The Unmistakable Voice: Sharon Burek's Four-Decade Love Affair with Mount Pleasant Sports

There are some sounds that just stick with you, aren't there? A particular melody, the roar of a crowd, or perhaps, for anyone who's ever stepped foot in Mount Pleasant High School’s gymnasium or stadium, the unmistakable, powerful cadence of Sharon Burek. For an astounding 45 years—yes, you read that right, four and a half decades—her voice has been the very fabric, the audible heartbeat, of Panthers sporting events. It’s more than just announcing; honestly, it’s a performance, a tradition, a deep, resonant part of the Mount Pleasant experience.

You see, it all began rather unassumingly back in 1978. Her husband, Wayne Burek, who was the athletic director at the time, probably just needed a hand. A freshman football game, her son playing, and well, no one else was really stepping up to the microphone. So, Sharon, a woman clearly not afraid of a challenge, simply sat down and started talking. And she never really stopped. What began as a favor, a simple filling of a void, somehow blossomed into an enduring legacy, a voice that has seen generations of athletes come and go, always present, always consistent.

Her announcements, for anyone familiar, aren't just names and numbers, oh no. There's a particular rhythm to it, a distinct clarity that cuts through the noise of the crowd. She’ll tell you the number, the position—because, let’s be real, those details matter—and then, of course, the name. She doesn't just read; she informs. And she’s meticulous about it, ensuring every sponsor gets their due mention, the scoreboard ticks along accurately, and the right music cues elevate the atmosphere. It's a job, yes, but for Sharon, you could say it's more of a calling, a deeply ingrained part of who she is.

Consider the dedication: in 45 years, she’s missed scarcely a handful of games. A family emergency, a personal health matter here and there, and that’s it. Think about the sheer volume of events that encompasses—the Friday night lights, the intensity of basketball season, all those countless hours perched at the announcer's table, giving her all. It's truly remarkable, isn't it? This isn't just showing up; it’s an unwavering commitment that, frankly, few of us can boast.

Her status in the community, for once, isn’t exaggerated. People know Sharon Burek. Her voice, her presence, is iconic. In 2018, the school rightly honored her, dubbing her the official "Voice of the Panthers." And it's a title she wears with quiet pride, I'm sure. Even after the passing of her beloved husband, Wayne, in 2021, and with her children grown and living their own lives, Sharon has continued. Why? Perhaps it’s the sheer love of the game, the thrill of the crowd, the connection to her community. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because it’s simply what she does, who she is. It’s a part of her soul, woven into the fabric of Mount Pleasant.

And what’s next for Sharon? Well, she certainly isn’t planning on slowing down. Fifty years, she muses, is a nice round number, isn't it? A half-century of making her voice heard, of being that steady, comforting, and yet exhilarating presence for Mount Pleasant High. It’s a testament, if you ask me, to the enduring power of passion, community, and, in truth, one truly unforgettable voice.