If you ever came upon the chance to experience Friday nights at Tiger Park at Grim Stadium or watched a Texas High baseball game, then you got the chance to experience the Voice of the Tigers, Keith Schutte. 

Sadly, the Texas High community lost the Voice of the Tigers in a sudden death Monday, May 15, 2023, at his home. The cause of death is currently undetermined, however, it is apparent that Schutte suffered from either a stroke or an aneurysm. 

“The Texas High School Athletic Department would like to express its sadness over the loss of a member of their team, Keith Schutte,” Texas High Athletic Director Gerry Stanford said. “Schutte was a talented broadcaster with over 18 years of experience as a commentator for high school football”

Schutte covered the games at Texas High with longtime Voice of the Tigers, Al Hannah, who reported for 50 years, from 2011-2014. When Hannah passed away in 2014, Schutte stepped in to become our new voice. 

With that, this 2023 season made Schutte’s twelfth year on radio broadcasts, in press boxes and right alongside the baseball field. 

Through the years, Schutte connected the Texas High athletic program to the community of Texarkana through his dedication to play-by-plays and by being a familiar voice for Tiger fans. 

“Keith was very dedicated to the Tigers and spent countless hours preparing for his radio broadcast,” Head Baseball Coach John McClure said. “I consider Keith  a dear friend and a huge part of Tiger athletics.”

From being the Chief of Police in Hooks, Texas, to being an avid musician and family man, Schutte opened his heart and life up to any and everyone, making him an integral part of the Tiger community. 

“Keith had a variety of careers and interests. He played guitar and sang country music.  He was the Public Address Announcer at the Highway 67 speedway.  He retired as the police chief of Hooks a few years ago,” Friend and Texas High history teacher Chuck Zach said. “Basically Keith had a ton of friends and was just a really nice guy.”

Though he is no longer with us now,the relationships he built and bonds he made with everyone in the Texas High community will live on forever, along with his legacy as the Voice of the Tigers. 

The funeral for Keith Schutte took place Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 2 p.m.

“Keith’s preparation, passion, and love for all things Texas High was very much appreciated,” Stanford said. “He will be [dearly] missed.”