To the fans of Idaho State athletics:
You never think this day is going to come, but of course it does for everyone at some point.
I’ve been thinking about this for the past few years and have decided that now is the right time to let everyone know that I plan on retiring from ISU broadcasting at the end of the current WBB season. This wasn’t an easy decision to make, I assure you. I can’t tell you how much I’ll miss the thrill of game day or walking into an arena or press box. I’ll miss that little nervousness you get, especially before a big game. I’ve been doing this, if you count my time at the University of Kentucky, since August 1973, for three television stations, numerous radio station and more newspaper stories than I can remember.
It has been a great run and I’ve had the best seat in the house.
I’m not turning my back on ISU. They have enabled myself and my wife Zoe to have a better life. I’ve let ISU know that if they feel there is something I can do to help the department or ISU women’s basketball moving forward to let me know and I certainly will.
I’ve been fortunate; I’ve covered a Super Bowl, two Kentucky Derby”s, the 1989 women’s Final Four from Tacoma and worked for CBS-TV in 2001 when the men’s basketball championship first and second round games were held in Boise. I’ve seen a lot and done a lot. But the bottom line is that the Idaho State women’s basketball program and the games I did for football, volleyball, softball and men’s basketball enabled me to go places, see things and meet some great individuals. The women’s basketball program let me play a small part in the four championship years as a broadcaster and to be a part of the Golden Anniversary Reunion. It was a thrill being able to work during the softball teams recent titles runs and the year under Mike Kramer when football had a terrific season. Those are experiences that I’ll never forget.
I can’t really tell you how many ISU games overall I’ve been a part of, I started doing games in January 1995. I can say though that assuming I don’t miss any of the remaining games, for women’s basketball, I will have called 530 of them from 2008 through the end of this season. That’s a lot of games! A lot of people have helped along the way and they need to be recognized. Pauline Thiros, of course, as the current A.D. at ISU who has been a friend even before she got the position. When I started in Pocatello at KPVI in February 1993 Randy Hoffman was the A.D. The main head coaches then were Brian McNeely, Herb Williams and Ted Anderson. A lot of people have come and gone over the years but by and large the vast majority of athletic administrators and coaches have treated me well and made my job a lot easier. It was a pleasure to work with them. In the last few years it was terrific working with Cody Hawkins, Andy Rich and Sean Carter. Shout out as well to Ryan Looney for his help when I filled in on men’s basketball.
I’ve said on the air that this wasn’t a one-man operation. I’ve worked with four ISU Sports Information Directors in Glenn Alford, Frank Mercogliano, Steve Schaack and Jon Match. The help that they provided was invaluable… again they were another group of people making my job easier. And it was Frank who recommended me to Jeff Tingey for a more involved broadcasting position in the summer of 2008. I’d be remiss not to mention Jerry Miller and Brad Bugger; two people I worked a lot of games with. It was always a joy to do broadcasts with them because I knew they cared, they did their homework and they were trying to do the very best broadcast they possibly could for themselves and for the ISU fanbase. And we had some fun doing it!
Jamon Anderson and C.J. Morrison at KISU radio are unsung heroes. Fans you don’t realize how much work they have done to try to put ISU athletics into the best possible broadcast position on the radio and that goes for the entire production team at ESPN+.
Last but not least thanks to the Idaho State fan base and the people of Southeast Idaho who made my wife and I feel welcome since moving here in January 1993. Seems like yesterday. From a broadcast perspective I appreciated the feedback from the fans, they took the time to reach out and that was important too.
In closing know that at all times I tried to do the best, most professional job possible for all of you, and for the players and coaches who devote so much time, effort and sweat into doing what they love. My sincere thanks, to everyone for this opportunity.
Go Bengals,
Mark Liptak