Long-time 'Voice of Pirates' John Gates nominated to the WIAA Hall of Fame

POMEROY––The countless contributions of long-time Pirate announcer and youth sports supporter John Gates are being proffered to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association for inclusion in the WIAA's Hall of Fame.

John Williams is mustering support for the notion. "This story is about John Gates, a local insurance agent turned P.A. Announcer for Pomeroy High School Athletics," Williams wrote the WIAA. "He has been the announcer for every home football and basketball game for 57 years. His contribution to the community, students and athletes has been unmeasurable. I'm 72 years old and John started his P.A. career at my freshman games so I've listened to his booming voice for a long time.

"I don't know if there is a place for a P. A. announcer in the Hall of Fame but I'm hoping you would consider him," Williams continued. "John has been battling cancer so any recognition you can send his way would be greatly appreciated."

Williams also submitted a piece about Gates from the East Washingtonian, and letters of support from P.H.S. alum Jeff Reinland, current head basketball coach at Walla Walla Community College; a supporting letter from Pomeroy Mayor Jack Peasley; and a letter from Paul Williams, a baseball player under Gates's tutelage who went on to play football at Whitman College in Walla Walla.

"Please give John Gates careful consideration for the WIAA Hall of Fame," Williams concluded.

"John has served the Pomeroy community and School District as a youth coach, a junior high coach, an announcer, and a mentor for probably thousands of student-athletes who have moved through the town and school," Reinland wrote." He is more than deserving of any accolades he receives.

"John is such a caring and positive person and has helped many young athletes achieve success, whether it be in sports or in life in general," Reinland continued. "John taught me, and I know many others, through his actions and conversations to focus on the positive things you have to offer and for you to get better, and not worry about the negative energy surrounding you."

P.H.S. alum Jack Peasley, mayor of Pomeroy, said: "Through all the adventures we shared, it all comes back to sports. He taught me so much about life through athletics. I became a coach to my student athletes and to my children due in large part to him. And I became involved in public service in my hometown because I chose to share his commitment to Pomeroy and its people."

"John Gates is an amazing man, whose voice on the PA system is clear and concise and makes a point of getting every player's name pronounced correctly," said another Gates' protégé, Paul Williams. "He remembers everything and everyone. When we talk about the old days, he remembers scores, situations and pitch counts. He also wrote the majority of the varsity sports and Babe Ruth game articles for the local East Washingtonian newspaper for many years. I have always enjoyed hearing him announce sporting events; I was fortunate to call him coach; I'm proud to be his friend."