WSU’s Bob Robertson: ‘It is time to pass the torch’
Aug 27, 2013, 5:47 PM | Updated: 5:49 pm
By Brady Henderson
When Bob Robertson begins his 48th season as a member of the Cougar football broadcast team on Saturday, the legendary play-by-play man will be doing so in a different capacity.
Washington State announced recently that Robertson, 84, is sliding over from his familiar role and will relinquish the play-by-play duties to Bud Nameck. Robertson will provide analysis during the games and will take the lead during the pregame, halftime and postgame shows.
Athletic director Bill Moos said in the university’s press release that the decision to adjust Robertson’s role within the broadcast booth was a mutual one, and Robertson cited his age and energy levels as leading factors.
“Bob and I had discussions this summer and we were in agreement that with the demands placed on a five-hour broadcast, this is the best move going forward,” Moos said. “Bob Robertson is synonymous with Cougar Athletics and will be a member of our broadcast team for as long as I am athletic director. The ultimate goal is to have him in the booth for many years to come.”
Aside from a three-year hiatus from 1969-1971, Robertson has called every Washington State football game since 1964.
“I will be almost 85 years old by the end of the season and my energy level isn’t what it was when I was 35,” Robertson said in the press release. “I’m not going to get any younger so I’d rather people remember me the way I was as opposed to the way I will be. It is time to pass the torch.”
Former Washington State receiver Shawn McWashington will return to the broadcast booth for his second season as an analyst, while 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jessamyn McIntyre is also returning for her second season as the sideline reporter.
Washington State opens its season Saturday at Auburn. The game begins at 4 p.m. and can be heard on 770 KTTH.
