Gary Waleik Producer, Only A GameGary Waleik is a producer for Only A Game. The latest personnel hires and promotions, plus exclusive ratings and research from the sports industry. [16] He called television play-by-play on Seattle Seahawks preseason games from 2006 to 2008. She said, Oh, this is our first date and its a blind date. So I said, Well forget what he is talking about on Thursday night. While at Texas Lutheran College (now Texas Lutheran University), he worked at the local radio station, KWED, his first professional broadcasting gig. And combined with CBS' Verne Lundquist on the call, it's already an instant classic. He had called some SEC football games in the past, though never as the lead voice of a network college football package, and he remembered doing a Florida-Tennessee game just a few months earlier at Knoxvilles Neyland Stadium. The stars aligned for Lundquist in 2000, when he was moved from the NFL to become lead play-by-play announcer for the SEC on CBS just as the SECs dominance began and the Bowl Championship Series made college football a truly nationalized sport. As part of Lundquist's retirement, he also no longer has the call during the annual. For starters,Kerrigan washit on the knee at the U.S. Great call by Verne here. All Rights Reserved. "Kevin Durant needs a relationship that teaches him what you have to respond to and what you just let go.". And he has no qualms about being identified closely with a college conference so much so that the conferences fans refer to him as Uncle Verne. Lundquist embraces the nickname and credits the blog Every Day Should Be Saturday for coming up with it. And I can remember getting in my car and driving to Taylor, Texas, about 20 miles outside of Austin, and standing on the sidelines filming a playoff game between the Hutto Hippos and the Taylor Ducks. That is where Verne elected to take a fun jab at Brent,I dont work for that four letter network. 2, and Al Michaels was No. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12, A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South. Loft gives you a little more spin for control. I guess you could argue, Well, lifes gotta go on. But I thought it was desperately inappropriate., "And I can remember standing there as a young man really immersed in grief thinking. Lundquist, who describes his announcing style as minimalist, had similar second thoughts after his call at the end of the Alabama-Auburn game, when Auburns Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired. Have a look and listen as Mickelson holed this bunker shot for a miraculous birdie on the par-3 fifth: Phil! I love doing this, and Im blessed to be able to do it reasonably well, he says. Lundquist jumped out of his chair, high-fiving everyone around him CBS producers and production assistants. The Texas high school football playoffs were postponed one week. If you can do it, the networks will find you because were going to be pretty good. He was paired with future (and now current) play-by-play man Brad Sham starting with the 1977 season, the year the Cowboys went 122 and captured their second NFL title in Super Bowl XII. pic.twitter.com/GwYXWFGJWP, Midwestern Uncle (@pastramiboi) April 8, 2021, Mike Foss (@MikeFossWXYZ) April 8, 2021, Uncle Verne is a national treasure #themasters, Andrew Meyers (@OldDirtyMerrs) April 8, 2021, Uncle Verne and Augusta. 1, Chris Schenkel was No. "I mean, I was a one-man band. When Verne returned to CBS in 1998, he was assigned to 16 at Augusta. Verne and partner Scott Hamilton wereat the mic for CBS when Harding was called out to skate for the long program in the Ladies final. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Dec 10, 2016 at 6:29 pm ET 9 min read. They did a spoof of the Olympics figure skating events, as both Hartman and Myers went "Oh!" Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South. Theres a warmth in that, and Im appreciative of it, he said. There had been debate over whether the playoffs should proceed in the wake of the assassination. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI). And after 40 years, he's as ecstatic as ever. He has embraced the passion and pageantry of college football. Lundquist recalled Schramm telling him, If you go out to Los Angeles, perhaps youve heard of guys like Vin Scully and Dick Enberg and Chick Hearn. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12. As Verne steps down from college football this season, I am often asked if anyone can replace him, and I simply say, No, sir!. Or, try to, at least. Vernes on that list.. [15], He is among the key voices of NFL Films, and in past years had called regional NFL games for CBS, NBA games for CBS and TNT, and TNT's Sunday Night Football telecasts. 