Inside the Press Box: Jonathan Warner

To help readers get their hockey fix over the summer, STC is publishing a series of interviews with people who interact with (or work for) the Caps. Today's fourth installment: WTOP Sports Anchor (and former Caps' PA announcer) Jonathan Warner.

1. How long have you been with WTOP and where you were previously?

I've been part of the WTOP sports department for 11 years. Before that, I worked at WTEM Sports Radio doing updates, sports anchoring at NBC and CBS Radio Networks, plus NFL and College Basketball pre-game and halftime shows. Before that, I was a sports anchor and writer at the Associated Press here in D.C. and I also spent five years in Atlanta as a CNN Radio Sports Anchor, writer for CNN Headline News and sports producer for WXIA-TV, an NBC affiliate.

2. Besides providing the regular sports report, what other projects do you work on for WTOP?

I cover many events from Nationals and Orioles baseball, to Wizards and Maryland basketball, Terps football, George Mason and GW basketball, the Legg Mason Tennis Tournament, and the AT&T National Golf Tournament. Plus I'm the anchor for our sister station (3WT)'s coverage of the Capitals -- hosting the pre- and post-game show, plus a weekly hour-long program called "Saturday Night Caps."

3. Please describe your experience as the Caps' PA announcer.

A lot of fun. Best seat in the house. I got to talk to the players in the penalty box. I loved the fan reaction to what I said -- whether it was announcing Caps' goals, opposing teams’ penalties or promotions. If the Caps scored five goals, everyone got a free pizza from Jerry's Subs and Pizza. When they reached four, the crowd would chant "we want pizza, we want pizza." After the fifth goal was scored, I'd announce, "I smell pizza." It got a big cheer every time.

4. What's the most memorable hockey game you’ve ever attended or worked?

Has to be the four-overtime playoff game against the Penguins. I was doing PA at Caps Center. It was like Groundhog Day, very surreal. I didn't want it to end, even though I was moving the next morning. I got home just a few hours before the movers arrived.

5. What do you do when you're not working?

I like to ride my bike, workout, and attempt to have a reasonable golf game.