Since 1979, "The Eagle Has Landed" — Now, the legendary voice hands off the mic
For generations of Albion football fans, it was Alec Sherman's distinct voice that defined Friday nights at Spierdowis Field. Serving as the Voice of the Purple Eagles for nearly half a century, he never failed to bring unforgettable spirit, dedication and heart to the microphone.
Sherman called his final game at the end of the 2025 football season and has officially retired from the press box. He first began announcing JV games in 1979. By 1985, he was announcing both JV and varsity games. From 2009 to 2025, he solely announced for varsity.
He gave the catchphrase "The Eagle Has Landed" a prideful meaning of its own in Albion, signifying a Purple Eagle touchdown. Pair that with Guns N' Roses’ "Welcome to the Jungle" echoing throughout the stadium, and a generational soundtrack was born.
Sherman’s legacy at Albion extends far outside the football field. He grew up in Albion, and both of his parents taught at Albion. He graduated from Albion in 1968 (pictured right) and began working at Albion Schools in 1977. He first taught U.S. History at the middle school, then briefly taught Global Studies at the high school. The majority of his career was spent at the high school teaching U.S. History and eventually some advanced placement and college level courses. As if his Purple Eagle Pride wasn't deep-rooted enough, his wife, stepdaughter, stepson, and step-grandchildren also all graduated from Albion.
During his 30 plus year career as an educator, he coached JV softball, and all levels of both boys and girls basketball. Most notably, he guided the girls varsity basketball team to two Niagara-Orleans titles and received the N-O League’s Foundation Award in 2021.
"What made it special was a lot of the kids I watched on the football field I had in class, coached or even became colleagues of mine,” said Sherman. “It was an honor to have been able to do this for so many years, to get to know the kids, and for them to keep asking me back.”
Just when Sherman would consider stepping away from the job, it didn't take much to convince him to come back for another season. Sherman retired from teaching and coaching in 2009, but for the 15 years that followed, you could still find him at the microphone for every home varsity football game. Sometimes leaning out of the window to ask fans, who he would get to know well over the years, to double check who made a catch or a tackle. He had especially fond memories of his experiences announcing at “The Big House,” now Highmark Stadium, where Albion got to compete at many times throughout his tenure.
"It has always been a joy,” said Sherman. “It meant a lot to be able to do it for my hometown, for the kids and the community. I never did it for myself, I did it for them. Now that we are entering into a new era with the new merger, it’s time to give somebody else a turn.”
And that he did. The torch was passed to Albion middle school teacher Jeff Radder ahead of the 2026 season, who has worked alongside Sherman in the pressbox operating the music and audio since 2022. Radder now announces the varsity football games for the Orleans County (OC) Rivals, Albion and Medina’s merged football program, when hosted in Albion.
“Alec’s knowledge, presence, and unmistakable voice made every game feel bigger than it was,” said Radder. “I learned a great deal simply by watching and listening to him announce, and occasionally sing, with the confidence and ease that only comes from years of experience. He will be greatly missed, and the legacy he leaves behind will be incredibly hard to replace.”
Sherman was invited back to the stadium once more to perform an honorary pregame coin toss at the OC Rivals’ varsity football game on Oct. 9 for Albion’s Homecoming. He was presented with an engraved coin and a plaque in recognition and appreciation of his years of service as the Voice of the Purple Eagles. A plaque will also hang at the press box in his honor.
“I wish the program all the luck in the world,” said Sherman. “Once a Purple Eagle, Always a Purple Eagle.”
The OC Rivals, in their debut season, are 4-1 in the B1 Division, 5-1 overall. They compete against Amherst on Friday, Oct. 16 in Medina at 7 p.m. and against McKinley on Friday, Oct. 23 in Albion at 7 p.m. for their final games of the regular season.
Sherman pictured performing the honorary coin toss at Albion's Homecoming game on Oct. 9.
Sherman pictured with his family, from left, Keira Zambito, Megan Zambito, Alec Sherman, Kathy Zambito and Hunter Zambito.
Cover photo: Albion Superintendent Mickey Edwards is pictured presenting Sherman with a plaque. Edwards, an Albion alum, was one of Sherman's students and players.