by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway
HAMBURG, N.Y. --- When Buffalo Raceway track announcer Peter
Berry heads back to his home base of Mountaineer Park starting on April 16th,
Wayne Teaven has been named take over behind the microphone.
Teaven will be making the calls on Wednesday and Saturday
evenings because Berry will still be in the booth at Buffalo Raceway on Friday
nights when Mountaineer Park is dark.
Buffalo Raceway Operations Director Jon Cramer said of
Teaven, "He's worked very hard training to be an announcer the past year.
He's made some great improvements."
Teaven will also be the on-air handicapper every live race
night now instead of just on Saturday nights.
"I'm excited to call at Buffalo Raceway," Teaven
said. "I've settled down and now I am much more comfortable calling the
races. I've picked things up along the way and it's getting easier."
Teaven said Berry has helped him along the way. "Peter
told me after he heard me call a qualifier in January, 'Once your nerves settle
down, you'll be just fine.' I think calling football games last year helped
calm my nerves too."
He went on to say, "I've always wanted to be some kind
of announcer since I was young. I think I was inspired by Pete Szymanski
(former Buffalo Raceway caller) to get into harness racing."
Teaven said he isn't trying to copy anyone's style.
"I've got a long ways to go to be where I want to be. I don't want to
sound like anyone else but myself though. I have picked up little tidbits from
other announcers. But I should be informative and be entertaining, but not over
the top."
When Buffalo Raceway resumes racing on Wednesday night at 5
p.m., there will be a carryover of $2,795 in the Pick-5 pool which starts in
the fifth race. It's the largest carryover of the season.
For more information including the latest news, results,
race replays and upcoming promotions, go to www.buffaloraceway.com
