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"Wait! Who is that? It's a kid!" 12-year-old announces all football games at CDO

Posted at 3:44 PM, Nov 30, 2023
and last updated 2023-11-30 17:44:06-05

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (KGUN) — Throughout the football season we hear from broadcasters like Jim Nantz, Chris Fowler, Al Michaels but not many of those big names got their start in just seventh grade.

Lucas Randall, a 12-year-old, is getting his broadcasting career started early.

Randall was first offered the announcer job at CDO in fifth grade.

“Mr. Domingez, the athletic director here, is my neighbor," Randall said. "We used to go over to his house a lot and watch some games together. He noticed I was pointing out a lot of stats.”

Randall started off just doing freshman games.

“Oh my gosh, I was really nervous for him but also really excited and just proud that he was able to step into his element," Lucas's Mom, Melanie Randall said.

By sixth grade, Randall moved up to calling JV and Varsity games.

Now in seventh grade, he calls all three levels.

“He’s kind of like a mini-celebrity around here. I can just say, 'Oh I'm with Lucas' and they know who that is," Melanie said. "He’s kind of a VIP around here."

Throughout this time, Randall began to see a future in this role.

“When I started calling games, I realized it was fun and I wanted to continue doing that," Randall said. "I was kind of excited that I knew what I wanted to do.”

A career in play-by-play is Randall’s goal. Imagine that, having your career planned out at just 12 years old—and it all started at Dorado Stadium in Oro Valley.

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Erin Patterson is a reporter for KGUN 9. She's agraduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in News Media with a Sports Concentration. Erin recently obtained her Master's Degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, where she gained experience a sports reporter, anchor and producer. Share your story ideas and important issues with Erin by emailing erin.patterson@kgun9.com.