Longtime Bearcat Radio broadcaster calls milestone game
MARYVILLE, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The voice behind Bearcat Radio Network on KXCV/KRNW, John Coffey, announced his 500th consecutive football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Joplin, Mo.
The Northwest Missouri State University graduate in 1982 started announcing for the Bearcats in September of 1985.
"A period of about over 40 years, but it seems like it just started yesterday," Coffey said. "It's been such a fun run."
Not missing a single game over the last four decades, Coffey said it wasn't until a broadcast partner a couple of years ago counted up the games and told Coffey he was close to 500. He was recognized by fans and given a football for the milestone.
"It's nice to be recognized and the comments that people had, that's been really nice to hear and see," Coffey said. "It really makes me feel very special that people, I think, have enjoyed what I do and hopefully will continue to for a while."
Play-by-play is something Coffey has wanted to do ever since he was a kid. Growing up a St. Louis Cardinals fan, he listened to Jack Buck, Harry Caray and Mike Shannon.
"If you enjoy sports and getting paid to watch the games and I've been very fortunate that throughout my life, I've been able to do this," Coffey said.
The Bearcats are 365-136 in games Coffey announced, with game 501 in the books after Northwest defeated Central Oklahoma 38-16.
Coffey feels special and lucky to not only have this opportunity but to be a part of winning programs.
"I say it's one of the best jobs, probably in division two if not division one in the country," he said. "Because of, just all of the success that these programs have had."
Coffey also announces during basketball season. He said he's missed only some of the basketball games, due to the football season running late when the team makes it into the playoffs.
As for his favorite game, Coffey mentions the 1996 playoff win, the first under coach Mel Tjeerdsma.
"That was kind of a statement game that Northwest kind of announced that they are 'here' and then they have been here ever since, from that point on," he said.
