Jamar Hicks: Virginia’s Energetic Emcee in Signature Orange Pants[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf7z8OCBoHc[/embed]

Every few months, Jamar Hicks, known as the vibrant voice behind University of Virginia’s athletic events, finds himself searching for a specific item online.

Orange pants are his signature.

“When the orange starts to fade, and it looks like Tennessee orange,” Hicks explained, “that’s when I have to go order a new pair.”

Hicks has become a familiar presence at home games for Cavalier football, men’s basketball, and baseball over the past six years. Even if you haven’t seen him, his commanding voice ensures you can’t miss him.

His voice demands attention.

His pants demand more.

“As the emcee,” Hicks mentioned, “you’re not really supposed to blend in. But that’s also part of my natural personality … to stand out.”

Since his recruitment by Virginia Athletics’ marketing team before the 2019 football season, Hicks has been the heart of the Wahoo spirit. Stationed at venues like Scott Stadium, John Paul Jones Arena, or Disharoon Park, he acts as both a cheerleader for the teams and a delight for the audience.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a football game, basketball game, or baseball game – when he’s talking, as much as what’s going on (in the arena), people are listening,” said UVA supporter Ryan Schuett. “And the way he interacts with the fans, it’s just so personable.”

Schuett’s son, Declan, experienced Hicks’ influence firsthand. After being invited on-court by Hicks, Declan and his sister Olivia engaged in a t-shirt toss, an experience immortalized on JPJ’s Hoo Vision videoboard.

This interaction led to a lasting friendship. Declan, now 5, and Hicks are close, with Declan even donning orange pants in his school photos to emulate Hicks.

“And he was just full of himself that day because he felt like he was Jamar,” Schuett recalled.

Although Hicks, who hails from Richmond and is a Liberty University graduate, didn’t initially support the Wahoos, he’s embraced his role passionately. He refreshes his trademark pants semi-annually to maintain their distinct hue and shows genuine enthusiasm for UVA teams.

Hicks, who celebrated on the field after the football team’s victory over Florida State University on Sept. 26, is relatable to many fans.

“He’s relatable in that sense,” explained Luke Lamberson, a 2024 alumnus who also sports orange pants thanks to Hicks. “There are all these students who go to all these games and get in line two hours early. … It’s nice to see someone like Jamar share in that excitement. He’s as excited as we are. And he comes over to the student section and daps people up, gives them high-fives.

“That passion is contagious.”