P.A. Announcer will be remembered for his artificial attendance reports, imitations of officials’ penalty calls, and his faith
After more than three decades as the unmistakable voice of Wayzata High School athletics, Joe Komarek stepped away from the microphone earlier this year, bringing an end to his 33-year tenure as the public address announcer for the Trojans. Known for his rich voice, keen sense of timing, and the occasional lighthearted quip, Komarek became a beloved figure in Wayzata sports.
Komarek, a graduate of Armstrong High School in Plymouth, is an avid golfer and a proud member of the Golden Valley Country Club. His love for golf has been a lifelong passion, offering him a way to relax and stay active when he’s not behind the microphone or involved in community service.
A 33 Year Legacy as the Voice of the Trojans
Throughout his time, Komarek handled public address duties for a wide array of varsity sports, including football, soccer, wrestling, volleyball, and basketball. Komarek began announcing girls’ basketball in 1991-92 with then new head coach Larry Larson. His first football game followed in the fall of 1994.
His contributions extended beyond announcing; Komarek also DJed pre-game and in-game music, introduced starting lineups, and handled timeouts with flair. When needed, he took on scoreboard operations and official scoring duties, embodying his belief that being involved in local sports is a way to serve the community while enjoying the thrill of high school competition.
Simply the Best
In 2008, the Star Tribune recognized Komarek’s unique style, awarding him “Best Football Announcer” for his ability to blend humor into the job. The award noted his playful artificial attendance reports and spot-on imitations of officials’ penalty calls—small touches that made every game an experience. The largest “unofficial” crowd sizes announced were 52,871 for a football game, and 14,871 for a basketball game. Komarek also humorously announced “Train” in a deadpan style when a locomotive and cars would roll past the football field.
Over the years, Komarek also emceed at the James J. Hill Days parade and dachshund races as part of his duties for many years, at the request of the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce.
“It was 33 years of announcing overall, 30 years of announcing football when I officially dropped the mic. My last day was March 12th, when Wayzata beat Hopkins in Section 6AAAA basketball and the Trojans went on to the state tournament, the lord put it right on my heart that I was going to be done,” Komarek stated in a recent interview.
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of the Wayzata athletic family for so long,” Komarek said, reflecting on his time behind the mic. “The positive impact sports have on student-athletes is something I’ve been lucky to witness firsthand.”
Teacher and Coach
Komarek’s service to Wayzata didn’t stop at the announcer’s booth. Between 1991 and 1998, he was a full-time mathematics teacher in Wayzata Public Schools, where he developed a character-based math curriculum to help remedial students succeed on the Minnesota Standardized Math Test. In addition to teaching, he coached girls’ soccer, junior high girls’ basketball, and varsity baseball, leaving a lasting impact on countless students.
A Man of Faith, Leading Others
Beyond the classroom and the field, Komarek is a man of deep faith, which has guided much of his life. In 1998 he started what would be called a faith group called “Wayzata Bay Fellowship,” providing a space for spiritual growth to people in the community. The group migrated back and forth between the Wayzata Bay Center, Sunsets, and other spaces in downtown Wayzata.
In his professional life outside of education, Komarek has worked with organizations such as the Navigators, FaithSearch International, and E210 Ventures. These roles allowed him to serve as a nonprofit representative, providing life and marriage coaching services, supporting church ministries, and offering Biblical history and inspirational teaching tours.
E210 Ventures, a nonprofit, aims to create lasting positive impacts on communities, an initiative that aligns with Komarek’s passion for helping others live meaningful lives of purpose and faith.
Komarek also served as the on-call chaplain for the Wayzata Fire Department, providing spiritual support during life-threatening emergencies—a role that underscored his commitment to serving the community in times of greatest need.
Fond Farewell & New Beginnings
On Thursday, September 12, friends, family, and community members gathered for a farewell reunion at Nine Twenty Five, a restaurant inside the Hotel Landing, to bid him and his wife, Jennifer, a fond goodbye.
Relocation to Florida
Now, Komarek and his wife have relocated to northeast Florida, south of Jacksonville where he will continue his passion for sports as the public address announcer at Tocoi Creek High School. As the new voice of the “Toros,” Komarek will call football, basketball, and wrestling. True to form, he will also continue his ministry work, serving his new community with the same dedication and faith that defined his years in Wayzata.
For over three decades, Joe Komarek was not just the voice of the Trojans, but a pillar of the Wayzata community. While his presence in the press box will be missed, his legacy of service, humor, and faith will be felt for years to come.
