VOICE OF VICTORY: WVU Iconic Broadcaster Tony Caridi Clinches Dual ESPN Awards for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting “He’s not just the voice of the Mountaineers—he’s now the voice of the nation.” …..

 

VOICE OF VICTORY: WVU Iconic Broadcaster Tony Caridi Clinches Dual ESPN Awards for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting

“He’s not just the voice of the Mountaineers—he’s now the voice of the nation.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Caridi has long been a household name for West Virginia University (WVU) fans. His powerful voice, steeped in emotion, clarity, and unwavering loyalty, has defined Mountaineer athletics for more than three decades. But now, Caridi’s influence has leapt from the rolling hills of Morgantown to the national stage. On Tuesday night, during ESPN’s annual Sports Broadcasting Awards ceremony, Caridi walked away with not one, but two major honors: Best Collegiate Sports Broadcaster and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting.

 

It marks the first time a college broadcaster has earned both awards in the same year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Storied Voice Born in Morgantown

 

 

 

 

 

 

For fans in the Mountain State, Tony Caridi is more than a sports announcer—he’s a cultural institution. Since joining the WVU broadcast team in the early 1980s, Caridi’s voice has painted vivid pictures of iconic moments—from buzzer-beaters in basketball to electrifying touchdowns at Milan Puskar Stadium. His calls are woven into the very fabric of Mountaineer history.

 

“Tony doesn’t just call the game. He lives it,” said WVU men’s basketball head coach Bob Huggins in a video tribute aired at the ceremony. “He feels what the fans feel. He understands what it means to be a Mountaineer.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caridi’s unmistakable delivery—rich, energetic, and emotionally grounded—has become synonymous with WVU sports. His signature call, “It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!” resonates far beyond the Appalachian hills. It has become a mantra of pride, identity, and connection for fans across the globe.

 

From Regional to National Recognition

 

While Caridi has always been beloved in West Virginia, the ESPN honors represent a tipping point in national acknowledgment. The Best Collegiate Sports Broadcaster award recognizes the year’s most outstanding collegiate play-by-play announcer, while the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates a career of impact, longevity, and excellence in sports media.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Tony Caridi represents everything that’s great about sports broadcasting,” said ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus. “He’s authentic, consistent, and trusted. In an era of soundbites and hot takes, he remains a storyteller at heart.”

 

According to ESPN’s judging panel, Caridi stood out among a field of over 150 broadcasters due to his commitment to integrity, preparation, and community engagement.

 

“He’s a throwback in the best possible way,” said ESPN anchor Rece Davis. “Tony reminds us that sports are about connection, about voice, and about place. He’s a guardian of tradition, and a master of narrative.”

 

Moments That Made the Man

 

Caridi’s career is marked by moments of magic—on and off the air. In 2008, his call of WVU’s upset over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl is still considered one of the most iconic radio broadcasts in school history. In 2010, his coverage of Da’Sean Butler’s injury in the Final Four was praised for its emotional grace and journalistic tact.

 

More recently, during the 2023 Big 12 men’s basketball tournament, Caridi’s narration of WVU’s dramatic overtime win over Baylor went viral for its goosebump-inducing energy and poetic cadence. The clip has amassed more than 6 million views on social media platforms.

 

Beyond the calls, Caridi is known for his humility and commitment to community service. He serves as a mentor to journalism students at WVU’s Reed College of Media and hosts an annual charity golf tournament to raise funds for children with life-threatening illnesses.

 

“Tony never made it about himself,” said former WVU quarterback Pat White. “He made it about the moment—and the people who lived those moments. That’s why he’s the best.”

 

A Humble Acceptance

 

In a heartfelt acceptance speech at the ESPN ceremony in Los Angeles, Caridi deflected attention away from himself and placed it firmly on West Virginia.

 

“I accept these awards not just as an individual, but as a representative of West Virginia University and the people of this great state,” he said. “Being your voice has been the greatest privilege of my professional life.”

 

Caridi also acknowledged his broadcasting mentors, particularly the late Jack Fleming, the original “Voice of the Mountaineers.” “Jack taught me that words matter—and that the truth told well is the most powerful tool a broadcaster has.”

 

Caridi’s family was in attendance, including his wife Joan and their three sons. The emotion was visible on his face as he looked out at the audience and concluded his remarks with his familiar line: “It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be.”

 

The Legacy and What Comes Next

 

With more than 40 years behind the mic, Caridi is far from slowing down. He confirmed in an interview after the ceremony that he has no plans to retire and remains committed to calling WVU football and basketball for years to come.

 

“I feel like I’m just hitting my stride,” he said. “There are more stories to tell, more games to call, more memories to make.”

 

The awards come at a time when college athletics are evolving rapidly—with NIL, conference realignment, and digital media transforming how fans engage with their teams. In that swirl of change, Caridi stands as a steady, reassuring presence—one that fans can count on.

 

“Tony Caridi is our constant,” said WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker. “As the world around college sports changes, Tony gives us a sense of continuity, of identity, and of home.”

 

A National Voice with a Local Soul

 

For all the national acclaim, Tony Caridi’s heart remains in West Virginia. His mission has never been fame, but fidelity—to the team, the fans, and the truth of each moment.

 

“He’s not just the voice of the Mountaineers,” ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt said in closing the broadcast. “He’s now the voice of the nation.”

 

As Tony Caridi walked off the stage—awards in hand, cheers echoing—one thing became crystal clear: his voice has always mattered. Now, the rest of the country is finally catching up.

 

And somewhere in the crowd, a Mountaineer fan whispered the words they’ve heard a thousand times befo

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“It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be.”