Former voice of the Tennessee Vols, John Ward, is recognized during a timeout in an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
John Ward, known for more than three decades as the "Voice of the Vols" as the University of Tennessee radio play-by-play broadcaster, died Wednesday, according to the Vol Network. He was 88 and had been battling a lengthy illness.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce a great voice has gone silent," the Vol Network announced in a release Wednesday evening. "Mr. John Ward, legendary advertising executive, and one of the most beloved broadcasters and ambassadors for the University of Tennessee, passed away this evening in Knoxville.
"Mr. Ward brought Tennessee football and basketball to life for millions of Tennesseans to the forefront of marketing and broadcasting, and remains the standard by which all others are measured. While it is a sad day for all Vol fans, we take great pride in the fact that John Belonged to us. Only the Tennessee Volunteers could call John their own, and he was proud to be the "Voice of the Vols." He loved his alma mater, the fans, and the state of Tennessee. He remains the very heartbeat of the Vol Network."
Ward began play-by-play duties for basketball in 1965 and assumed the same role for football three years later. He continued in that role through the 1998 season, which culminated in a national championship for Tennessee's football team.
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said in a statement that Ward was "a generous, courteous, enthusiastic ambassador for the University of Tennessee."
"When it came to UT sports, listening to John Ward was almost as good as watching the game. In fact, many Vol fans at many games brought their radios to make sure they could do both," Alexander said. "He brought joy into our lives, and we will miss him."
Ward's unmistakable voice was best known for his catch phrases "It's football time in Tennessee!" when the team ran onto the field, as well as "Give him six!" after a Vols touchdown and "Good!" or "Bottom!" for a made shot in basketball.