16 Kentucky, wins 18-0, Rara Thomas update: Felony charges dismissed for Georgia WR, per report, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, Alabama officially announces hiring of new LBs coach to Nick Saban's staff, LSU's 3 permanent rivals for 9-game SEC schedule have been set, per report, BetMGM MA Promo Code: How to Score $200 in Pre-Launch Bonuses, Alabama basketball adds commitment from 4-star forward, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated? I wanted to be a national-TV-network play-by-play guy, and he said, If I give you the radio job, the networks will find you because were gonna be pretty darn good in the next decade. So I turned down the job in L .A., and I stayed in Dallas. It's been years since Verne Lundquist called an SEC college football game for CBS, but he'll always be synonymous with the iconic broadcast. He called and said, Wed really like to have him as part of the broadcast. The station understood the benefits of it. "You've been great for golf. Slive smiled and told the group he was with, I want to introduce you to a real superstar. He then introduced his group to Lundquist. [6] His 'Golden Voice' was the highlight of the seminary class on preaching. "I was a replacement FM disc jockey in the. [23], In March 2018, Lundquist announced he would not work the 2018 NCAA men's basketball tournament, as he was still recovering from back surgery he had in November 2017 and would retire from calling college basketball. 18, Third Shot. It was their first date, a blind date. Jauan Jennings! We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. An answered prayer!, The only thing I think I would add is somewhere when he got to the 50, I would like to have said, Unless he falls, he scores, Lundquist said. Lundquist joined the Cowboys Radio Network in 1967[9] and remained with the team until the 1984 season. THE SHOT: A true Georgia peach: Woodss controlled three-quarter 8-iron came in from the right, landed softly and spun left, taking a peek at the front edge of the cup before stopping at tap-in range. [12] During these four seasons, Lundquist started interviewing Cowboys players and their first head coach, Tom Landry, at their sidelines, during halftimes, practices, pre-season and pre-game warm-ups, in Dallas. CBS becomes home. Previously, he has worked for ABC Sports, TNT, and WFFA. I dont remember doing that. His final sign-off was incredibly emotional. Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka have been ham-and-egging their way around the Ocean Course's opening stretch, flip-flopping at the top of the leader board. Verne Lundquist fought back tears as he said goodbye to viewers after the Army-Navy game on Saturday. Dec 5, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Southeastern Conference logo is seen at midfield at the Georgia Dome . The son of a Lutheran minister, Lundquist was born in 1940 in Duluth, MN, and grew up in Everett, WA, and Austin, TX , attending Austin High School and serving as PA announcer for basketball games. Im going to be sitting on my deck, yelling at the announcers and if Im not tweeting about it, Ill be filling up Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, Lundquist told reporters with a laugh. As Verne Lundquist has said goodbye to college football, it leaves us with many spectacular calls over the years. I thought it was minimalist.. By 2000, Lundquist had carved out a nice niche at CBS. An answered prayer! Merton Laverne Lundquist Jr. (born July 17, 1940) is an American sportscaster. Glad you came our way. But he did have an idea of what to expect. Obviously, it obviously worked out quite well for both of us.. While the last 16 years with the SEC has given Lundquist his most recent. I told Tex that I had gotten in trouble for it, Lundquist said. We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. The versatile play-by-play man turns 80 years old today, and we have no doubt he'd sound. Lundquist began to think that a position as a news anchor and not a sports anchor would be more a more suitable career. Id watched him in the pulpit growing up and thank God I inherited that trait as well.". Yes, sir! Theres the pass to Laettner. 