Latest news with #MikePatrick
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Part of history:' Struthers councilman turns passion into restoration project
STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) – Struthers City Councilman Mike Patrick has worn a number of hats over the years, but firefighter might be one of his favorites. 'When I was a young boy, some of my neighbors were full-time firemen. I thought that was so amazing. I'd just sit there and watch. When you heard that siren go off, you knew there was a fire, and everybody had to run down to the station,' Patrick said. That passion stayed with him through 27 years as a volunteer firefighter. So, when a rare opportunity popped up in 2003 to buy a 1943 Mack fire truck — a truck with a story tied directly to Struthers' history — Patrick didn't hesitate 'They were building a station at 96 Elm, so Congressman Kerwin and Mayor Strain of Struthers approached the federal government and said, 'Hey, we need a fire truck,'' Patrick said. The Mack truck served Struthers faithfully from 1943 until around 1980, before falling into disrepair. It was left to sit — forgotten and rundown. But retired fireman Don Clemente found it in Columbus, Indiana, in 2003 and got it back to Struthers on a flatbed. That's when he and Patrick started a year-long restoration. 'There were some Friday nights we were into it, we were up to three or four in the morning working on it. It was fun,' Patrick said. Shortly afterward, Patrick bought the truck from Clemente, and in the process, even tracked down photos from the Mack plant in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where the truck was built. These days, people might just find Patrick behind the wheel of his truck– often featured in local parades. 'The history of this town means a lot to me, and I'm just trying to preserve as much history as I can,' he said. Fast forward to 2023 — exactly 80 years after the original fire station opened. Struthers unveiled a new station and purchased a brand-new fire truck. Patrick's 1943 Mack was there to commemorate history repeating itself — two trucks, two generations, both standing guard over the same city. 'It wasn't planned that way. 1943 to 2023, the same thing. New truck, new station. It wasn't planned. But it was part of history. I like to say I was part of history,' Patrick said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
Stories of the Week: April 20 through April 26
CLARKSBURG, – Here are some of the top stories this week on the WBOY 12News Facebook page. The Randolph County Board of Education voted this week to fire 33 staff members. Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed Lauren's Law to increase the penalties for bringing fentanyl and other drugs into West Virginia. The Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown said recent funding cuts should not significantly affect its operations. Former ESPN sportscaster and Clarksburg native Mike Patrick died at the age of 80. Twelve University High School students committed to serve the United States during Military Signing Day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
24-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Mike Patrick, longtime football and basketball broadcaster, dies at 80
Mike Patrick, ESPN's first play-by-play announcer for its NFL coverage, has died. He was 80. Patrick's physician and longtime friend sent a text to friends of the longtime announcer that Patrick passed away in Fairfax, Virginia, on Sunday due to natural causes. Patrick joined ESPN in 1982 and was with the network for 35 years. Former ESPN broadcaster Mike Patrick, center, is honored by Duke Senior Associate Director of Athletics Jon Jackson (L) and Duke Deputy Director of Athletics Mike Cragg during a game between the Louisville Cardinals and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Feb. 21, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Lance King / Getty Images "Mike Patrick called countless significant events over decades at ESPN and is one the most influential on-air voices in our history. In addition to calling ESPN's first-ever regular season NFL game and voicing the 'Sunday Night Football' franchise, Mike's work on college sports was exceptional," said Burke Magnus, president of content for ESPN. "For 36 years, he called football and men's and women's basketball, including the Women's Final Four and so many historic matchups between ACC rivals Duke and UNC. Our deepest condolences to Mike's family and his many friends throughout the industry." Even though he called countless college football and basketball games, he is best known for his work on ESPN's "Sunday Night Football" from 1987 through 2005. Patrick was teamed with Roy Firestone for the first season in 1987, before Joe Theismann became the lead analyst the following season. Paul Maguire came aboard in 1998 to make it a three-man booth. Patrick missed most of the 2004 season due to open heart surgery. NBC took over the Sunday night package in 2006 when ESPN became the home of "Monday Night Football." Dick Vitale called Patrick "Mr. ACC" because of his love for doing big games from the conference. "Mike had great energy and a keen knowledge of ACC basketball, and I truly enjoyed sitting next to him calling so many special games over the years," Vitale said in a statement. Patrick also did play-by-play for the women's Final Four from 1996 through 2009 and the College World Series from 2003-14. Before joining ESPN, Patrick worked in radio in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and was the sports director at television stadiums in Jacksonville, Florida, and Washington, D.C. Patrick grew up in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor of arts degree in speech.
