Longtime ‘Voice of the Wildcats’ Honored

Central Washington University students honored “Voice of the Wildcats” Robert Lowery for his nearly three decades of on-air service to the university at a special radio half-time ceremony during the Wildcat football game on November 14.

Lowery, who broadcast Central Washington University athletic events for nearly three decades, retired from the announcer’s booth last winter.

“When people think Wildcat sports, they hear Rob Lowery’s voice,” said senior Jeff MacMillan, who had been calling football games throughout the fall. “Rob left some big shoes to fill and we wanted to let Rob know how much his legacy means to Wildcat Nation.”

MacMillan said the plaque was his way to thank the veteran sportscaster because Lowery had been so helpful when he began covering campus sports for the Observer student newspaper several years ago.

“This meant the world to me; it meant a lot to be able to do this for Rob,” MacMillan said. “Rob was the guy who taught me how to cover sports. He taught me how to structure a story.”

Students hung a commemorative plaque in the announcer’s booth. The plaque bears the inscription, “This booth, chair and microphone will always belong to the ONE true voice of The Central Washington University Wildcats Robert Lowery.”

Lowery, who is director of radio services and integrated communications for CWU’s Department of Public Affairs, was elected to the Wildcats Hall of Fame in 2003. He started announcing CWU athletic events in 1986, traveling with teams to far-flung locations in Florida, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Dave Heaverlo, who worked in the broadcast booth alongside Lowery for more than 23 years, said the recognition was well deserved. Heaverlo said that for Lowery broadcasting CWU games was a labor of love.

“Without a doubt he is one of the most unselfish broadcasters I’ve ever worked with and I’ve been in the broadcasting field for more than 30 years,” Heaverlo said. “Rob has never been in it for the recognition or as a career move so he could move on to be the next Al Michaels. For him, it was always about the players and Central.”

“This was absolutely unexpected and quite humbling to be honest,” Lowery said. “It’s an honor that I’m still trying to absorb. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as the Voice of the Wildcats and I thank the university for allowing me to be a part of something so special for so long.”

Media contact: Rich Moreno, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-2714, RichardMo@cwu.edu