20 college football teams we aren't sold on in 2023, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Mizzou shocks Tennessee, Alabama downs Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama stays unbeaten in SEC play, Tennessee outlasts Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: A new top team emerges, Alabama loses in blowout fashion, Mizzou lights it up again. For a man who originally thought hed follow in his fathers footsteps and become a Lutheran minister, Lundquist says hes enjoying himself now more than at any of the other stops hes had along the way. But in the end, this is going to be a really good career move for you., Lundquist said he hung up after the five- to 10-minute conversation and said to his wife, Nancy, Pack your bags for Tuscaloosa.. Verne. - YouTube 0:00 / 7:29 Verne Lundquist Best Calls of All Time! Known as the voice of the SEC, he sat on the edge of his leather chair, glass of red wine in front of him. Affectionately nicknamed The Swede back when you could have nicknames like that, Aiello said Lundquist was identified with the Cowboys, much as he now is identified with the Southeastern Conference. Verne Lundquist tells inside story of the Kick Six. Lundquist attended Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, Illinois in 1962. When Nicklaus made the birdie putt at No. The final thing you want to look at before a chip or a pitch is the landing spot. Laettner hit the shot from the free throw line, Duke won 104-103 and Uncle Verne got to call a truly magical moment that lives in NCAA Tournament lore. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! He covers his assignments like he lives his life: with honor, joy, loyalty, and, most of all, compassion. Then, at 12:30 , "Hal Nelson, one of our radio newscast guys, broke into the control room and said, Put me on the air immediately. Probably his signature call, Lundquist was at the 17th hole at Augusta National when Jack Nicklaus made a charge at The Masters in 1986. In September of 1967, Lundquist caught on in Dallas, where his career started to take off as a sports director at TV station WFAA making $180 a week. Tiger knows that making the best stroke he can make is all he can do, and the chips will fall where they mayregardless of the situation. Heres a portion of the CBS coverage of the final round with Nicklaus tied with the late Seve Ballesteroes. All rights reserved. Lundquist was partnered with Len Elmore for what is known as one of the greatest college basketball games in history, the 1992 East Regional Final between Duke and Kentucky at the old Spectrum in Philadelphia. I will be sitting in front a television set admiring the work of Gary (Danielson) and Allie (LaForce) from Steamboat Springs.. "Tried out for the basketball team, made the junior varsity my sophomore year, tried out again my junior year. Oh, my GRACIOUS! USE OF AND/OR REGISTRATION ON ANY PORTION OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OURVISITOR AGREEMENT(UPDATED 1/6/23),PRIVACY AND COOKIES NOTICE(UPDATED 1/4/23) ANDCALIFORNIA PRIVACY NOTICE. Lundquist's storied career at CBS will continue, but he will leave the pageantry of college football behind. The long-time CBS announcer told. A Pastors Son With a Passion for Broadcasting Have a look and listen as Mickelson holed this bunker shot for a miraculous birdie on the par-3 fifth: On the night of Friday, November 29, Lundquist was assigned to gather footage of a local game for his weekend TV sports broadcast. Return by Chris Davis. (Sarazens famous 1935 double-eagle here remained safely unique, but the course didnt, as Tiger-proofing would soon follow.) Follow on, Besides Brock Bowers, who will be the SEC's elite TEs in 2023? From 2000-2014, Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery formed one of the most entertaining announcing teams on the NCAA Tournament. Verne had the fortune to be on hand for the Tim Tebow phenomenon at Florida. That cold-blooded, nothing personal mentality comes from a focus on controlling what you can control. The pitch clock has arrived across Major League Baseball, and ESPN is leading the line displaying it on the screen. In 1963, he joined KTBC-TV/Radio Austin as weekend TV sports anchor and afternoon-drive radio host and was soon named full-time sports anchor. Weve had a friendship thats evolved throughout my 12-year tenure here.. [17], During the 1992, 1994, and 1998 Winter Olympics, whose rights were held by CBS and TNT, Lundquist and Scott Hamilton served as the announcers for figure skating events. THE TAKEAWAY: One key thing to notice is what Tiger doesnt do, and what most pros dont dochange the setup a bunch to hit the ball higher, Manzella says. "Just a little heads up, this deal with Washington and Lamar is starting to pick up. Lundquist did attend seminary in Illinois for one year. Picture a swing where your right hand is gathering marbles from a vat in front of you, with your right palm facing up., 2005, Final Round, Hole No. After CBS lost the NFL in 1993, Lundquist headed to Turner Sports (though he continued to call figure-skating events for CBS). From Christian Laettners miracle