing season, which for me means a series of public address (PA) engagements at a range of high school (and some college) athletic events.

I enjoy every one of these games/matches, but unless things turn around, I'm not sure the people there will enjoy having me.

In sum, I had a rough announcing preseason. That "preseason" consisted of announcing a recent Miracle League of Lake County game (July 15), the Wickliffe Swing Band's home-from-band-camp performance (July 21), and the Wickliffe High School alumni soccer game (August 4).

I was, to say the least, rusty in every case. I flubbed words, forgot others, and misidentified people. These aren't professional sports or anything, but still, I really have to do better.

I'm not even sure what happened. When I left off with PA announcing back in the winter/spring, I felt I was at the top of my game. I hated for the season to end because everything seemed to be clicking.

Now, months later, I'm struggling a little. It's like I forgot how to speak my native language.

I'm sure it was just a case of being out of practice, but it is a little worrisome with 63 announcing gigs on my calendar over the next 61 days.

I get a lot of offers for PA work this time of year, mostly because I show up when I say I'm going to show up. Athletic directors and college game day operations people are constantly challenged to find reliable people to work their events, so if you're somewhat dependable, you'll get work.

By the way, those 63 gigs in 61 days include 31 soccer games, 12 band performances, 11 volleyball matches (two at the collegiate level), six football games, two more Miracle League games, and a Meet the Teams event for my friends at Riverside High School.

This coming Saturday alone I'll do a JV football game at 10am, Miracle League games at 3 and 4pm, and a girls soccer game at 7pm.

Not mentioned are the last-minute substitute engagements of the kind working announcers are called to do all the time, or an additional regular-season football game outside of the 61-day time period, along with the playoff games I'll work beyond all of that.

Again, I'm not announcing at Yankee Stadium, but everyone wants to do a good job, especially when it's an activity you really enjoy.

I choose to believe I'm going to quickly work my way back into form. The alternatives (that I'm suddenly too old or experiencing some sort of cognitive decline) are too unpleasant to consider.

Plus, I spent a lot of money on this announcing equipment. I've got at least 15 more years before this stuff starts paying for itself.