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HerbTarlekVol
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« on: June 21, 2018, 06:23:32 EDT » |
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I listened to John Ward do UT football and basketball as a kid. He was my introduction and lifeline to UT sports. He made me a fan.
About the time he retired, I went in to the radio business, first in advertising sales, and then as a high school football play by play guy. About three years later, by happenstance, I ran in to him at an advertising seminar that he was speaking at. I introduced myself to him and before I could say anything else, he said "you are a high school football radio broadcaster, aren't you? I've listened to you a few times. You do a great job." After I said, yes, I am, the first thing that went through my mind was, geez Louise, the great John Ward actually knew who I was and had listened to me work.
The fact that he made it a point to say that to me struck me like a ton of bricks. For a man who was one of the best ever in his profession to tell me that just left me speechless. Here I was just a lowly high school radio play by play guy, yet he made it a point to encourage me. That meant the world to me.
He then told me that if I ever needed anything from him, to let him know, and he gave me his business card. I sincerely believed that he meant every word.
I had the chance to talk to him a couple of more times over the years, and he was always kind and complimentary of my work.
That's just the kind of guy he was. Although I tried not to emulate him on the air, John Ward certainly influenced me in my on the air personality and the way I made sure I was prepared for my broadcasts. That's what made him great. He was never surprised, and he was always prepared.
RIP, John Ward. You influenced entire generations.
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