Good luck to you Gary, Thanks for all the years..
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Hall of Fame broadcaster Gary Bender, who has spent nearly two decades as the voice of Phoenix Suns local home game telecasts, will make 2010-11 his final season behind the microphone and retire from broadcasting.
Bender, whose first broadcasting opportunity came at a 1,000-watt radio station in Hutchinson, Kan., in 1964, will see his illustrious career come full circle as he returns to his Midwest roots to serve as a consultant to the Kansas University Alumni Association and the school's Endowment Association. In his new role, Bender will advise both organizations on communications, programs, and events, and also serve as keynote speaker at awards programs.
“Gary defines the word ‘professional’ in the broadcasting industry," said Suns President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Welts. “His class, talent and character have combined to give Suns fans 18 years of great memories and unforgettable moments lived through his words. He is part of our family, and the team and all Suns fans say ‘thank you’ for a job incredibly well done.”
Over more than five decades in the industry, Bender's voice has provided the track for some of sports’ most indelible moments. As the longtime voice of the Final Four on CBS, Bender called two of the most famous finishes in the history of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. He was courtside in 1982 for Michael Jordan's game-winner that lifted North Carolina over Georgetown in the title game, and in 1983 for North Carolina State's improbable championship-clinching win over Houston on Lorenzo Charles' dunk as time expired. And it was Bender who described the heart-wrenching race of speed skater Dan Jansen at the 1988 Winter Olympics on the day of his sister's passing.
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