Can it happen again?: Related stories
"Anderson, there's something different about this team.''
On the Tennessee team bus leaving the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y., John Ward was moved to make that observation to his friend and radio colleague, Bill Anderson. It turned out to be prophetic.
Ward was not predicting a national championship on Sept. 5. But something struck him about that last-second, 34-33 victory on opening day of the 1998 football season and the way the team and coaches carried themselves.
There did, in fact, turn out to be something different, something special about the '98 Tennessee Vols. They channeled it into a 13-0 season and a national championship, climaxing with a Fiesta Bowl win over Florida State.
And when the scoreboard clock in Tempe, Ariz., hit zero, Ward, the iconic play-by-play voice, told his delirious audience, "The national champion is clad in big orange.''
Looking back over 10 years, Tennessee fans recall a dream-come-true season. It was that to Ward, too, but it was first and foremost business as usual.
"It was a matter of doing 13 games,'' he said.
His final 13 games. Ward had announced in June prior to the season he was retiring.
"I really wanted to quit that day,'' he said. "That was my plan.''
A private person, Ward preferred to avoid the farewell tour that his friend Cawood Ledford, the Kentucky broadcast legend, had endured by announcing his retirement a year in advance.
But Ward was talked into staying on for the 1998-99 school year to honor the Vol Network sponsors he had sold the previous winter.
In retrospect, he wouldn't have missed that championship season for anything.
"God has a plan for us,'' Ward said. "Somewhere there is someone who gives us timing.''
Though he wanted to dodge any fanfare related to his impending retirement, it became obvious that would not be the case.
Ward was overwhelmed by the "Give 'Em Six" celebration honoring he and Anderson at Thompson-Boling Arena. He was touched to hear Kenny Chesney perform the song he had composed for the occasion.
When coach Phillip Fulmer invited Ward and Anderson to join the Vol Walk before the final home game against Kentucky, Ward declined.
"I'm not going to infringe on the players,'' he said.
But when captain Al Wilson called and asked them to walk, Ward and Anderson relented.
At halftime, Ward was caught unawares by a tribute from the Pride of the Southland Band. When Chesney sang "Touchdown Tennessee," on the field, Ward, watching and waving from outside the radio booth, broke into tears. He wasn't the only one.
"I don't think it affected the way I broadcast the game,'' said Ward, the consummate pro.
The final game was at Vanderbilt. Ward resisted staging the pre-game call-in show in public because they hadn't done it elsewhere on the road. Again, he was persuaded otherwise.
"We did the show at the Parthenon (in Centennial Park) and there were thousands and thousands of people,'' he said. "As far as you can see. It was overwhelming.''
It took a Highway Patrol car with siren blasting to extricate Ward and Anderson from the park and get them to the stadium.
As bowl week arrived, Ward didn't. He worked a basketball game at Auburn and didn't get to Tempe until the day before the game, too late to join Anderson as an honorary grand marshal in the Fiesta Bowl Parade.
Ward got a parade anyway. On game day, the route from the hotel to the stadium was lined with Tennessee fans.
"And when we got to the gate they (stadium security) wouldn't let us in,'' Ward said.
He and his crew had to cool their heels as the bomb squad scanned the stadium in preparation for Vice President Al Gore's arrival.
By evening a big moon was rising over the desert. Anderson nudged Ward and pointed out that it was orange. So was much of the crowd, and eventually, so was the national champion.
"It was a wonderful experience,'' Ward said, "because of the involvement of the Tennessee fans who went to the time, trouble and expense to be out there for the game.''
Ward signed off his final football broadcast as he had so many hundreds of others and headed back to the hotel.
The phone in his room rang. It was a reporter from Atlanta.
"He said, 'Are you celebrating?' and I said, 'No, I'm studying for a basketball game,' '' Ward recalled. "We had to play a game as soon as I got back to Knoxville.
"That's what I did. It was no different. I would have done that in 1968. I had to get ready for the next game.''
