Whether it be for his cries of “Touchdown Wildcats!” or “Bottom of the Net!”, Billy Hawley is simply known as the Voice of the Salem Wildcats.

Hawley’s broadcasts on WJBD Radio have been a part of listeners lives for more than a quarter of a century.

Hawley, a graduate of Odin High School, made his debut over the airwaves in 1971 when he covered the Wildcats basketball team at the Centralia Holiday Tournament.

By the fall of 1972 Hawley had added football broadcasts to his resume.

He has been doing both sports on a regular basis ever since.

Hawley has had the pleasure of broadcasting four Salem football teams that have won North Egypt Conference champions (1985, 1991, 1992 and 1997) and 13 teams that have qualified for the state playoffs.

While Hawley has not had the pleasure of broadcasting an NEC title for Salem basketball, he does have some memorable moments. Among some things that stick out include the team’s fourth place finish at the Centralia Holiday Tournament in 1971 and the Salem Invitational Tournament championship on 1972.

During his broadcasting career Hawley has also covered selected Salem Wildcats baseball games plus Salem Lady Wildcats basketball and volleyball games.

Hawley’s association with SCHS athletics goes beyond just game broadcasts. He has kept area fans up to date by serving as a host on WJBD’s weekly Saturday Sports Showcase.

The association Hawley has had with SCHS began before his broadcasting career. Hawley taught at the school from 1970 until 1976. During that time he served as an assistant coach for the Wildcats football, baseball and track teams.