John Ward is the greatest - always will be

[Makethecallsports]

Used to listen to him while we were working on the farm. There was no better in all of college sports, period! Keith Jackson and Howard Cosell were great too but none better than John Ward. 5,4,3,2,1 give him six!

This is an interesting thread. Someone ought to collect the greatest announcers of all the Big Time programs. For example Bob Ufer of Michigan might be added to this list.

 

[BigOrangeFanatic]

One thing I liked about Jon Ward was he was extremely animated about his team, but he was always complimentary of the other team regardless of who it was. He was the best at what he did, and he did it with an extremely high amount of class. I truly think the fan of the most hated opposing rival could tune in and listen to him call the game and enjoy it. You cannot say that about many other commentators.

 

[Tennman]

His best call ever. Your national champion is clad in Big Orange

Yes indeed, and sadly his last call. Great memories of listening to him on the radio while I was overseas in the Army. No one did it better than John Ward. :salute:

 

[bamacheats]

Have you heard any other SEC teams radio announcers? Kessling is better than most of them.

No he isn't.

 

[Big Orange #1]

I wish he would come back a few times a year just as a gueat play caller. Maybe we can get a petition for him to call Battle at Bristol. I think that would be awesome!!

 

[jtlhotspot]

He should be the new PA guy @ Neyland IMO

 

[jtlhotspot]

Miracle at South Bend: "It's high enough, its long enough, but is it straight enough? Give me a second.... YESSIRREE!! The kick...is goooood!"

 

[TNRazor]

Wrong. It's the saddest call ever. Means he's done and we're stuck with Slob Kesling.

You're right, that was his last game. Kesling does an ok job, but i'd really love to hear Mike Keith or John Wilkerson behind the mic for the Vols' games. Wilkerson is already and upgrade when he fills in for him.

 

[gnm53108]

Wrong. It's the saddest call ever. Means he's done and we're stuck with Slob Kesling.

That was his last football call but he did the rest of the baskettball season.

Pretty good season at that.

I remember him saying "Beating ky at rupp is not a National Championship...but it's close".

 

[Dave1967]

John Ward was the best I ever heard. Here's the 5 best play by play College football game callers(IMO) that I ever heard

John Ward
Jim Fyffe(Auburn)
Al Ceraldo(Georgia Tech)
Jack Kristol(Mississippi State)
Mick Hubert(Florida)

 

[PACKERVOL]

Got to meet and shake hands with John Ward and Johnny Majors at a speaking engagement here in Bristol. John Ward is simply in a class by himself.

 

[BennisDrewer]

Got to meet and shake hands with John Ward and Johnny Majors at a speaking engagement here in Bristol. John Ward is simply in a class by himself.

When was this?! I can't believe I missed that! haha

 

[ImportedVoL]

People give Kesling such a bad rap..

truthfully he is one of the better ones out there at this time..

of course he can not compare to Ward... But no one does IMO

#givehim6

 

[terrypedigo]

Jones is at the 40, he cuts back at the 35 30 20 10 5 4 3 2 1, what did he do TOUCHDOWN TENNESSEE GIVE HIM 6.:salute: Greatest ever to call a game.

 

[Rocky Top T]

The Best EVER!!! The Vols need to hire Mike Keith from the Titans!

 

[UT Hill Man]

Believe me, brother, we feel your pain. These old school guys will never be replaced. Larry Munson is a legend in GA. Now most folks don't know who Scott Howard is. And he's pretty good.

Just the end of an era I guess. They're not making anymore Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or Eagles, either.

 

[Dave1967]

Just the end of an era I guess. They're not making anymore Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd or Eagles, either.

Nobody hated Tennessee more than Larry Munson. I guess it was because he announced Vanderbilt sports from 1945-1966.

 

[TNnative]

Look at this team since Ward's retirement.....Just saying.

Just agreeing

 

[TNnative]

John Ward was the best I ever heard. Here's the 5 best play by play College football game callers(IMO) that I ever heard

John Ward
Jim Fyffe(Auburn)
Al Ceraldo(Georgia Tech)
Jack Kristol(Mississippi State)
Mick Hubert(Florida)

Good group. I gotta admit, the one thing I like about Alabama is Eli Gold.

 

[TNnative]

I remember as a kid, watching the games with my dad, tv on mute and John Ward on the radio. Good ole days

Who in our age group DID NOT watch it that way? Football AND Basketball at our house. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Teeman]

People give Kesling such a bad rap..

truthfully he is one of the better ones out there at this time..

of course he can not compare to Ward... But no one does IMO

#givehim6

I miss John Ward as much as anybody and have been critical of Bob K. However, my son and I met him getting out of his car at the O&W game and he was very, very nice. Shook our hands, thanked us for coming, and hoped we had a good day.

 

[vol-un-tear]

In 1994 Shane Burton blocked a punt against Mississippi st. He scooped it up at the 4 and walked in for a TD. That call by ward was priceless. He said something like.... He lumbers to the three and waddles to the two... Etc. Back then WIVK the frog played back ward calls from the last game. I heard it then and busted a gut! Burton is a friend and we gave him junk for a long long time! Fun times!!!

 

[thebjd]

John Ward was the best I ever heard. Here's the 5 best play by play College football game callers(IMO) that I ever heard

John Ward
Jim Fyffe(Auburn)
Al Ceraldo(Georgia Tech)
Jack Kristol(Mississippi State)
Mick Hubert(Florida)

Jack Cristil was really good.

 

[BeecherVol]

People give Kesling such a bad rap..

truthfully he is one of the better ones out there at this time..

of course he can not compare to Ward... But no one does IMO

#givehim6

I actually think he is better at bball than football.

And Ward didn't get as much credit for bball as he should.

 

[bamacheats]

I actually think he is better at bball than football.

And Ward didn't get as much credit for bball as he should.

Kesling is lightyears worse at basketball!!!

This coming season I challenge you to watch a game while listening to Kesling. He has absolutely no freakin clue how to call a game. Everybody "thought about a three" there are 4 or 5 mysterious tips on missed shots, every single player with the ball "loses it but gets it back".

You'll despise Kesling afterwards, I promise.