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Barbara Dooley and Pat Summitt Go Red…
Tyler Summitt through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 50
CoverOrange writes:
My biggest disapointment was having to listen to Keith "salute me cuz I'm retiring for the first time" Jackson during the Fiesta Bowl instead of John. If only Al had invented the internet a little sooner.
budd#207344 writes:
Thank you John Ward and Bill Anderson You are the Vols for me
I_Sweat_Orange writes:
I miss more than anything listening to John Ward call the games. He is UT sports to me and many many others.I always get goose bumps and excited when I hear his voice on the radio. I would love for John to come back and do a broadcast of a game for the 10 year anniversary.I doubt he will due to his loyalty and class. GO VOLS !!!! GIVE HIM SIX !!!!
chrisw2967 writes:
I would love to hear John call the Fla game this year , that would be awesome.
FWBVol writes:
How many other broadcasters go out on top? Not many. In John Ward's last year at the microphone UT not only won the NC in football, but had one of Jerry Green's better basketball team winning the SEC East if I remember correctly.
Too many announcers hang on too long. Nothing personal against Bob Kesling, but John Ward didn't hang around long enough.
For a generation of UT fans everywhere, John Ward will always be, "THE VOICE OF THE VOLUNTEERS."
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
AL WILSON!!!!!!!
UTvols12342000 writes:
I get goosebumps and, on occasion, a little misty eyed when I here an old Ward call, especially the old staticky ones.
There is a great and discernable gap between the voice of the Vols recent and present, although Kesling has improved his basketball commentary.
http://volsvideos.com/view/56/john-wa...
OldNumber7 writes:
1986 Sugar Bowl - what a call.
Volman42 writes:
I use to turn down the T.V. and turn up John Ward and Bill Anderson like so many of us did. When I do that now I just get mad and frustrated over all the botched calls. I wish Kesling would stick to basketball and they would bring in someone else for football.
RJ_Vol writes:
I miss John Ward.
cleVOLand writes:
John Ward played a big part in my becoming a Tennessee fan. How could one ignore his passionate, distinctive call of the game? Each broadcast put the current game into the context of Tennessee and Southeastern Conference football history. You knew by listening to him that this was his life. He made you want to make it your life, too. It was so fitting that his final season was the National Championship season; that made it all the more special for us all.
I'm not making any bold predictions, but I have a very special feeling about this season, too! Go Vols!
jeffersongavol writes:
Touchdown Tennessee by Kenny Chesney
http://www.imeem.com/texasgirl4ever/m...
Mr_Brownstone writes:
John Ward was THE BEST!
orangebloodgmc writes:
Do we have anybody that could come close to leading on the field like Al Wilson did? We do have some playmakers and maybe they will turn to lesser-achieving teammates and let them know its their turn to pick up their game too.
Hunter writes:
John Ward is to Larry Munson as Regas is to Whataburger.
John Ward and Bill Anderson were the classiest play-by-play tandem ever to sit in a pressbox. They certainly favored Tennessee (as they should on the Vol network), but never so overtly as to turn off a non-partisan listener. Selfishly I wish he was back on the radio, but you can't top going out to the 1998 National Championship.
Give 'em six! Touchdown Tennessee!
longtimefan writes:
John got me hooked on the VOLS in the late 60s. He's play calling certainly kept your ear glued to the radio. Thanks for making my saturdays special and giving me so many memories. There will never be another as good as you were.
longtimefan writes:
On a side note: I heard we could have had Lindsey Nelson as play by play man. Not that I would trade John for him, but would have been nice if they hadn't come along at the same time. I remember watching Notre Dame highlites and listening to Lindsey. He was good too. And yes they showed Notre Dame highlites in Knoxville!
volinky writes:
Just like LoneStar_Vol, I grew up with John Ward. My memories of my grandfather, working in the yard with my Dad and brother, riding in the car through Gatlinburg on Saturday afternoons, and a dozen other memories, were connected on fall afternoons with John Ward's voice. I love his voice because of the connection to my life as a child and the good memories which came with them.
