ALPENA – The Alpena Sports Hall of Fame announces beloved broadcaster Kerwin Kitzman as this year’s recipient of its Voice of the North award.

He will be honored on June 6 at the Hall of Fame’s annual banquet and enshrinement dinner along with the Class of 2025 – Brian Stibitz, Lisa (Gallagher) Datema, Becky (Jore) Rommel and Jaime (VanMassenhove) Bieber – and the Boosters of the Year: Joe Gentry and Doc and Florence Stibitz.

Kerwin was not on the field, the court, or the ice — but for so many fans, the game wasn’t complete without him. He brought sports to life through the airwaves, turning moments into memories and games into stories that connected an entire community. His voice carried the excitement, the tension, and the pride of Alpena athletics into their lives.

Fans who tuned in to a broadcast knew exactly what made Kerwin special. It wasn’t just that he described the action — it was how he made them feel like they were part of it. Whether it was a packed rink on a winter night or a crisp Friday under the lights, Kerwin had a way of putting every fan right there in the moment. They didn’t just hear the game — they experienced it.

But what made him truly remarkable was that he understood what those games meant. In a community like Alpena, sports are more than scores and standings. They are tradition, pride, and connection. Kerwin captured that spirit. He gave recognition to athletes who might not otherwise have had the spotlight, and he made sure their efforts, their determination, and their achievements were heard and remembered.

He was a storyteller. He knew the players, their journeys, and the significance behind each game. He celebrated the big plays, but he also appreciated the small moments — the hustle, the teamwork, the perseverance — that often define both sports and life.

Kerwin was a constant supporter of local athletics. His dedication showed in the countless hours he spent preparing, traveling, and making sure that Alpena’s teams had a voice. He wasn’t doing it for attention — he was doing it because he cared deeply about this community and the people in it.

For many young athletes, hearing their name called during one of Kerwin’s broadcasts was something they never forgot. It was a moment of recognition, a sign that their hard work mattered. And for families, friends, and fans, his voice became a shared experience –something that brought people together, no matter where they were.

His legacy lives on in those memories. It lives on in the echoes of games past, in the excitement he shared, and in the connection he helped build across Alpena. He showed fans that they didn’t have to be on the rink to make an impact — he cared, showed up, and gave his voice to something bigger than himself.

Kerwin is the third recipient of the award following Ralph Diethlem and Al Randall.