jumper to propel Duke into the Final Four in 1992 to 11-seeded George Masons unprecedented upset of UConn to do the same thing 14 years after. "Wed do a live newscast, then they would have the weather forecast. As Verne Lundquist has said goodbye to college football, it leaves us with many spectacular calls over the years. [42], Dobbs heaves it. While the last 16 years with the SEC has given Lundquist his most recent notoriety, sports fans also know his calls from The Masters and the NCAA Tournament. [22] He planned to contribute to other CBS Sports programs, including its college basketball and golf coverage, for the foreseeable future. Lundquist, after seeing the original footage in 1992, commented that Hartman "nailed it dead on. Theres no question he captures the moment perfectly, but its not premeditated, says his longtime March Madness announcing partner Bill Raferty. Adding mph to the swing without changing dynamic loft will produce a higher shot. THE TAKEAWAY: Given the clubs length and low loft, coming too much from the inside with a 3-wood off the fairway is the fast track to a low hook, says Manzella. Lundquist left WOAI less than a year after hed started there. THE SITUATION: Woodss bogey-bogey finish following his heroics on the 16th shocked everyone, and indeed he only made it into a playoff with DiMarco by millimeters, as the dogged competitors chip just missed going in on the final hole of regulation. HOW ABOUT THAT!? But one flop from Phil from a sandy area has the potential to go down as an all-time shot in his legendary career. The talent pool was pretty amazing. Its at 5:40 of this clip. It was a mistake, he says, because WOAI followed the news model used by so many other local television stations: If it bleeds, it leads. Beyond that, you can see that Tiger finishes with his right arm higher than his left arm was at the top of his backswing, which helps create that moon ball trajectory. F1 and IndyCar start their seasons, the Rams partner with KAGR and Athletes Unlimited celebrates its anniversary with an expanded Nike partnership. Verne summed it up, Im going to miss doing the SEC. What a game. https://youtu.be/nqurvDl_Ebk. His station manager heard the postgame show and was so upset that Lundquist had Cowboys general manager Tex Schramm call to smooth things out. Lundquist was not happy about giving up the NFL. Cementing His Legacy: SEC on CBS And there is no finer guy.. He began his broadcasting career as sports anchor for WFAA in Dallas [7] and in Austin for KTBC, [8] as well as being the radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys. Just saying his name out loud makes you smile, says SEC on CBS lead reporter Allie LaForce. During today's conversation IEG's Vice President of Strategy and Churchill Downs Vice President of Marketing, Brand and Partnerships Casey Ramage give us some insight on their analytical approach to sponsorship strategy. "And I took the position thinking, Well, thisll be more dignified than sports. That was a mistake on my part.". Lundquists final CBS broadcast will be Dec. 10s Army-Navy game. Lundquist remained so energized that he contemplated calling his friend, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, to revel in the outcome. Id been in network television for, to that point, 26 years. [32], Bless his heart, he's got to be the sickest man in America! Touchdown, Auburn! As of 2021, his net worth is estimated at $2 million. [31], A famous pet phrase Lundquist used on occasion is "How do you DO! But having completed his 14th year of calling SEC football games for CBS, Lundquist identifies closely with the conference and unabashedly celebrates when its football teams do well. The analyst with Verne in 2005 was Lanny Wadkins. Oh, and we've only seen five holes from the leaders so far. You have been subscribed to WBUR Today. Jarvis MossAGAIN! Timely, daily updates provide the latest developments and news relied upon by industry leaders. Verne Lundquist blends reverence with voice of the fan. Theres a lot of gratification in that. From Dallas, Texas, the flash apparently official: President Kennedy died at 1 p.m. Central Standard time, 2 oclock Eastern Standard time, some 38 minutes ago. Best Calls and Top Dogs He is an inviting storyteller and broadcaster during the game, but hearing an "Oh, wow!" from Verne is good enough to . Augusta National has played an outsized role in creating the man, the myth, and the legend, from Woodss iconic triumph in his professional Masters debut in 1997, to three more green jackets in a five-year span at the turn of the millennium. Guarding every exit, guarding the elevators, guarding especially the front and back entrances and exits