Titan writes:
I sit here in my hotel room far from Tennessee with tears in my eyes after listening to Touchdown Tennessee for the umpteenth time. I was at the Superdome for Jeff Powell's run and I was in Tempe for the NC game. Like Indiana Vol said, getting back home and hearing John's call of those games was icing on the cake. I'm glad John (and Bill) got to go out on top.
My biggest disappointment about John's retirement is that we couldn't find someone better than Kesling. In football, he is just plain bad. I originally thought that he would grow into the job and as the memory of John faded, Bob would sound better. It hasn't happened - he is still very, very bad.
volsoutwest writes:
Thanks for the memories all. John and Bill brought the game alive even when there were few Vol games ever on the tube. You felt like you were at the game. Saw John outside the stadium last season at the Georgia game. He shook our hands, asked us our names, treated us as if he had known us his whole life. Truly a class act if ever there was one. The Greatest ever.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
i personally asked bob kessling, mentioning the many Tennessee football traditions, about keeping John Ward's "give him six" going with his broadcast. maybe asking for Ward's blessing in using his "give him six" bob wouldn't hear of it
:-(
richvol writes:
John Ward could paint a picture through his words as well as any artist that ever put anything on a canvas.
We were all fortunate to hear the best there ever was...there will never be another.
brokebackvol writes:
Kesling can broadcast for 100 years and never be as good as John Ward. Still missing the "Voice of the Vols."
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
i personally asked Kesling in '99 to start a new tradition with Tennessee football and again i asked him this past spring, my how time flies....to start saying after a Tennessee touchdown "give him six." Maybe ask John Ward for his blessing to keep saying that. As we all know Kesling didn't... :-(
johnlg00#206211 writes:
John Ward was, IMHO, THE best football and basketball play-by-play man ever! As so many of you have said, some of my best and earliest memories of UT sports revolved around his calls. He didn't just call a game, he painted an unforgettable word picture of the entire scene. The biggest difference between Ward and Kesling is that the latter is a TV guy who tells you, haltingly, what HAS happened on a particular play. Ward knew that, as a radio guy, he had to supply the FEEL of a game as well as the results of a given play. You could smell the grass on the field, the hot dogs and popcorn, hear the band, the fans, and the cheerleaders--he made you feel like a part of the scene. He and Bill told us what WOULD happen, what WAS happening on any particular play, and then put the play that had just happened in the context of the game and even in the context of the history of UT football. There will never be an announcing combo to equal them. Ward was, if anything, an even better basketball commentator. How I would love to hear him call basketball in the Pearl era!
TommyJack writes:
Ward was the best. No need to diss Kesling.
FWBVol writes:
Although they were contemporaries in some ways, Lindsey Nelson was a few years older than John Ward.
Nelson, with the General's blessing, started the Vol Radio Network in 1948. George Mooney did football prior to John Ward, who took over in football in 1968. Before that Ward handled basketball duties. I don't know if there was a football guy between Nelson and Mooney.
Nelson, of course, went on to broadcast Notre Dame, the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, as well as doing the Cotton Bowl and MLB games.
Nelson had his own smooth style, and become a beloved icon for sports fan across the nation.
John Ward called Volunteer games for 30 years called with his own poetic and soothing style and will forever be a University of Tennessee treasure.
94VOL writes:
Can you get touchdown TN on Itunes
For some reason I can't find it.
gohawks1 writes:
Volman42 (7:37 a.m.) - I remember my Dad doing the same thing when I was a little squirt many, many years ago. John Ward will always be an icon of Vols football. We miss you, John!
chrisw2967 writes:
I think we all grew up listening to John Ward , I remember every saturday sitting on my uncles front porch with a radio outside and 1 inside listening to John and he was and always will be the voice of the Vols.
