Andy Backs Memorial Band Assistance Fund

Andy Backs, Elder Class of 1979, loved his music, his sports and his Elder High School Panthers.  As a 1979 grad who always “bled purple” and wore it on his sleeve, Andy was an integral member of the Elder Pep Band, and later joined other Elder alums in the formation of Lee’s Junction, a well-known jazz and big band. He never lost his love for the music. However Andy is more widely known for some other “music to our ears.”  As the “Voice of Elder Sports,” Andy Backs started announcing while still in high school at Elder soccer games held in The Pit. Over the years Andy would go on to announce volleyball, lacrosse, football, basketball and baseball. The timely, sharp and business-like tones of Andy’s voice became a welcome, familiar and distinctive addition to any Elder sporting event.  But beyond the music, and outside of the competitions, Andy’s first love was Elder High School.  And, just like the motto on the gymnasium wall, “What Andy had, he gave…”.  Andy was at the ready, willing and able “do for Elder” whatever he could to make the Elder experience better for all. “Altiora” can be just a word for some, but for Andy “Altiora” meant taking the gifts God gave him, developing them to the best of his ability, and sharing them with others.  In 2014, our Voice of Elder Sports fell silent as Andy passed away in the spring of that year only a few days after announcing one last Lacrosse game in the Pit.  Through memorial donations for Andy and additional contributions to the Elder band over the years, a band assistance fund was created in Andy’s name.