University of Massachusets Athletics
Behler Joins UMass Staff
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April 9, 2002
AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts athletic director Bob Marcum announced today that WHMP's Bob Behler has joined the athletic department staff as assistant director of athletic development, effective immediately."We look forward to having Bob on our team," Marcum said. "The radio industry continues to change on an almost daily basis, which has resulted in us bringing our radio network in-house. Bob has done a very good job of running the UMass Sports Network at WHMP, and we are confidant that with his experience he will be able to enhance our network from his new position."
Behler, who has called UMass football, men's basketball, ice hockey and baseball games since his arrival in the Pioneer Valley three years ago for WHMP's statewide UMass Sports Network, will be responsible for developing an in-house radio network for Massachusetts during the upcoming year and will continue in his post as the radio "Voice of the Minutemen." In 2001, Behler and his basketball broadcast partner Jack Leaman were honored as the Associated Press' Best Radio Play-by-Play in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
"We are excited to have Bob on board," Associate Athletic Director for Development John Nitardy said. "From an operational and fund-raising standpoint, his knowledge and abilities will be an asset as we build our radio network."
In addition to his play-by-play and sales duties at WHMP, he managed the station's UMass Sports Network and hosted weekly call-in shows with head football coach Mark Whipple, head men's basketball coach Steve Lappas and head ice hockey coach Don "Toot" Cahoon.
Prior to joining the UMass Sports Network, Behler spent 13 seasons as the play-by-play "Voice of Bucknell" football, men's and women's basketball and baseball. At Bucknell, he was responsible for selling and producing the broadcasts in addition to announcing the games. Behler also hosted and produced weekly coaches television shows for football and men's basketball.
"I have enjoyed working with everyone at the University the past three years," Behler said. "I look forward to having the opportunity to continue bringing the games to the fans in the coming years on the UMass Sports Network."
Before moving to Bucknell, Behler called play-by-play for the Chattanooga Lookouts AA and Williamsport Cubs A baseball teams, the University of Georgia baseball and women's basketball teams, and high school sports in his hometown of Stockton, Calif. He was named Outstanding Play-by-Play Announcer for Georgia in 1984-85 by the Associated Press.
A 1985 Georgia graduate, Behler has called play-by-play of the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament for the NCAA/CBS Radio Network for seven seasons. He was an announcer at the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York City for Turner Broadcasting's international coverage. Also a member of the 1990 Goodwill Games crew in Seattle, he did boxing, basketball and team handball. For 12 years, he also covered NCAA Championship events for Sportscast Productions, including gymnastics, golf, swimming, tennis, and track and field.
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