For many in the Sheridan area it is hard to believe a legend has been silenced. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet.
Trevor Jackson passed away Nov. 14, and it would be an understatement to say his was an unexpected loss.
The “Voice of the Broncs,” the man who came to embody all that is Sheridan-area high school sports — whether Broncs football and basketball, Troopers baseball or the occasional Big Horn Rams and Tongue River Eagles — is gone at 60.
He died just three days after calling the Sheridan High football team winning its third straight state title.
When Sheridan Media listeners go to tune in the Broncs’ first basketball games of the season next month, for the first time in 35 years, it won’t be Jackson on the play-by-play call. And it just won't feel right.
“Truly the best that ever did it. Thanks for being the voice of the Broncs for so many years, and allowing so many to tune in and see the game through your eyes. You will be missed,” Broncs basketball posted on its social media.
Final Season
Jackson lived long enough to see the Sheridan Broncs salt away another state title in football. He called the championship game on Nov. 11, a 31-3 victory for his Broncs, then returned home from Laramie and died Nov. 14.
Fellow broadcaster Larry Proietti of Cheyenne’s KYOY/KRAE remembers when Jackson first arrived in the Sheridan community in 1988 after a stint in Douglas radio. Proietti called the same championship game for his radio listeners as Cheyenne East fell to the Broncs.
“I'm really glad I had a chance to chat with him for about 10 minutes before the East game,” Proietti said. “We would always get together and catch up whenever we met, covering the same game.
“I believe this is such a true loss to the Sheridan community and the state to have his voice silenced.”
Jackson was recognized by the National Sports Media Association as Wyoming Sportscaster of the Year in 2021 and 2016. As good as he was on the mic calling the action, Jackson was even more a fixture in the community.
Coming To Sheridan
After graduating high school at Custer County in Miles City, Montana, in 1981, Jackson attended Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Minneapolis and was soon off to Douglas for his first play-by-play gig calling games for the Douglas Bearcats beginning in 1985.
Jackson began his time with Sheridan Media in 1988, a job he would never leave until last week. He met his wife Linda in Sheridan. They married in 1992.
Sheridan Troopers baseball coach Austin Cowen remembers Jackson from his days playing American Legion ball in Gillette. Jackson was an umpire then, a passion he enjoyed for 20 years after playing ball as a teen.
“It’s been a sad week in the community. We had his funeral Monday. It was a huge turnout,” Cowen said. “I honestly think that is what the community is struggling with still and will be for a while. When you threw on the radio, it was always Trevor.”
Prayers, Praise For Trevor
Condolences have been pouring in from all across the state as news of Jackson’s passing comes as a shock to many, especially colleagues and coaches he worked with for decades.
“Bolts basketball is so sorry to hear this. Trevor was awesome. He was always fun to be around and we will miss him tremendously,” commented Thunder Basin High School head coach Rory Williams on X. “Prayers from Thunder Basin basketball to the entire Broncs community.”
Christopher Polton, who has had interactions with Jackson as both girls’ softball coach and sportscaster, added, “This is very sad. Trevor was awesome at what he did and it was always great to chat it up with him before every game when Sheridan was here in Cheyenne.”
Longtime statewide sports broadcaster Reece Monaco of KFBC has called University of Wyoming basketball and football games as well as high school events. He is a five-time NSMA Sportscaster of the Year. Monaco noted the tightknit community bond sportscasters share in the Cowboy State.
“In Wyoming, there is a brotherhood when it comes sportscasters across the state. Trevor was a man we could all look to for friendship and leadership,” Monaco said. “He will be missed by many, and it will be a while until it’s really known the impact he had on the people of Sheridan and the loss they have suffered.
“He had a passion for Sheridan, his family and Bronc athletics. Words can’t express how much he will be missed by his fellow sportscasters, his family, his wife Linda, and the people he reached every day on the air.”
Will Be Missed
A celebration of life was held Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Phil Wold officiated the service, which was well attended. Inurnment took place in the church’s columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sheridan High School Booster Club, 1056 Long Dr., Sheridan, WY 82801.
“He was a fixture up there in Sheridan. A true professional. He had a little bit of old school to him in bringing you the picture of the game,” Proietti added. “He could always add a little insight, even a little sense of humor to bring alive the flavor of the broadcast. I have nothing but high praise for the work he did in Sheridan. It’s a big loss to the state.”
Jake Nichols can be reached at jake@cowboystatedaily.com.
