USA TODAY International Edition
Popular Lundquist starting 50th year
If Verne Lundquist had felt the calling, he might be beginning his 50th year as a minister.
After graduating from Texas Lutheran College in 1962 with a degree in sociology, he had planned to follow in the footsteps of his father. However, after six weeks at the Lutheran School of Theology in Rock Island, Ill., Lundquist realized he didn’t have the dedication or the calling.
“I have six ( credit hours) in Greek, which hasn’t come in particularly handy,” Lundquist said.
While preparing for what figures to be a huge season opener for CBS — Alabama at Texas A& M on Sept. 14 — Lundquist, 73, reflected on his milestone anniversary.
“I know it is a cliché, but I can’t believe I’ve done 50 years,” Lundquist said. “I was thinking, ‘ How could this have happened?’ ”
Lundquist inherited his father’s voice skills. He soon put them to use, landing a job at a radio station in his hometown of Austin. On Aug. 31, 1963, Lundquist launched a career that has made him among the most popular and enduring broadcasters in the business.
He eventually became a sports anchor in Dallas. In the days before ESPN, he recalled, he was a one- man operation, shooting and editing his own film.
It was Lundquist’s radio work on Dallas Cowboys games that attracted the attention of the networks. He started at ABC in 1974 and joined CBS in 1982. He is the network’s lead voice on college football and is a fixture on its NCAA basketball tournament coverage.
Lundquist has been part of the familiar soundtrack for both sports. His play- by- play features an easy and engaging style that adds a distinctive texture to the telecasts.
“My role model was Jim McKay,” Lundquist said. “He was the greatest storyteller we’ve ever had. I try to do the same thing.
“At the end of the day, I want to give you a reason to have a rooting interest in the game.”
Lundquist also has the ability to punctuate dramatic moments. His best- known call might be his emphatic “Yes sir!” to Jack Nicklaus’ birdie putt falling on the 17th hole during his epic 1986 Masters title.
“Forty- five years ago, I wouldn’t have had the patience to lay out as long as I did with Jack’s putt,” Lundquist said. “Some of it just comes with instinct and experience.”
Golf also has been another vehicle to enhance his popularity. Lundquist played the announcer for the 1996 movie Happy Gilmore. Thanks to the film’s success, he says, he is constantly asked to reprise his line, “Who the hell is Happy Gilmore?”
Lundquist had knee replacement surgery in the spring, and his new CBS contract calls for him to do a reduced schedule of college basketball games. As a result, he feels rejuvenated going into the college football season.
As for how much longer Lundquist wants to work, he says his inspiration is Los Angeles Dodgers legend Vin Scully, who recently announced he would return for his 66th year in 2014. By comparison, Lundquist at 50 years still has a way to go.
“I’m going to go on as long as my mouth works and the airlines don’t conspire to drive me insane,” Lund quist said.