Blessed with a distinctive voice, since 1976 Ira C. Smith has been the “Sports Voice of the Napa Valley” heard on KVON radio.
Smith got his start in broadcasting while serving in the military where a major who liked the sound of his voice assigned him to the Army Public Information Office. After Smith’s military service was complete, he would go on to be the radio announcer for the University of Michigan football program.
While Smith’s talents have been put to work as the arena announcer for the Sacramento Kings, and in voice overs for the NBA 2K2 video game, fortunately for us, it is Napa where he makes his home. In his career, he has announced over 600 football and 1,300 basketball games for our local high schools.
Bob Chance, who nominated Smith for induction into our Hall of Fame, said, “Ira is the consummate professional, and Napa High has been very fortunate to have such a high caliber sportscaster bring positive recognition and honor to the Napa High Athletic Department and the Napa Valley at large.”
Smith’s community involvement includes service as Past President of both the Kiwanis Club and the Napa Valley Tennis Association. He was also recognized as the Napa Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador and Volunteer of the year.
Smith’s broadcasting professionalism and community service have enhanced the experience for Napa High School and the entire community.