Ritzville grad to serve as announcer during March Madness

Ray Bernard, 1969 graduate of Ritzville High School, has been asked by the University of Idaho to be the Public Address announcer at the first and second rounds of the 2016 NCAA Tournament.

The tournament is held at the Spokane Arena on March 18 and March 20.

Bernard previously worked for NCAA men’s games for Washington State University in 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2015. He has also worked two women’s first and second round tournaments, held at Gonzaga University in 2012 and 2013.

Bernard is in his fifth year as the PA announcer for the Gonzaga women’s basketball team.

“March Madness never gets old and I am thrilled to be working with the University of Idaho this year,” Bernard said.

Bernard is hopeful northwest teams will be selected to play in Spokane.

The NCAA Tournament draw is set for Sunday, March 13.