214@100: Ken Grams, a living legend at EGHS and beyond

Ken Grams began announcing football games for the Grenadiers of Elk Grove High School in 1966 - the same year the school opened. He hasn't missed a game since, even when it meant postponing knee surgery to avoid any conflicts with the team's schedule.

"I made certain that I scheduled it after football season was over," Grams said. "I got to all of the football games, home and away, and kind of plan my fall activities around the football schedule."

Grams' interest in sports announcing began in college, when a professor suggested he give it a try. He's now been the voice of the Grenadiers for nearly 50 years, and football isn't the only sport he's seen evolve through the years.

Grams also is among the state's winningest softball coaches, having coached the sport at Elk Grove for more than three decades. In 2004, he was inducted into the Illinois Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Grams also taught accounting at the school and held previous roles as basketball coach and athletic director.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district 214@dailyherald.com.