By Matthew Rocco
William Baronowsky was honored by the local basketball officials’ organization for his more than two decades as the “Voice of the Hornets.”
Shore District Board 194, the local chapter of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO), presented Holmdel High School’s Baronowsky with the Jim Sullivan Award, the group’s highest honor given to a non-official who has made significant contributions to local basketball.
The local IAABO chapter, which trains basketball referees that officiate Shore Conference games, started the Jim Sullivan Award in 1972. Baronowsky received the award at the board’s annual ceremony to recognize individuals who have made an impact on the game.
Baronowsky has spent over 30 years in the Holmdel school district as a librarian and media specialist. For 24 of those years, Baronowsky also has served as the announcer for Hornets basketball games. He has presided over almost all sporting events hosted at Holmdel, calling the action and keeping score.
“His distinct baritone voice, colorful delivery and professional demeanor have helped to enhance the experience of spectators and teams who come out to enjoy each of the games and competitions,” the school said in an announcement.
Baronowsky, who has worked as an assistant coach for Holmdel’s wrestling and track teams, said receiving the award was the “most awesome feeling I have ever experienced.”
He added that his goal each game is to “give the most professional announcing performance possible that respects and honors both our athletes and our opponents.”
Baronowsky thanked the people who gave him his start as the voice of Holmdel athletics. Jay Demarest, Holmdel’s first athletic director, gave Baronowsky the opportunity to work on the sidelines, and longtime boys’ basketball head coach Sean Devaney taught him how to manage the scorebook.
Many other coaches and officials have offered guidance and advice over the years, Baronowsky said.
“Coaches, athletes and officials train long and hard for interscholastic competition, and it would be unfair to them if they did not have an accurate record of the game,” he said.