No disrespect to Kesling cause he has never earned any respect , he is pathetic.
surfmaster writes:
Why all the Kesling haters? He is a vol tried and true, has been part of the Knoxville scene since I was in school there in '85, remember him doing the Saturday sports shows. I want someone who's blood runs orange to call the games and Kesling fits the bill. Face it, nobody wanted to be the guy who followed Ward. Everybody wants to be the guy who followed the guy who followed Ward. If it were up to me, Kesling could keep the job for as long as he wants it. Go Vols!
stevefrommemphis writes:
I agree with surfmaster. Kesling does a good job, and he and Tim Priest can keep the job forever. 15 years from now, he will be an iconic voice of Tennessee football, and everybody will love him just as much as John Ward. Plus, I will say that Kesling does a much better job than John Ward ever did of knowing, understanding, and explaining the rules. John Ward was great, but let's not forget Bill Anderson. Bill Anderson was "old school" in every way imaginable. Bill didn't say much, but every word he said was right on target, and I don't think anybody ever loved the Vols more.
BigOrangeJeff writes:
As good as Ward was in football - there is and never will be an equal - he was truly in his element doing basketball. Even in a fast-paced game, he could paint a word picture that described the game so vividly, you didn't need to see it.
His best trait of all may have been the ability to check his love for UT as soon as the mic went hot. No "hobnail boot" comments coming from Mr. Ward. He was all class.
BOJ
Titan writes:
Kesling thinks that every offensive play we run is either a bubble screen or a scissors play. Personally, I think he knows very little about the game - especially for someone who played and has been around sports as much as he has. Watch a game in person and listen to him on your headphones and note how many wrong calls he makes. "The pass is complete - NO it is incomplete." "There is a short run up the middle - it will be second down and two." I seriously have thought about not listening to his broadcast when I'm there in person but I do enjoy the insights that Tim provides along with the sideline reporter. Another thing that Bob does that drives me crazy is describing an injured player. Bob believes that as long as it is not a knee injury, everything will be OK. The player could have a Theisman broken leg but as long as his knee is OK, Bob thinks everything will be fine. Bob will never be an icon - even in 150 years. If he still has the job in 15 years, that will truly be a shame.
SCVolsFan writes:
One word.... THANK YOU JOHN!
longtimefan writes:
three words.... thanks!
orngejuice writes:
Titan-you literally have me laughing so hard my wife asked if i was going to be ok. you NAILED Kesling. i grew up listening to john ward broadcast the games. never watched a game without the tv turned down/off without radio on, even if there was a delay. it broke my and especially my dads heart when he retired. tim is the only reason we continue to listen. kesling calling complete pass when it is actually incomplete should be a college drinking game. my favorite is, first and 10..."handoff, (insert back here) takes the handoff and gains about four...that makes it 2nd and eight. wtf are you talking about bob. the vol network has allowed this talking baboon to continue for 10 yrs. i know it's impossible to follow a legend, but surely we could find a better "voice of the vols." just my two cents.
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
I wish Checkerboard Bob would announce his retirement this year and the team sends him out in the same fashion they sent John out.
Kesling is a Vol thru and thru but his play calling is just bland. John Ward was not only a play caller but a color guy too. Phrases like "Did he make it? The crowd tells ya…. The kick is GOOOOOOOOODAH!!!" had so much panache it will never be matched.
jelyhupla writes:
This article and posts is one of the best ive ever read on govols. Mr Ward is a true legend. I just consider myself lucky to have been able to listen to such a great play by play man. What a classy individual. He is a true legend and will always be missed.
ccVOLS615 writes:
He's free on the sidelines 35-30-25-20-15-10 TOUCHDOWN TENNESSEE!!!!! John ward your the man. No one has ever been better, we miss you and love you. GO VOLS!!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Titan 12:15 - I was also in those narrow chairs in the dome. "Track man from Virginia" down the sidelines.
I guess like most of us Kesling is doing his best, but man! Well, at least we don't have to listen to Munson.
That burden rests south.
ect1983 writes:
The most memorable John Ward game for me was the triple overtime win @ Mississippi State in 1967 when Billy Justus hit those free throws.....Mear's first SEC championship, and Ward's first year (I think)
b_neas writes:
John Ward was the best announcer ever for UT sports. I grew up listening to him and i guess i was spoiled because Bob K still upsets when he gets a players name wrong. Or the a wrong player completely. I am not even an announcer and i know players names by their numbers. Ward was classy, humble, and wonderful for UT sports. He should do a one game (basketball and football) call for old times sake. It would be amazing.
