Canzano: Mailbag dives into a rip off, ending eras, and Pac-12

Your questions, my answers.

Autzen Stadium PA announcer Don Essig has been on the job 56 years. (Photo: Serena Morones)

I’m having a lot of fun here. I keep saying that. You keep telling me that. But one of the new joys I’ve found is that I get to do some unorthodox things in this space, such as dialing up Don Essig to ask him if he’s pissed off.

Essig, 84, is the voice of Autzen Stadium. He’s been the public address announcer for the University of Oregon football games for the last 56 years. On game days, Essig traditionally declares, “It never rains… at Autzen Stadium!”

Apparently, he’s been ripped off.