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Remembering Mike Patrick: The Voice of ESPN's Sunday Night Football
Remembering Mike Patrick: The Voice of ESPN's Sunday Night Football On April 20, 2025, the sports broadcasting world lost a legend with the passing of Mike Patrick at age 80. Patrick, who died of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia, had a 36-year legacy at ESPN, where his voice became synonymous with some of the most thrilling moments in sports. Most notably, he was the play-by-play announcer for ESPN's Sunday Night Football from 1987 to 2005, where he became one of the network's most influential voices. Patrick's journey began in 1982 when he joined ESPN, just three years after its inception. He had the honor of calling the network's first-ever regular-season NFL game in 1987, a matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, he launched ESPN's Sunday Night Football's 18-year run. Alongside analysts like Joe Theismann and Paul Maguire, Patrick's energetic delivery and insight brought games to life. His ability to capture the intensity of NFL Sundays made him a household name. Beyond football, Patrick had the same kind of excitement covering college basketball, where he called over 30 ACC championships, and the Women's Final Four from 1996 to 2009. "Mike had great energy and a keen knowledge of ACC basketball, and I truly enjoyed sitting next to him calling so many special games over the years." said Dick Vitale, his longtime broadcast partner and who gave Patrick the nickname 'Mr ACC'. Patrick's final call was the 2017 AutoZone Liberty Bowl, marking the end of an illustrious career. His voice, a soundtrack to American sports, will echo in the hearts of fans forever.
Irish Daily Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Star
Tributes paid to legendary ESPN commentator Mike Patrick after death, aged 80
Veteran ESPN commentator Mike Patrick has passed away at the age of 80, it was announced on Tuesday. According to ESPN, Patrick's doctor confirmed that he died of natural causes in Fairfax, Virginia. Patrick had been off the air since 2017, with his final broadcast being the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on December 30, 2017. Before his retirement, Patrick was the voice of ESPN's 'Sunday Night Football' coverage from 1987 to 2005. He also worked alongside Joe Theismann on ESPN's first NFL regular season game and spent many years partnering with Paul Maguire. The news of Patrick's passing was first shared by John Antonik, West Virginia University's Senior Director of Content, on social media. Antonik wrote on X: "Was passed along the very sad news from former broadcasting colleague Kevin Kiley that Mike Patrick passed away on Easter Sunday. Read More Related Articles Terry Bradshaw vows not to retire and lists three things he'll do until he dies Read More Related Articles Notre Dame star awaits NFL Draft shot despite ACL injury cutting season short "Although Mike didn't attend WVU, he was an unapologetic Mountaineer supporter and one the great broadcasters to ever call college and pro sports." The Athletic's Chris Vannini added on X: "RIP Mike Patrick, one of the great voices of ESPN college football in the 2000s and 2010s." ESPN's women's basketball reporter Holly Rowe shared her sorrow, starting her tribute with "This is heartbreaking. We spent many wonderful days mostly laughing then sprinkled in calling games. Mike Patrick was always an absolute delight." Fans and admirers of Patrick also expressed their condolences and offered prayers for his family. Former ESPN commentator Mike Patrick (C) died on Easter Sunday at the age of 80 (Image: Photo by) A fan reflected on their childhood memories, saying, "I grew up watching a lot of 'Sunday Night Football' as a kid and enjoyed Mike Patrick's calls with Joe Theismann in the booth," adding, "One of the best to do it in his field. Thinking of Mike Patrick's family, friends and colleagues." Patrick, who passed away recently, was not only known for his nearly two decades of 'Sunday Night Football' commentary but also for being a staple voice in ESPN's college sports coverage. He called over 30 ACC basketball championships and was a prominent figure in ESPN's Women's Final Four broadcasts from 1996 to 2009. In college football, Patrick lent his voice as the play-by-play announcer for 'Thursday Night Football' and 'Saturday Night Football,' as well as for the College World Series. Reflecting on his extensive tenure at ESPN, Patrick once shared his contentment and gratitude, remarking, "It's wonderful to reflect on how I've done exactly what I wanted to do with my life. At the same time, I've had the great pleasure of working with some of the very best people I've ever known, both on the air and behind the scenes." As he bid farewell to ESPN in 2018, he acknowledged his fulfilling career and cherished colleagues.
