Final game for longtime PA announcer Nick Menacof

Saturday will mark the final home game in the long, illustrious career of Mickey Andrews. But Saturday will also mark the last game for Nick Menacof.

You may not know his name but if you have been to a Florida State home game you have heard his voice.

Menacof is the Public Address announcer at Doak Campbell Stadium, a job he's held for 25 years. When you hear, "First Down Florida State", or, "Ponder hits Bert Reed for the Seminole Touchdown"; that's Nick Menacof.

"25 years is a round number," he said. "I'll miss it, the kids and people you work with."

Since 1984, Menacof hasn't missed a single home game. There were times that he was sick or just didn't feel well, but he had a job to do, and he did it better than anyone.

"It's like Gene (Deckerhoff)," said Menacof. "I know Gene didn't feel good all the time, but he did it."

Through the years, Menacof has called the touchdowns of some of the best athletes in the nation. He's seen Deion, Warrick Dunn, Derrick Brooks, and Chris Weinke just to name a few. But it wasn't just football, Menacof also provided the voice for basketball and baseball for a short time.

"Basketball was great," noted Menacof. "Our first year in the ACC, the first time we beat North Carolina. That was super. We had so many great games. It's just been 25 years of great memories.

"I've met so many great people and I want people to know that the PA job is not tough. What is tough is the two spotters I have and they are wonderful and make it every easy for the PA man."

Twenty five years of providing a booming, yet soothing voice for all Seminole fans. And there may not be a bigger Florida State fan than Nick Menacof. And that's why even though he's stepping down, he's not leaving.

"My wife and I have seats in the Varsity Club and she's never been able to sit with anybody," said Menacof. "It'll be the first time in 25 years that we've been able to sit together in the Varsity Club. We want to travel and see our grandchildren."

So when Mickey Andrews is honored on Saturday, the man making the announcements will be another longtime Seminole that deserves a little recognition. A man that has dedicated 25 years to his alma matter, a man that truly bleeds Garnet and Gold. Just not when he's at work.

"I don't think people expect me to be that way," said Menacof. "But on a first down or touchdown, I'll emphasize it. I was told when I first took over, you are not a cheerleader. I want vanilla, so I try to do that as much as possible."

So when you hear his famous first down call, touchdown Florida State, or announcing someone's birthday, just know that there's a lot of Seminole love behind that voice. And next year, Nick Menacof will be back in Doak Campbell Stadium, but someone else will be behind the mic. And it will be an adjustment to everyone.

"I thought about it, but it's going to feel good to be up there with a lot of people I know," he said.

Talk about it on the

href="http://floridastate.rivals.com/forum.asp?sid=1061&fid=1079&style=2">Football Message Board or on the Tribal Council