Columbus, OH — Journeyman track announcer Michael Sapovits, 84, passed Aug. 14, 2023.

Mr. Sapovits, a 1957 graduate of Chester (Pa.) High School and a 1962 graduate of the Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University), taught in the Chester Upland School District, in Chester, Pa., for 32 years and also served as the public address announcer for the district’s varsity football and basketball teams.

Having spent most of his youth as a spectator at Brandywine Raceway, Mr. Sapovits’ lifelong dream was to be a track announcer. The opportunity came to fruition in the form of a six-week fill-in stint at Dover Downs. Upon his retirement from teaching, he secured a position as a TV commentator on the Philadelphia Park Network before embarking earnestly on his track announcing career, which included two summers at Ocean Downs, three years at Buffalo Raceway, and a summer calling Thoroughbreds at Finger Lakes Racetrack.

He has filled in calling races at many tracks over the years, and also worked at Tucson Greyhound Park calling one day a week and then becoming director of player development.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Iris.