Woody Durham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Woody Durham
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Durham during halftime of a 2007 Tar Heels men's basketball game against Wake Forest
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| Born |
Woody Lombardi Durham
August 8, 1941 |
| Died | March 7, 2018 (aged 76) |
| Alma mater | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill |
| Spouse(s) | Jean Durham |
| Children | Wes Durham, Taylor Durham |
| Sports commentary career | |
| Team(s) | North Carolina Tar Heels football and men’s basketball |
| Genre(s) | Play-by-play |
Woody Lombardi Durham (born August 8, 1941 – died March 7, 2018) was a famous American play-by-play radio announcer. He was best known as "The Voice of the Tar Heels." For 40 years, he broadcast games for the North Carolina Tar Heels football and men’s basketball teams.
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Who Was Woody Durham?
Woody Durham was a beloved voice in North Carolina sports. He brought many exciting moments to life for fans. His broadcasts were a big part of the Tar Heels' success.
His Early Life
Woody Durham was born in Mebane, North Carolina. He grew up in Albemarle, North Carolina. From a young age, he loved the Tar Heels. He often went to their football games with his family.
Woody was good friends with Bob Harris. Bob later became the voice of the Duke Blue Devils. They played Little League Baseball together. They also sang in their high school chorus.
Woody went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He studied radio, television, and movies. He graduated in 1963.
Starting His Career
Woody started working in radio at age 16. He worked at a small station called WZKY. He played music and broadcast church sermons. He also did commentary for high school basketball games.
While in college, Woody was the sports director for WUNC-TV. After college, he worked at WFMY-TV. He became their sports director in 1963. He also called games for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Voice of the Tar Heels
In 1971, Woody Durham became "The Voice of the Tar Heels." He was the main announcer for UNC football and basketball games. He also hosted TV shows about the teams.
He was the voice for 13 Final Fours. This included four national championship wins. These wins were in 1982, 1993, 2005, and 2009. He also called 23 bowl games for the football team.
Woody had many famous phrases. These included "Go where you go and do what you do." Another popular one was "Good gosh gurdy." After the 1982 basketball championship, he famously said, "How 'bout them Heels!"
After 40 years, Woody retired in 2011. Jones Angell took over as the new Voice of the Tar Heels.
After Broadcasting
After retiring, Woody wrote a book. It was called Woody Durham: A Tar Heel Voice. He wrote it with his wife Jean and Adam Lucas. The book won an award in 2013.
He also hosted a radio show called Woody Durham’s Great Moments in Sports History. It shared interesting sports facts.
Awards and Recognition
Woody Durham received many awards. He was named North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year 13 times. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.
In 2015, he won the Curt Gowdy Media Award. This award is for people who have made big contributions to basketball. He was honored at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
In 2018, Woody was elected to the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame. He is one of only two play-by-play announcers in this Hall of Fame.
His Family and Life
Woody married Jean in 1963. They had two sons, Wes and Taylor.
Woody and Jean were very involved in charity work. He was especially proud of his work with the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill. He helped raise money to build and expand the home.
In 2016, Woody announced he would retire from public speaking. This was due to a health condition.
His eldest son, Wes Durham, is also a sports announcer. He calls games for the Atlanta Falcons. His youngest son, Taylor, announces for the Elon Phoenix.
His Passing
Woody Durham passed away on March 7, 2018. He was 76 years old. He is remembered as a legend in North Carolina sports broadcasting.
