ESPN SHOCKER: The Voice of the Mountaineers, Tony Caridi, Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports
MORGANTOWN, WV – In a jaw-dropping sweep of national accolades that has sent a wave of ecstatic pride through Mountaineer Nation, legendary WVU voice Tony Caridi has been officially crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN. This unprecedented honor, announced in a special broadcast that left the broadcasting world buzzing, cements Caridi’s place among the pantheon of college sports royalty and validates a career defined by passion, storytelling, and an unwavering love for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
The award, which was decided by a panel of industry experts, former athletes, and an online fan vote, recognized Caridi for his masterful command of the microphone, his ability to tell a compelling story, and his signature, electric calls that have become a soundtrack for generations of WVU fans. For decades, Caridi has been the heartbeat of Mountaineers moments, turning routine plays into monumental events and historic victories into spine-tingling memories.
“When I got the news, I was truly speechless,” Caridi said in a statement released by West Virginia University. “This isn’t an award just for me; it’s for every single person who has ever tuned in to listen to a Mountaineers game. It’s for the fans in the stands, the folks listening in their cars on a mountain road, and the people across the country who carry West Virginia in their hearts. My job is to bring their passion to life, and to be recognized for that is the greatest honor of my career.”
Caridi’s signature style, characterized by a rapid-fire delivery and an innate ability to capture the emotion of a high-stakes moment, has long been a source of pride for West Virginians. His iconic calls, from basketball’s game-winning shots to football’s dramatic upsets, are etched into the memories of fans. A few of his most famous phrases—”The Mountaineers… are… GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL,” and “MY GOODNESS!”—have become part of the local lexicon, passed down from one generation to the next.
This honor places Caridi in an elite class of broadcasters, a fraternity of voices that have defined the aural landscape of college sports. He is now celebrated alongside titans like Dick Enberg, Jim Nantz, and Verne Lundquist, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the industry. Yet, what makes Caridi’s honor so special to the WVU community is that he has done it while remaining unequivocally theirs. His passion for the program is genuine, and his voice is inextricably linked to the state itself.
“Tony Caridi isn’t just an announcer; he is a part of the fabric of this university and this state,” said a West Virginia University official. “For decades, he has been our storyteller, our cheerleader, and our voice in the good times and the bad. This award from ESPN is a validation of what we have known all along: that we have the best in the business calling our games. It’s a huge moment for Tony, and a huge moment for West Virginia.”
The outpouring of support from the broader sports community has been equally powerful. Colleagues, both local and national, took to social media to congratulate Caridi, praising his work ethic and his unique talent. The consensus is that this award is not just about a single year’s performance, but a lifetime of dedication to his craft and to his subject.
“He’s the ultimate professional,” tweeted a prominent national sportscaster. “Tony’s ability to seamlessly blend information with pure, unadulterated passion is something every young broadcaster should study. Nobody captures the essence of a fanbase quite like he does.”
This award has a broader implication for WVU Athletics. It shines a national spotlight on the Mountaineer program, highlighting not just its teams and athletes, but also the passionate culture that surrounds it. It serves as a powerful recruiting tool, offering prospective players a chance to be a part of a program with one of the most celebrated and beloved broadcasters in the game. It’s a testament to the fact that excellence can be found everywhere, even in the rolling hills of West Virginia.
In a world of ever-changing media landscapes and shifting loyalties, Tony Caridi has been a constant. His voice has been a source of comfort and excitement for countless fans, a familiar and trusted guide through the highs and lows of college sports. The ESPN honor is a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much of himself to a state and a team he so deeply loves. For Tony Caridi, this is not just an award; it’s a testament to a career spent telling the story of the Mountaineers, and in doing so, he has cemented his own legendary status.
