Dec. 23, 2009

Dave Nitz waves to the crowd Tuesday night after being recognized for his 2000th LA Tech broadcast. - RUSTON - Nothing spectacular occurred during Louisiana Tech's 81-60 win over Texas Pan American Tuesday night at the Thomas Assembly Center.

No records were broken or career-highs set as Bulldog head coach Kerry Rupp and the more than 2,000 fans in attendance watched a workman-like, grind-it-out effort by LA Tech as it posted its 11th victory of the season.

However, off the court, one very special milestone was set.

Long-time radio play-by-play announcer Dave Nitz worked his 2000th Louisiana Tech sporting event as he along with color analyst Jack Thigpen called the 21-point victory by the Bulldogs.

Prior to the tipoff of the game, Nitz was recognized by being given an honorary membership inot the T-Club as he received a plaque and a leather lettermen's jacket which was presented by Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau, Deputy A.D. Bruce Van De Velde and LA Tech Sports Properties GM Mason Ellenberger.

One small token of appreciation for a man who has meant so much to Tech Athletics.

Nitz joined the LA Tech family in 1974 when former Sports Information Director Keith Prince hired him away from Arkansas Tech where he had worked for one year. Thirty-five years later, Nitz is still calling Bulldog football, basketball and baseball games.

"It really doesn't seem like 35 years," Nitz said. "I've really enjoyed it. People always ask how I've done it this long. It's enjoyable, and I really look forward to each and every broadcast. It really doesn't seem like work to me. It's just a lot of fun."

The West Virginia native - who religiously calls his native state God's Country - began his broadcasting career in the early 1960s when he started calling minor league baseball for the Baltimore Orioles Farm system in Bluefield, West Virginia.

The self-proclaimed baseball lover has also handled play-by-play duties for minor league teams in Oklahoma City, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Sioux City.

Nitz began his college broadcasting career at Georgia Southern in 1967 where he worked for three years before moving on to William and Mary in 1970 where he worked for the next three seasons alongside head football coach Lou Holtz. In 1973, Nitz was hired at Arkansas Tech where he stayed for one year.

His legendary career at Louisiana Tech was born in 1974 when Prince hired Nitz as the Voice of the Bulldogs as well as the director of promotions and coordinator of the LA Tech Radio Network.

Affectionately known as Freeway Dave for all the miles he has logged over the years following the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters around the country and even other parts of the world, Nitz has spent the last 35 years capturing the hearts of Bulldog fans young and old.

"I grew up listening to Dave," said Tech Associate Athletic Director Malcolm Butler, who also serves as the Voice of the Lady Techsters for the past 10 years. "I think the highest compliment you can pay someone is when you try to copy them, and that' s what I do on my broadcasts.

"I'm no Dave Nitz; he's one of the best in the business. He's the consummate professional. He's been the eyes for so many Tech fans for almost four decades. Dave is so special to so many of us."

During the last 35 years, Louisiana Tech fans have witnessed some of the greatest moments in school history with national championships, conference titles, bowl victories and more.

And although the names and faces of the coaches, players and administrators have constantly changed along the way, one thing has remained the same - the voice that has brought so many of these incredible moments to Tech fans over the airwaves.

"I've enjoyed it like everyone else," Nitz said. "It's always nice to hear people compliment you. I've had some great times. I've had a chance to work with some great coaches and administrators. I always tell people that I didn't make the players, the players made me on the floor and on the field. That is the satisfying part of it."

After 35 years, Nitz is arguably the most recognizable face - and without a doubt the most recognizable voice - at Louisiana Tech. He is a legend in the broadcast business, as his current tenure ranks as the 4th longest of any broadcaster at one school.

"I never thought I'd be here for this long," Nitz said. "In fact I told my wife Marlene ... we were from West Virginia ... `Give me three years, and we will be back in West Virginia or Ohio or that area.' I guess I lied. Thirty-five years later and we are still here, and I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Tech fans would agree.

Since 1974, Nitz's voice has brought so many incredible moments into the living rooms, offices and cars of the Tech faithful. That voice has brought LA Tech Athletics into their lives.

For 35 years, it's been a love affair between Nitz and the Louisiana Tech family.