The Hillcrest logo. Photo by Danny Fulgencio.
Hillcrest High School has chosen alumnus Peter Irwin for a special honor and named him the Grand Marshal during this year’s parade on Friday, September 29.
Irwin, a member of the Class of 1960, boasts a remarkable 50-year career as a prominent public address football announcer. Over the years, he has lent his voice to iconic teams and events, including the Dallas Cowboys, SMU, TCU, and Big 12 games. Irwin has also announced the Cotton Bowl and moderated NCAA Tournament basketball games for both men and women.
Former DISD athletic director, Charlie Dyer, told Irwin he had the requirements for a first-class PA man.
“Speak clearly, don’t talk too much and focus on the players,” former DISD athletic director, Charlie Dyer told Irwin.
While a student at Hillcrest, Irwin played drums in the marching band and later continued at SMU. After graduating from SMU, he taught college business and computer classes simultaneously with his announcing career. Irwin retired from teaching in 2020.
During his time as a Panther student, Irwin played the drums in the marching band, a passion he later continued at SMU. Following his SMU graduation, he simultaneously pursued teaching in college business and computer classes with his announcing career. Irwin retired from teaching in 2020.
Irwin and his wife have been together for 57 years and have two daughters and three grandchildren. During the parade, he was honored as grand marshal at Franklin Field. The game was later that day where Panthers secured a successful game for the books.
