Longtime radio voice retires from calling West Michigan high school sports

Jason Hutton, left, and Bret Bakita on the radio during the Division 4 state championship on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Bret Bakita is hanging up his headphones.

The longtime high school radio play-by-play voice on 96.1 The Game announced he is retiring from broadcasting games after he got done covering the girls basketball state finals on Saturday.

“It’s been an unbelievable run, but I decided at the end of the football season … that I felt like this was going to be my last year as far as doing the lead broadcasting the shows,” Bakita said during a video post on Saturday. “I’ve done it for 33 years and I felt like it was time to hand off the mantle.”

His broadcast partner Jason Hutton will take over the main play-by-play duties.

“I just want to say, while I have this opportunity, it’s been a pleasure to bring you all the high school action over the years in West Michigan,” Bakita said. 

He has covered boys and girls basketball and high school football for three decades.

Bakita said spending more time with family was one of the reasons to step back.

“I’m doing this because my daughter is going to be a senior (in high school) coming up and my son is going to be 23 in a few months and he’s got some exiting things coming up in his life. So I thought now is the time to step away and hand the mantle to (Hutton), who means so much to me. I worked TV with him at Fox17, worked radio broadcasts with him. Whenever I needed something, he’s stepped up and one. Now he’s going to be the guy leading the ship for our high school crew.”

Hutton got emotional during the announcement. 

“I have to speak for everyone when i say, high school kids in West Michigan … I don’t know if they understand how lucky they are to have someone like you all these years,” Hutton said. “I’m humbled and honored to try to fill your shoes. It’ll be tough. I’ll do my best. Thank you for everything over these years.”