The Wisconsin Band

The Voices

The Announcers

The Announcers ... the men who have been the "voice of the Wisconsin Band".  These men have been responsible for much of the drama and excitement that greets the Band on those special Saturday afternoons.  There is nothing to compare to the thrill that every Badger fan experiences when they hear, "And now we invite you to join the Band in the singing of our time-honored ... Varsity."

The voices that have caught the attention of Badger fans have been those of Jack Lucht, Ross McCanse, Chris Sterling, Patric Korten (who as Pat Patton has had a long successful career in broadcasting), Bill Clausius (who is regularly seen as a reporter on WISC-TV's news team), the loquacious Jack Rane and former band member and drum major, John Biester.

No history of the Wisconsin Band would  be complete without mentioning Jack -- the "Voice of the Wisconsin Band."  Jack not only demonstrated a remarkable sense of timing with his announcements, but he also aided in solving many of the logistical problems the Band encountered.  (He also sold a lot of t-shirts!)

Sadly, the preparations for the Band's appearance at the Hall of Fame Bowl in 1994 were marred when the band learned of Jack's death on December 15th, 1994, of a heart attack.  He was 50.

For as long as people could remember, Jack Rane (right) seemed to be the voice of the Band and later he announced Badger football, basketball and hockey games as well as WIAA State Tournament action.  He began announcing for the band in 1971 and became the stadium announcer in 1987.  Many people who attended the Michigan game in 1993 remember the poise and calm Jack displayed during the stampede that left dozens of fans injured.  Those close to the band knew the invaluable assistance Jack provided beyond his announcing duties.  He distributed tickets to band alumni for the Varsity Band concert, and made travel arrangements, rooming and bus assignments for the band trips.  He developed the attendance block each year for Alumni Band Day, but most important, he was one of the band's biggest boosters.  Jack participated in one of the band's greatest successes:  the Rose Bowl appearance on January 1, 1994.  Walking into the announcing booth at the Rose Bowl marked Jack's proudest moment according to Mike Leckrone.  For the finale of the half-time show in Pasadena the band played "My Way."  Many would say this was an anthem to Jack Rane's life.

On a personal note, Jack Rane was a wonderful and caring friend.  He took a genuine interest in all of the "band kids" and was always around to tell some really awful joke to make you smile.  (He was also able to go "one on one" with Mike and his witticisms, as well, which is not always an easy task!)  It's hard to think of the world without Jack Rane -- he is, and always will be, sorely missed.