A Sea Of Red

http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm? ... ewsID=5431

For the first time in nearly three decades, followers of Liberty Athletics will hear a new voice on the radio airwaves next year, as longtime play-by-play broadcaster Jerry Edwards has announced his retirement from the Flames Sports Network.

As many times people have maybe complained about the broadcast and some of the errors he made, Im gonna miss hearing his voice on the radio calling Flames Athletics...he inspired me to be sure.

In doing a nationwide search for the new voice of the Flames, I sure hope they don't overlook what they already have right here. Nick Pierce is really good.

any word on who will take his spot? I know they said they are looking for somebody nationally...but from where I sit, i think Nick is ready...but maybe I am just biased with my opinion on that...and it looks like somebody beat me to the punch...I really would hope Nick is the top candidate...

You can count me in as one who thinks Nick should be the first to be considered.

I agree wholeheartedly. Nick has the ability I think to go national but Id love to see him take Jerry;s seat in the broadcast booth...he did a fine job covering for him during basketball season

Bob Sturm, anyone?

Cider Jim wrote:Bob Sturm, anyone?

He's hosting the Dallas Cowboys' pregame show and has a talk show in Dallas. That's a pretty good gig to leave to come back to Lynchburg.

Although I still haven't let go of that 'C' he dropped on me in sportscasting class a quarter century ago, Jerry had a huge impact on the university. For years, he travelled on his own dime to cover games at a time when the school was still getting its legs. As a result, I'll disappointed if the new pressbox at Williams Stadium doesn't have some type of permanent recognition of his service.

As for his replacement, let's keep that discussion its own thread.

Sly Fox wrote: As a result, I'll disappointed if the new pressbox at Williams Stadium doesn't have some type of permanent recognition of his service.

Somebody didn't read the press release.

Not carefully anyway.

“The radio booth in our newly constructed football press box will be named in his honor. It is important that all followers of Liberty Athletics never forget the original ‘Voice of the Flames’ and the impact he has had on our University.”

Jeff Barber

Sly Fox wrote:Although I still haven't let go of that 'C' he dropped on me in sportscasting class a quarter century ago, Jerry had a huge impact on the university.

Even though ole Jer might not give Sly a glowing recommendation (see above), I nevertheless hope JB has Sly on speed dial, if he is interested in the position.

I scanned the release but didn't catch the pressbox mention. It is well deserved.

As for Sturm or yours truly, neither of us Texans have much recent play-by-play experience as far as I know unless swimming & diving enters the picture. And without a fulltime gig attached to the assignment the nationwide search is probably going to be focused on Central Virginia. Although I admit it would be a blast.

Sly Fox wrote: And without a fulltime gig attached to the assignment the nationwide search is probably going to be focused on Central Virginia. Although I admit it would be a blast.

Yeah, so, uh, it is a full-time gig.

I got an A in that class!

Rooster Cogburn wrote:I got an A in that class!

HERE THEY COME, THEY'RE NECK-AND-NECK, ROOSTER WITH A SLIGHT EDGE OVER SLY FOX AS THEY ENTER THE FIRST TURN!!

He wins. He actually got a sportscasting job and I ended up behind the scenes.

Having worked with JE for a few years im glad they are naming the radio booth in his honor.

congrats to jerry on a great career as the voice of the flames!

In this video, Jerry tells the story of two games that almost didn't get on the air. They're definitely entertaining to listen to.

Before I listen to it I'm gunna guess one of them had to be the BB game at Coastal a couple of years ago when it was an afternoon tipoff, but he thought it was a night game and was taking a nap in his hotel room when someone called him like 30 minutes before the game to find out where he was. He made it on time to call the opening tip.

I'll be the first to say that I am probably not the greatest play-by-play guy in the world, but I owe Jerry Edwards a huge debt of gratitutde. I learned a great deal from him. When I was in college I thought he had the greatest job in the world. He gave me my first radio job when I was in college and years later chose me to go on the road for a couple of seasons as his color man. One thing I can say about Jerry is that he truly loves Liberty. Stepping down had to be toughest decision he ever made. A lot of sportscasters around the country learned the trade through Jerry, including some great one's on the FSN staff like Jamie, Scar, and Nick. My thanks to Jerry.

Lynchburg's newspaper has a full-page color tribute to Jerry Edwards today in the sports section.

IMHO, Jerry should now go directly into the LU athletics HOF. I think it would be stupid to hold to any 5 year rule in this case. He should receive this honor while he can still appreciate it.

I agree completely on skipping the waiting period. Would he have been worthy 5 years ago? Of course.