Behind the mic: John Baylor, the voice of Nebraska volleyball
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — To be John Baylor, it takes passion, dedication, commitment, patience and so much more.
Baylor has been the voice of the Huskers for over 30 years, and it never gets old for the vet.
“I got a box seat to the greatest show on taraflex,” Baylor said. “It’s just a privilege, it brings so much joy to so many people.”
Over thousands of matches called and hundreds of atmospheres experienced, John is always one step ahead of the game.
His best way at preparing for each contest? The old fashioned way.
“I like to handwrite all the critical data,” Baylor said. “Whether it’s statistics, or background info next to each person’s name.”
Baylor says he’s learned by handwriting things, it’s a lot easier for him to retain the info.
“It’s stuck in your brain so much more,” Baylor said. “Because, in volleyball you often don’t have time to look down.”
Baylor has to learn everything, about everyone. And, all the in-between.
“How you get started is so critical” he said. “The beginning has got to be strong. I write the open the day of the match.”
To help Baylor prepare for not just his hobbies, but also his everyday life, he sometimes needs to get in a quick workout.
“It’s not a volleyball ritual, but I do push ups all the time,” he said. “Whenever I’m feeling sluggish, or I have a big presentation I’ll go around the corner and do like 30-40 pushups. It really brings me to life.”
Just this past week, the beginning of Baylor’s 32nd year, he got to do something he’s never done. He called from Pinnacle Bank Arena.
It was a first in college volleyball history.
It’s moments like these, that brings him the joy of being part of Nebraska volleyball.
“To have this small role in this juggernaut has been one of the highlights of my life,” he said.
Although, the duties of Baylor can sometimes be methodical or strategic. It requires hours of research.
But, Baylor likes to keep his listeners entertained, attentive and smiling.
“I really take pride in informing, entertaining, and ideally making people think,” said Baylor. “I also like to make people laugh.”
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What keeps Baylor going after so many years? It’s more than just himself. He adds that his family has been a big part of it.
“It’s just a joy,” he said. “Something that’s really become an important part of my life. I always ask my children, ‘Do you want me to stop doing this?’, and every year they say, no way. It’s been part of our family’s life, my life. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
With the recent retirement of legendary head coach John Cook, Baylor says he hasn’t given much thought as to when his time would come.
But he continues to soak in every bit of this opportunity with gratitude.
“I think there will come a time where I’ll be sad, and I hope it’s on my terms,” said Baylor. “I’ll just remember what a privilege I’ve had to be on this magic carpet ride for the greatest show on taraflex.”
You can hear Baylor’s live game coverage on the Husker Radio Network.
