How Much did UT lose when John Ward & Bill Anderson retired

[upsmandlvr]

We lost a legend in Ward. Bill Anderson though a very well schooled football mind, was not very well spoken....and that added a bit of color. I must say though that Tim Priest, on the team now, (and was one of my faves as a Vol) will tell you why a play worked or didn't and is not afraid to be blunt at times.

 

[lawvol - Gate 21]

We lost a legend in Ward. Bill Anderson though a very well schooled football mind, was not very well spoken....and that added a bit of color. I must say though that Tim Priest, on the team now, (and was one of my faves as a Vol) will tell you why a play worked or didn't and is not afraid to be blunt at times.

Priest is actually really good, and doesn't care whether people like what he says. One of the most interesting, candid, objective, and knowledgeable color guys around. Unusual to actually get all 4 at the time.

 

[TNRazor]

John Ward was THE man and Bill Anderson was the perfect sidekick, they have to be one of the all time great announcing duos, Bob Kesling does a great job but he's not John Ward, and there wil never be another one like John

 

[Vol_til_I_die]

How would she hear it?

Good call.

 

[CountryBoyBob454]

Players came, played, and were replaced by new players when they graduated, but come September it was John Wards voice that came from our radio year after year bringing Tennessee football with it. He is dearly missed.

I always liked Bill Anderson, too, but for some reason when I heard his voice I was always reminded of Bullwinkle.

 

[bamacheats]

To be fair to Kessling no one could replace John Ward.

Miss y'all John and Bill.

This is such a worn out argument. It's never made sense. Slob Kesling sucks out loud completely on his own. Doesn't matter who he replaced; Ward, Basilio, or Roger.

Dooley is closer to being Neyland than Kesling is to being Ward.

 

[esarmstrong]

Losing Ward was bad. Getting Kessling was terrible. He is just terrible at calling a game. When I have the opportunity, I would rather listen to the opposing team's call of games rather than try and figure out what's happening on the field based on Kessing's calls.

The ironic thing about Kessling's calls is that he does so much better calling UT basketball. I find it hard to figure out how he can get something right (basketball) that moves so much faster than the action in a football game.

 

[photovol]

Really??!? If you have been paying any attention at all, UT football has (with a few outlier seasons...) been in a steady state of decline ever since John Ward left the booth.... All these folks talking about Gruden....Pffffffffftt!!! If you want UT winning games again throw the brinks truck at JW and let the good times roll!!!

I wish we could, I remember when I lived in Chicago and couldn't listen to the games there, I'd call my Mom (now sadly deceased) back in Chattanooga and she would put the phone next to the radio so I could listen to the game. I did have some expensive phone bills...but it was the Vols....hope to live to see them winning again, after all
Lady's and gentlemen in Tennessee and all across the Land "It's Football Time in Tennessee"

 

[photovol]

I turn up the natural gas commercials during the broadcasts so my son will know John Ward's voice, if that tells you anything. We have "Touchdown Tennessee" by Kenny Chesney just to make sure.

As do I

 

[67volbabygirl]

John Ward was amazing, and he grew up listening to the radio. Those guys were from an era long gone thanks to tv. I miss that, and don't think we will ever have that again.

 

[feathersax]

When John retired, the downslide began. Yeah, I know that's coincidence, but no doubt when boring buckeye bob came onto the scene with his 'cheggerboards' routine listening to a UT game on radio became a chore. Before that, half the Neyland crowd had earphones under Vol caps....no more. Thank you, John Ward; there'll be no other.

 

[SuperDave]

Only listen on the radio if you are in a car or no t.v. around... those are the only 2 reasons you should listen to a game on the radio.. john ward or not. flames begin in... 3...2...1...

oh... and if you are at the game then its just stupid to have on headphones.. ok back to flames...

 

[Slydell]

John Ward was always and will always be the voice of the Vols. His classic Wardisms will always loom large over anyone taking that seat. I've really tried to listen to Kessling, but I never have a clue what is going on in the game. He's too wishy washy on calls. He may be great at something, but calling UT football games or basketball games is not it. If there is a crappy call, I want him to say it. I want to know the score and where we are on the field. I just don't get that from him. I finally quit trying to listen two years ago. If he's gotten better, good. As someone already said....Kessling is to Ward as Dooley is to Neyland. Night and day. I just mute all the sound when watching the games anymore. Fortunately, I was able to attend the last game that The Voice called.

 

[pcolavol]

We lost integrity a respect....history too...the feeling of vibration through our bodies...warm an happy