Game Night Staff Spotlight

Paul Wojtasiak

Team Hawks has a team of dedicated game night staff who help out behind the scenes each and every week. Their contributions to the club are valued and we want to share the great work they’re doing. This week we’re paying thanks to our Courtside Announcer and DJ Paul Wojtasiak.

How long have you been working with Team Hawks? I've been the Courtside Announcer and DJ for the past 6 years.

What made you want to get involved? A friend from work (who played in the Men's team) knew I was interested in doing some voice work and he mentioned that the then current announcing/music was lacking. So one day I introduced myself to Mike Bussell and asked if I could do it, he asked if I had any experience (I hadn't) but he must have seen the enthusiasm there; He took a chance and gave me the gig - a decision I'm almost certain he's regretting ;)

Anything else you do around the traps along with being our Courtside Announcer and DJ? I also serve on the Board as the Director of Referees and Co-Director of Communications. I also do some referee co-ordinating and game controller duties for Junior Comp and Aussie Hoops. I've also reffed the odd WABL game (lots to learn there!) I'm about to go through the process of Level 1 referee certification. I'm also a casual games controller for Basketball WA. Outside of Basketball, I'm currently studying a Diploma of Radio Broadcasting and working as a website editor for Redwave Media. And If I'm not doing any of those things I'm usually sleeping! 

Favourite things being such a big part of our game nights? It has to be doing the player intros for the Men and Women - but mostly it's working with some exceptional volunteers (Jenny Purser, Chrissie Papas, Keith Anthony, Karl Hommbergen, Jane Lowther, Laurie Trengrove, Tammy Ong, Claire Chappell, the amazing scorebench team and many others). I also love watching our players develop from year to year, especially those that work hard on their game - it's pleasing to see it all pay off on game night. 

Best thing about being a member of Team Hawks? Perry Lakes is easily one of the best clubs to be involved with. The amount of positive feedback I've recieved from staff, players and spectators has made coming down each night an absolute pleasure - my part of game night is very minute but it's nice to know that people out there appreciate the effort I put in. I'm very proud to be a part of the club, and I really hope that if/when my tenure as announcer comes to an end that I can stay involved somehow. It's the people and passion that makes this club what it is. 

Anything else you'd like to add? Most Embarrassing Moment: First game I announced is one that I'll never live down. It was against Cockburn and, well, let's just say I wasn't quite familiar with the pronunciation of that suburb. Margaret from the scorebench came running up after about the 6th time and politely corrected me! I owe a big debt of thanks to Mike Bussell - if he hadn't have taken a chance on me, I might never have had the experience to help me attain a job in the media industry.