Remembering the ‘Voice of the Brainerd Warriors’

Even among the loud cheering of the fans John Backlund, known as the
“Voice of the Brainerd Warriors,” could still be heard amongst everyone in the stands. but on Sunday, the stands in the Brainerd High School gym were filled to celebrate the life he gave to his community.

He was a teacher, a coach, a husband, a father, and a friend to many, He was committed to his work and his community dedicating almost four decades as the “Voice of the Brainerd Warriors.” Alongside that, for 15 years many knew him as JayBee a bouncer at Zorbaz on Gull Lake.

He always had the willingness to help and his talent did not go unseen. Campbell dates back to the Paul Bunyan Wrestling meet, when scores and names would come in fast, but Backlund made it look effortless. He was always be there to announce for any contest he was needed at, and he would do it with complete confidence.

One game day tradition that many plan to carry on is his candy bowl he had at every single game so people would visit with him while he doing what he loved.