VOICE OF VICTORY: WVU Iconic Broadcaster Tony Caridi Clinches Dual ESPN Awards for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting
From the rolling hills of Morgantown to the bright lights of ESPN’s national stage, Tony Caridi has long been the steady, spirited voice behind the West Virginia University Mountaineers. Now, in a landmark moment for his illustrious career, Caridi has been awarded two ESPN Awards for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting, cementing his legacy as one of the most iconic figures in collegiate sports media.
Caridi, known for his deep baritone, precise calls, and unmistakable energy, received the Lifetime Achievement in Collegiate Broadcasting award and the Best Live Play-by-Play Call of the Year for his unforgettable narration of WVU’s upset victory over a top-5 opponent in football this past season.
The ceremony, held at ESPN’s Digital Center in Bristol, Connecticut, was a star-studded affair, but the night truly belonged to Caridi. As he took the stage, clad in his signature WVU gold-and-blue tie, applause thundered from a crowd that included broadcasting legends, former Mountaineer athletes, and media professionals who have long admired his work.
In his acceptance speech, Caridi reflected on his roots, saying, “This voice began in Lockport, New York, but it found its soul in West Virginia. These awards belong just as much to Mountaineer Nation as they do to me.”
Caridi’s journey into sports broadcasting began humbly in the early 1980s. After graduating from Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School, he joined the West Virginia Radio Corporation and quickly became a fixture in the booth. Over the past three decades, he has called thousands of Mountaineer football and basketball games, delivering moments that have become etched in the memory of fans. His signature phrase—“It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!”—has echoed through generations of WVU faithful.
The Best Play-by-Play Call award recognized Caridi’s electric call during a tense fourth quarter in which the Mountaineers sealed the game with a last-second interception. ESPN’s panel noted the clarity, drama, and control with which Caridi captured the moment, calling it “a masterclass in live narration.”
Perhaps more than any other broadcaster, Caridi has embodied the spirit of a university and a state. He is not merely a voice for games—he is a voice for community, resilience, and pride. Whether standing in the press box at Milan Puskar Stadium or courtside at the WVU Coliseum, Caridi brings a gravitas that transcends athletics.
In an era where sports broadcasting often leans on theatrics, Caridi remains a throwback—grounded in preparation, passion, and poise. These twin honors from ESPN recognize not only his talent but his consistency, his integrity, and his enduring connection with fans.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd rose once more, it was clear: Tony Caridi’s voice isn’t just unforgettable. It’s now officially legendary.