from the studios. It is blocked! [39], Snap from Patrick Lewis 4-man Alabama rush got him no, they didn't. I truly believe that the mantle of the voice of college football was passed from Chris Schenkel to Keith Jackson and then to Verne, says CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus. His answer is notable, One of the worst things to happen: Pro rants after PGA Tour change, GOLFs Subpar: Garrett Bradbury reveals his favorite professional golfers, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, TaylorMades popular Hi-Toe 3 wedge now available in chrome finish, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. Its a unique quality., A Brief Departure to Turner ", "I don't care who you are. Lundquist said that he and his broadcast partner, Gary Danielson, have benefited from that popularity as much as anyone. BSM Staff Verne Lundquist stepped away from the SEC on CBS back in 2016, and now believes he knows when his time covering The Masters will come to an end as well. Lundquist enrolled at Texas Lutheran College as a Sociology major. "Uncle Verne" retired from broadcasting two years ago, but he still makes his annual trip to Augusta, partially to work the Masters (Oh, my god, said Mickelson as he walked off the green with his wife and kids.) Lundquist played basketball and baseball and was a disc jockey at WOC, Davenport, Iowa. You dont see him taking forever, looking at it from 27 angles. In April 2005, the. Hes confident enough in his own ability and personality: he can throw the perfect pass, and the other guy can score and get more of the glory.. As midnight approached, the CBS party started winding down. Lundquist, who has spent the last years calling SEC on CBS games, said he pushed back the procedure to participate in broadcasts for March Madness, the Masters and the PGA. With legendary CBS broadcaster Verne Lundquist having called his last SEC football game on Saturday afternoon, hell be remembered for a long time as one of the best in the business. Verne Lundquist Best Calls of All Time! Ohio State trailed by 10, and a trip to the BCS National Championship Game hung in the balance. Lundquist also made a name for himself at the rink, serving as lead play-by-play announcer for figure skating at the 1992, 1994, and 1998 Olympic Winter Games. At Turner from 1995 to 97, he handled play-by-play for the NBA on TNT with Chuck Daley and the NFL on TNT on Sunday nights with Pat Haden. [11], Before becoming a nationwide sports commentator, from 1970 to 1974, Lundquist was commentator for the sports show, Bowling for Dollars, in Dallas, Texas. Play By Play: Calling The Wildest Games In Sports. Lundquist has had many broadcasting partners over his long career, including: Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:48, 1992 NCAA Men's Basketball East Region Finals, 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Washington, D.C. The ladies free skate portion of the 1994 Olympics drew Super Bowl type television ratings because of the hyped, April 10, 2005: While calling the final round of the, March 26, 2006: While calling play-by-play for the, November 11, 2006: While calling a college football game on, October 24, 2009: While calling a college football, November 10, 2012: While calling the college football game on, November 16, 2013: While calling a college football, November 30, 2013: While calling a college football game on, October 1, 2016: While calling a college football, April 14, 2019: While calling the 16th hole at the, May 23, 2021: While calling the 5th hole in the final round of the, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:48. When the 5th-ranked Gators played number 9 LSU at Gainesville, Florida made a statement that it was force to be reckoned with. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2014/03/03/Champions/Lundquist.aspx. Feb. 24: Michael Ilitch Davis has another block. At that time, I had an offer to go to Los Angeles and serve as sports director at the CBS O&O, KNXT, but [Cowboys President/GM] Tex [Schramm] offered me the job [as lead play-by-play] only if I stayed in Dallas. "I guess you could argue, Well, lifes gotta go on, " Lundquist says. 11, Second Shot. Yes! In your life, have you seen anything like that? By George, the dream is alive. An answered prayer!. It's absolute madness out there right now. He decided not to make the call because of the late hour. All is right with the world. Grant Hill threw the baseballpass to Christian Laettner after Kentucky coach Rick Pitino elected not to guard the baseline. "; on a huge offensive or defensive play, a phrase he took from USC football broadcaster Pete Arbogast (who in turn took the phrase from venerable broadcaster Vin Scully). The room quieted as Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller took the fourth-down snap. THE SITUATION: After a wobbly front-nine 40, Tigers tournament appeared over almost before it began. That made the decision for me.. Our Shlomo Sprung did a great oral history of the Kick 6 which you can read here, so theres no need to rehash it. Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013. Verne Lundquist grew up loving sports. And if you cant do it, at least youll know because you had the opening and the opportunity.. Verne Lundquist has called SEC football games since 2000. Dope Mixes 35K subscribers Subscribe 213K views 4 years ago Thanks For Watching! His customary position at Augusta National is in the tower on the 16th hole. During his hall-of-fame career, he succeeded spectacularly by simply being himself, something the viewer instinctively recognized and enjoyed. There are few broadcasters across sports who are more beloved than Verne Lundquist, affectionately known by SEC football and golf fans as Uncle Verne.. THE MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. 2023 DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, PGA Championship 2021: Phil Mickelson, Verne Lundquist combine for an all-time electric highlight. From Jack Nicklauss birdie putt on 17 at Augusta National in 1986 to Tiger Woods epic hole 16 chip shot 19 years later on the same course. 16, Second Shot. Just something to give it a context instead of just the repetition of his name. THE TAKEAWAY: Whether its a putt to win the fourth flight of the club championship, to break 100 for the first time, or to finally beat Dad, you need to be like a hit man, says Manzella. The undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes faced a fourth-and-10 with a little more than two minutes remaining in Decembers Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis. Lundquist is known to many for his minimalism when the amazing happens. My gracious V. Lundquist #legend #themasters, Matt Barrie (@MattBarrie) April 8, 2021, Every time Uncle Verne comes out of retirement for a weekend and lets loose a my gracious! on live TV, an angel gets its wings, Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) April 8, 2021, Hey. But again, there's a lot of golf left. We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. OH NO! Tigers using a 9-iron or pitching wedge here, not a 7-iron. Register for a free SBJ account to unlock one extra article per month. Coach K [Duke mens basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski] once said, Its been my experience that you can be presented with an opportunity, but then its up to you to capture it. And I suppose thats what Ive been able to do and more often than most folks have had an opportunity to do, says Lundquist. 2 NFL broadcaster. THE SITUATION: The Masters doesnt start until the back nine on Sunday, right? Known for iconic calls on monumental sporting events like Jack Nicklaus in 1986 and Tiger Woods multiple times at the Masters, and the Kick Six game in the Iron Bowl, sports fans understand that Lundquist is often on the microphone when important storylines unfold in sports. But Lundquist had designs on a bigger platform. At the time, it was a very tough phone call to make, especially over the holidays, McManus said. It is not known as yet whether the President survived the attack against him. Verne Lundquist, 77, retired from his play-by-play gig on the SEC on CBS, which he'd held since 2000. Verne has certainly been at many great events throughout his career and luckily, hell still be with CBS for The Masters and the NCAA Tournament so theres potential for some moregreat calls in the years to come. No. And now, 17 years later, he will tell you himself that it has been one of the highlights of his career., His folksy way, affable personality, and knack for downhome storytelling have made him a fan favorite in college football, prompting the loving moniker Uncle Verne., Verne. AwfulAnnouncing.com is a Sports fan web site and is in no way affiliated with any media organization, any professional sports league, team, organization, or its Properties. But there were shared moments with my colleagues of grief over what this one man had done to alter the course of our history.". That would probably be the only thing. You could hear both Verne and Scott were more than a little incredulous seeing Tonya with her crocodile tears: While the CBS audience was focused on Harding and Kerrigan, Oksana Baiul of Ukraine sneaked into win the gold medal over Kerrigan in a masterful performance and threw in a couple of triple jumps at the end to wrest first place away from the American.