The Voice of the Knights

On Friday nights in Nolensville, the stadium is alive with the sounds of football—the band playing, the student section cheering, and the steady, familiar voice from the press box guiding fans through all of the action. That voice belongs to Luke Patton, Nolensville High School’s PA announcer, whose presence has become an essential part of the game-day experience.

A lifelong sports fan, Luke’s journey to the microphone began years ago at Belleville East High School in Illinois, where he worked as a radio play-by-play announcer. When his family moved to Nolensville in 2018, he volunteered in the press box as a spotter, helping announcers identify plays and players. A few seasons later, he stepped into the announcer’s chair, where he’s been ever since.

Preparation for each game begins with updated rosters and the official game script, provided by Athletic Director Zach Hudson and the school’s administration. With everything in place, Luke focuses on what he does best—keeping fans informed while adding energy to the stadium. “My primary role is to keep the crowd up to date,” he explains. “But I’ll admit, I love shouting out a Nolensville touchdown.”

The Friday night atmosphere, he says, is what makes Nolensville football so special. “Football here is a community event. The whole town comes out to support the team, and with the band and student section creating an amazing environment, it’s electric.”

Some memories stand out more than others. One of the most unforgettable nights was Nolensville’s overtime win over Page, a 27-21 thriller that left the stadium buzzing. There are funny moments, too—like the time he mispronounced a sponsor’s name, only to have the sponsor himself turn around from the crowd to correct him.

He credits much of the smooth operation in the booth to his long-time crew: Chris Ladd, who runs the sound board and music, and Brad Shanks, who operates
the scoreboard. “We’ve had the same crew for four seasons now,” he says.
“We feed off each other and have a great time.”

For Luke, being the announcer is more than just calling plays—it’s about adding to the game-day tradition. Fans rely on him to know what’s happening, and families cherish hearing their player’s name announced after a  big moment.

Off the field, Luke teaches and coaches at Nolensville High,
serving as head softball coach, assistant girls’ basketball coach, and FCA huddle coach. He and his wife Jessica, married for 28 years, have four children: Kendall, Avery, Maddy, and Caleb.

As he reflects on his role, Luke offers advice for future announcers: “Listen to different styles, find your own voice, and take every opportunity you can. The announcer has become a true part of the game-day experience—and it’s a great seat on Friday nights.”