‘Track Guy Movie’ shines spotlight on legendary Iowa track and field announcer Mike Jay

Mike Jay thought Andrew Snyder was pulling a prank on him when the emerging filmmaker asked the venerable track and field announcer if he would be the focal point of a documentary.

"I thought somebody put him up to it," Jay said from his Tiffin home. "I'm a very humble guy. I've never been one to look for attention."

That's exactly why Snyder chose Jay as the subject of his entertaining and compelling documentary, "Track Guy Movie," which focuses on an unsung hero who has been part of the Iowa track world since he ran for Columbus Junction High School in 1974.

"Mike is an incredibly humble man who has accomplished so much and is such a good person" Snyder said. "The humble people are those we should tell stories about since they won't share their stories themselves. Mike has done so much for other people. I wanted to do this for him so people can learn about all that he does for runners — getting them shoes — and I wanted people to learn about his foundation."

Snyder, 25, grew up in Holstein and ran track and cross country at Ridge View High School. Since Jay announces track meets throughout the state and at the Drake Relays, Snyder knew his voice before he met the man.

"I met Mike at Fitness Sports in Coralville where Mike gets a lot of shoes for his foundation," Snyder recalled. "I knew him from his voice, but it was so cool to meet him, and I just thought, 'He's a real guy.’“

The University of Iowa alum, who majored in cinema and screenwriting, had only directed shorts — none more than 11 minutes — prior to “Track Guy Movie." But that was enough for Jay to agree to take part in the production.

The pair first met in May 2024 to discuss the endeavor. Snyder documented Jay and his activities from October 2024 to May 2025. Snyder was able to convey how passionate Jay is about track and field.

"I think you can see that Mike lives and breathes track and field in the film," Snyder said.

"Track Guy Movie,“ which will screen Sunday at the Englert Theatre, is a breezy 65-minute film that captures the essence of the warm and inspiring husband, dad and legendary track and field announcer.

Jay, 66, who is happily married with three children, always made time for track and field, which the Columbus Junction native embraced a half-century ago.

Of course Jay downplays his track skills during the documentary and during an interview.

"I busted my butt to be mediocre back in high school," Jay said. "My brother was a good runner, and we had really good track teams back then."

Jay never ran in the Drake Relays or the Iowa High School State Track & Field Meet but was invited to attend since his coach had an extra ticket.

"I was never good enough to qualify for the Drake Relay or for states, but I just love track so much," Jay said. "I love being there. I've attended every Drake Relay and states since 1975."

The laid back family man has been the lead announcer for the last 19 Drake Relays. But Jay is more than a Hawkeye State icon. Jay has worked many of Stanford's home meets in California, in addition to the Olympic Trials, the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor meets and the U.S. Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Jay was awarded the prestigious Scott Davis Memorial Award in 2014 courtesy of the Track and Field Writers of America. The honor is awarded to the nation's best track announcer.

Jay put in the work as a broadcaster starting shortly after graduating from Columbus Junction High School in 1977. Jay learned the trade at the Brown Institute in Minneapolis. After cutting his teeth in Estherville and Mt. Pleasant, Iowa radio, Jay earned his Iowa coaching certificate in 1983. Track became Jay's beloved extracurricular activity, and he earned recognition as an announcer.

As much as Jay excels behind the microphone, those accomplishments are eclipsed by his work in the community.

The Track Guy Foundation, which is well chronicled in Snyder's documentary, was born in October 2018. The foundation is all about giving Iowa's student athletes the opportunity to experience track and field. The foundation raises money for shoes and scholarships for student athletes.

"The foundation started after what my kids Joe and Jon said to me, which was 'Dad, we need to do something. We need to give back to the sport. It's been so good to our family,’“ Jay said.

According to Jay, the foundation has gifted 1,271 Iowa student athletes new shoes and 82 $500 scholarships.

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"We do 12 scholarships a year," Jay said. "I love giving back."

The foundation raises money for student-athlete shoes. Folks have heard about Jay's altruism and have given him shoes to distribute. Jay accepts the used shoes, but the student-athletes only receive new footwear.

"I can't give these kids anything but new shoes since many of the kids have lived with hand-me-downs for years," Jay said.

Instead, Jay gives the used shoes to Iowa City homeless shelters.

"I love helping," Jay said. "I'm blessed doing what I do, and that's how it's been for me and my family for many years."

"Track Guy Movie" is an inspirational film, even for those who aren't track and field aficionados.

"Mike talks about doing what you love and how important that is," Snyder said. "He also talks about work ethic and why not try to be the best at what you do? It's something we all should try to accomplish."