A Voice for Football and A Heart for Community

Alisha Yocum

On a warm autumn day at Eyler Park in Thurmont, as Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) football players and cheerleaders take the field, spectators settle in for a thrilling game. The air hums with energetic play-by-play commentary from the loudspeakers—phrases like “That’s enough for a Catoctin first down!” and “There’s laundry on the field!” echoing across the park. What many don’t realize is that the voice guiding the action belongs to Lucas Bradley, a sophomore at Catoctin High School (CHS).

Lucas’ journey with CYA began when he was just a young boy. Todd Krietz, a former football coach, noticed Lucas’ deep knowledge of the game and invited him to join the team to assist on the sidelines. Lucas, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at an early age, faces challenges with mobility, but his passion for football and sharp understanding of the sport made him a perfect fit for the role.

Lucas credits his love for sports to the many games he watched growing up with his parents, Dan and Tracey Bradley. From a young age, those shared moments helped Lucas develop his football knowledge, which he now brings to life every time he steps behind the microphone.

Now, all these years later, Lucas is giving back to CYA by volunteering his time in the press box during CYA home games. He and his family arrive early on Saturdays and provide commentary for each game throughout the day.

CYA isn’t the only place you’ll see Lucas giving back to his community. You’ll also spot him on the sidelines of CHS’s varsity football and lacrosse teams. He also helped at the CHS Community 5K & Fun Run, ensuring that athletes stayed hydrated during the event.

Lucas hopes that announcing at CYA games will give him the experience needed to one day call high school games, with his ultimate dream of becoming a professional sports announcer.

Lucas’s father, Dan, wanted to personally thank CYA and CHS for being so accommodating for Lucas. He also wants to thank all the volunteers. “The amount of commitment, work, and time that volunteers put in for the kids, for the organization, and the community as a whole is awe-inspiring.”