The crowd is barking along with the song “Who let the dogs out?”; the cheerleaders are bumping to Outkast’s latest hit “Hey Ya.” The fans are in a frenzy waiting for the Loyola Wolfpack basketball game to start.

With the Rev. William Byron, S.J., and the Rev. David Boileau, S.J., at his side, sits magicmaker Matt Johnson.

Johnson, a senior broadcast journalism major, has been the announcer for Loyola sports – including volleyball, basketball and baseball – since his freshman year. It is his job to enthusiastically introduce the players and announce the game.

“I did some public speaking in high school, and I thought announcing might be a good way to keep my voice in check, ” Johnson said.

Johnson, who is also in charge of the music before the game and during timeouts, stays on a high throughout each game that is drawn from the intensity of the game and the atmosphere he helps create.

The fans appreciate his effort.

“When I hear the music, I want to jump up and dance. I get really excited and look forward to the team winning,” said Elyse Dufour, visual arts freshman.

Johnson says that he has a very different taste in music. He grew up in Texas and listened mostly to Americana music.

Johnson attended most of his high school games and has done a lot of traveling. He said that he is confident in his sports knowledge.

“I’m having so much fun. I try to think of something funny to entice the crowd,” Johnson said. “I’ve never even been to a game where I wasn’t behind the mike.”

Some students enjoy the announcer just as much as the game.

“That guy brings excitement to the crowd. He really pumps us up and that brings a good aspect to the game,” said Ashley Neuhauser, general studies freshman.

Kristina Krawczyk, international business freshman, added that Johnson is a necessary part of the basketball game experience.

“Without the announcer, the game would not be as exciting. He brings a lot to the game,” she said.

Johnson, who will graduate in May and retire from his role as Loyola’s announcer, said that he will miss the job.

“It’s funny in that I make jokes about getting out [of school],” he said. “But I’ll miss running into everybody. It may sound a little corny, but I’ll miss the experience of announcing.”

And the athletes, who appreciate Johnson’s ad-libbing and the impact he has on each game, will miss him as well.

Ryan Kinsley, general studies freshman, said that Johnson helps energize the team.

“His voice is terrific. He’s not distracting at all. It pumps you up when your name is called,” Kinsley, shooting guard for the ‘Pack, said.

Besides being the voice of Loyola, Johnson enjoys writing and photography. He also enjoys driving and is known to take off on road trips. He said that he wishes he had more time to get in his car and cruise to Houma or Atlanta.

His job as announcer keeps him busy since he is required to travel to two road games per sport. It has been challenging for him to balance the job along with his studies.

But he said that he has no regrets about being the voice of Loyola for three years.

“It has been a win-win situation for me. Not only have I made money and earned credit, but what other job could you bump elbows with the head priests?”

Matt Johnson has been the voice of Loyola sports for the past three seasons. On Feb. 28, he will call his last home basketball game in the Den against Tougaloo. Johnson said he has no regrets about his three years of calling Loyola sports. He will graduate in May.