WATERLOO, Ont. - After holding the microphone at Laurier Golden Hawks varsity games for almost 50 years, the final buzzer has sounded on the career of longtime public address announcer Rick Pajor (BA '84), who has officially retired from the role.

Originally from Waterford, Ontario, but a current resident of Burlington, the 65-year-old Pajor got his start with the purple and gold in 1979 while completing his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Physical Education (Coaching Option) degree.

Laurier's men's basketball program, led by head coach Don Smith, was just two years removed from a trip to the nationals and a fixture on CBC's Game of the Week a year before his arrival on campus. 

It was shortly after he settled in Waterloo that Smith connected with Pajor and asked him to become the team's student-manager. 

The role expanded quickly to announcing each of the team's home games. In 1984, he also began calling Laurier's women's basketball games. Earning the nickname "Stats", Pajor has been a fixture at the scorer's table up until this past season.

To this day, he fondly recalls working alongside fellow alumni Joe Nastasiuk, Rod Philp, and Barry Quarrell as a highlight. He also enjoyed publicly recognizing any members of the 1967-68 national championship-winning team whenever they were in attendance at games.
 
He's also had a front-row seat to watching hundreds of Laurier student-athletes excel, listing Tony Marcotullio, Ali Sow, Nicole Morrison, Meghan McGrath and the 1987-'88 women's team as some of his favourites. 

He, naturally, holds Smith in the highest regard alongside another former head coach, Chris Coulthard and his son Brett and nephews Will and Owen, all of whom played for Laurier. 

"Being a part of Laurier's tradition and spirit has been special," said Pajor, reflecting on his distinguished career, which included working for swimming and diving championships, indoor soccer tournaments, OFSSA (provincial) championships, the Heinbuch Classic basketball tournament, Canada Basketball exhibition and other Laurier varsity games when needed.

"It's been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. I'm thankful to all of the Golden Hawk coaches, staff, and everyone connected to Laurier with whom I've had the pleasure of working.

"I'm very appreciative to my parents for instilling in me a strong work ethic and providing me the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education." 

During his five years as a Laurier student, he also served as vice-president of the former Lettermen's Club (current Golden Hawks Council) and sports reporter for The Cord Weekly student newspaper. In a pinch, he even filled in as Midas, the Golden Hawks' mascot.

His dedication to the university and department was recognized with being presented the Bill Haggstrom award for the male contributing most to athletics in 1983 and the Earle C. Shelley Unsung Hero award in 1984.

He remains Laurier Athletics' only three-time recipient of the Tuffy Knight Award, presented to "a person not affiliated with the university for their untiring efforts over an extended period." That included serving on the Legends of Laurier Football committee and the selection committee for Laurier football's Team of the Century.

Most recently, he has been a Steering Committee Member with the WLU Basketball Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament. He will now join the Golden Hawks Hall of Fame selection committee.

Ryan Lannan, Laurier Athletics' Associate Director of Interuniversity Sport Programming, reinforced just how much "Rick has been the unmistakable voice of the Golden Hawks basketball."

Interestingly, Pajor started his announcing career before the implementation of the three-point line. Once it was unveiled, his call "from King and University" for baskets from long range became the standard.

"He brought energy, passion, and professionalism to every game. His unwavering commitment and countless hours behind the mic have helped shape the spirit and tradition of our community," Lannan said.

"Thank you, Rick, for being the heartbeat of our game days for over four decades. Your legacy echoes far beyond the Athletic Complex Gym."