CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Shortly after arriving on the campus of Clarksville High School, Knox Rives became the voice behind the school’s athletic events. Rives served as the public address announcer for contests including boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball and baseball.
Rives also served as the PA announcer for Austin Peay State University baseball and softball games.
After such early years of developing his craft, Rives, 18, has now begun the next chapter of his life, working for Austin Peay’s Athletic Department as an communications assistant and sports information director for Cross Country and Track and Field. He also works part-time on-air with ESPN Clarksville at 5 Star Media Group.
Rives told Clarksville Now his dream has been to work in sports, and Clarksville High provided one of his first opportunities, which he is forever grateful for.
“There have been a lot of people that have contributed and invested in my career, and I just want to give thanks to each and every one of them who made a difference in my life. A big reason why I’m where I’m at today, is from every teacher that helped me with an assignment or any coach that helped me learn a lesson along the way. I want to make those people proud.”
Rives began announcing games for the Wildcats when he was called out of his gym class freshmen year. He was asked to serve as the PA announcer for the Clarksville High vs. Rossview High girls’ and boys’ basketball games.
He said the nerves got the best of him that night with all the fans in attendance, but it was a great learning experience.
One of Rives’ biggest takeaways from announcing high school sports was the chance to cover some extraordinary teams and athletes at CHS, including the Wildcats baseball team advancing to two state tournaments, two boys’ basketball state tournament appearances and one girls’ basketball state tournament appearance.
Voice in the family
Rives said his father, Brian Rives, who is the longtime radio announcer and PA announcer for Austin Peay football and basketball, has served as his inspiration.
“My dad means everything to me,” Rives said. “We have a relationship where he’s my best friend. Everyone that knows us will tell you were basically the same person. My dad instilled a lot of the values that I have when it comes to … not only in sports but in life. He’s shown me how to carry myself and how to be able to live the life you want.”
Rives said he plans on working with the athletic department at Austin Peay over the next four years. Rives is majoring in communications with a focus on broadcasting.