Madkels writes:
Nobody can ever replace John Ward. For my generation, it will always be John. Growing up a VOL fan in the '70's and going to UT in the '80's, John will always be the man. I believe broadcasters who grew up on radio had to be more masterful at their craft because they had to paint the picture for us. With TV, it's more about the stats and knowledge of the game. More tech..less artistry.
If you grew up in Memphis in the '70's, Jack Eaton was in many ways the same for Tiger basketball.
Now that I live in ATL, I get angry when I here Munson's voice as I remember his "hobnail boot" comment.
jasonn1970 writes:
For anyone who grew up in the 70s listening to Tennessee football and basketball games there will never be another John Ward. He was, and always will be the best.
taggu43#427740 writes:
John Ward was the ultimate professional broadcaster. I recall listening to many of his radio broadcasts and feeling like I was in the stadium watching the action. Ward could paint a picture of the field and put you in the stands. Amazing work.
He always gave the opponent their due and was so persistent in updating time, distance, and score because he knew that fans were tuning in at all points of the game. Some of these guys now won't give you anything between 10 minute timeframes.
Ward had passion, yet it was controlled unlike some of the other homers you listen to who yell and scream you to an eardrum ache. John Ward was a fantastic broadcaster with a great voice, who used larger than life adjectives and had the hook to rally us all. GIVE HIM SIX!
How I would love to hear Ward call another one for old time sake.
Titan writes:
All of John's calls were classics but as a "Nashville Vol", I have always thought his "Willie Gault is running all the way to the State Capital" was one of his finest. I also liked the way you could hear Anderson sort of grunting in the background when there was a big play.
slambob2#228938 writes:
Titan, I had forgotten about hearing Bill Anderson in the background like that. You're absolutely right.
We're all better at some things than others and John was the level best at announcing. Bob Kesling is the best at interviewing one-on-one. Bob seems like a reporter at heart, but he struggles mightily to call a football game for the reasons others have noted.
Ward brought colorful descriptions like "he twists, he turns, he dives for the FIRST DOWN!" and "he's brought down in the backfield by Al Wilson and a HOST of Volunteers"
I can hear Bill Anderson chime in with "that left tackle for the bulldogs is overmatched and I wouln't be surprised to see John Henderson beat the tailback to the handoff before this game is over."
UT seemed larger than life over the radio waves in the early years and Ward was spot-on when you listened to his colorful descriptions with the TV sound turned off in the last decade.
Hard for anyone to follow that.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Two things John Ward said that were special.......
At the beginning of one the seasons....
"It's here......It's finally here......It's football time in Tennessee!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember that one?
and this gem....
Twisting, turning spinning driving................
Wait......
35-30-25-20-15-10-5-4-3-2-1........Touchdown Tennessee
Wait.....
Give.....Him.......Six......
I give up.....there are too many.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Broadcasters are a a recall of the years when listeners were in their youth and we cling onto them. If John had a fault at all...he rarely ever commented on the game as to his thoughts, as compared to Cawood Ledford, the Ky., radio man who would scold the Cats for poor play during the game. Cawood always thought the SEC schedule was suicide for any team. I liked Bill Anderson, but I thought Bill should have commented on the flow of the game...something like Tim Priest, today. And Bob Kesling, what could one say. Bob, I think is a transplant from Ohio, came Knoxville years ago and fell in love with the people and the city...and the Tennessee Vols have never had a more loyal fan..although, very professional. Bob, as I recall, came up with the phrase "The Ernie and Bernie show" when the Basketball Vols were on top in sixties and seventies. Going back even further, Lowell "Bingo" Blanchard was radio man for the great Vol teams in the days when Vols controlled football in the south under the iron fist of Neyland. And so it goes.
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