The end of an era on the airwaves.
Bob Kesling, the radio voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, has announced his intentions to retire. The longtime radio announcer will finish this football and basketball season before stepping down in the spring.
Kesling has been the lead announcer of the Vol Radio Network since 1999. The former walk-on fullback began his career back in 1974. He eventually worked alongside of legendary radio voice John Ward, eventually taking Ward’s place following the 1998 National Championship season.
“Bob’s influence has been remarkable, touching so many lives as the Voice of the Vols and through his heartfelt dedication as a mentor and leader in our Knoxville community for over 50 years,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said in the announcement. “He embodies the true spirit of someone who has given his all for Tennessee. As an icon in the broadcasting industry, we are deeply appreciative of the professionalism he brings to Tennessee Athletics each time he takes the microphone. His contributions resonate with all of us here on Rocky Top and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.”
Kesling was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Radio Hall of Fame this past summer. He will call his final regular season home game at Neyland Stadium on November 23rd as Tennessee takes on UTEP. His final football game as the Tennessee radio voice could very well come in the College Football Playoff — possibly also at Neyland Stadium. We’ll see.
So who’s next? Voice of the Titans Mike Keith immediately comes to mind, although he’s already an icon in his own right. Would he ditch the professional ranks to return to his alma mater? John Wilkerson, the voice of Tennessee baseball, would also seem like a natural fit. Keith and Wilkerson worked together on the Tennessee baseball side back in the ‘90s.
Whichever direction they go, the airwaves are going to sound mighty different next fall.