Washington State radio announcers honor Bob Robertson before Oregon game

PULLMAN – Washington State radio broadcaster Matt Chazanow opened the pregame show Saturday honoring 89-year-old Bob Robertson, who finally hung up the ear phones after 52 years of calling Cougar games.

“Amazing day here on the Palouse that started in the wee hours of the morning,” Chazanow said. “ESPN College Gameday has made this the most nationally anticipated Cougar game in history.”

But he said he would be remiss not to mention the empty chair to his right, where Robertson has offered color commentary since he officially stepped down from play-by-play duties 2012.

“For 52 years, Bob Robertson has broadcast Washington State athletics,” Chazanow said. “He was important enough as a broadcaster to get his own stats.”

Robertson called 589 Washington State games, including a streak of 568 consecutive contests. But he missed the game against No. 12 Oregon on Saturday after suffering a dizzy spell following the home win two weeks ago against Utah.

Color commentator and former quarterback Alex Brink said it was an honor both to have his games called by Robertson and to sit next to him in the radio booth. For thousands of Coug fans, Robertson’s voice was synonymous with the team.

Chazanow noted that they both now work in the booth named after the legend.

“I started in this broadcast booth with your name on it, intimidated,” Chazanow said. “We are indebted to Bob for all of his work and all he meant to Washington State. We will forever call games from his legacy, from the Bob Robertson Broadcast Suite.”

Robertson spoke with his former counterparts this week and told them that he intends to return to Pullman, but this time just as a fan.