Jim Sheppard - The Voice of the Illini

[illini4everjp]

http://www.pontiacdailyleader.com/articles/2005/08/29/news/news1.txt

Sheppard commended the Pontiac Chamber for honoring the Illini in this year's parade. Sheppard said it's a reminder to him and others at the UI of the impact the university has around the state, among its alumni, sports fans and others. He said it is "a real honor for me" to represent the university and its athletic teams as parade marshal.

[Dan]

Nice article about an interesting guy with a great job.

[Dan]

According to today's News-Gazette, this will be the final year for Jim Sheppard at Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium. Sheppard will do the rest of the 07 basketball season and the entire 2007 football season.

[Turpin & Tate in 2008!]

According to today's News-Gazette, this will be the final year for Jim Sheppard at Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium. Sheppard will do the rest of the 07 basketball season and the entire 2007 football season.I guess all things must come to an end. I'll miss hearing Sheppard's voice. He's been a part of Illini athletics for about as long as I can remember.

[illini4everjp]

I heard rumors about this, sad to see that its official. Always loved the "It's a 3!" and "First and 10 for the Illini!".

Any word on who is taking over?

[Illini88]

I don't know why this was done, perhaps (like so many other organizations)they wanted a younger voice. I really don't know who they're going to get: being in CU, we have to accept that we can't attract top talent for things like radio, and this has to be another one of those PT assignments where we're going to get someone who does this as a sideline. Personally, I would have split things up: if they want someone to come in and do the player introductions, the grocery race, etc. that's fine. Let Shepard announce fouls and baskets.

And I REALLY don't know why this was done today. What is wrong with announcing this in April '07???

:confused:

[PeoriaIlliniPipeline]

This is absolutely rediculous. Like the Cubs not bringing back Steve Stone, Illinois will be losing a part of the very fabric of Illinois athletics. Why do negative things continue to happen in Illini-nation?

[illini4everjp]

Why do negative things continue to happen in Illini-nation?
Because the NCAA took the "Fight" out of the "Fighting Illini"? :(

[fightingillini fan 4-ever]

Because the NCAA took the "Fight" out of the "Fighting Illini"? :(As sad as it is, that is truth. GO FIGHTING ILLINI!!!!!!!!!

[fightingillini fan 4-ever]

Thanks Jim Sheppard,you have done a great job....GO ILLINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chriscesco]

Seems like the DIA still has not gotten it right on how to let go legends associated with the program:

Lou Henson (handled it very poorly)

Jim Turpin (ditto)

now Sheppard.


Grabowski seems like only one left on his own terms.

[mdeming]

For anyone interested, a book about Sheppard was recently published by the News-Gazette. It's called "Are You Ready?" and its written by Fred Kroner. ISBN is 978-0-9798420-0-9. I haven't seen it available online anywhere, but its supposedly available at all local book stores, the paper, and WDWS.

Also, from what I've heard the football announcer for next year hasn't been finalized yet. He may still be in the mix.

[OrangeFever]

Seems like the DIA still has not gotten it right on how to let go legends associated with the program:

Lou Henson (handled it very poorly)

Jim Turpin (ditto)

now Sheppard.


Grabowski seems like only one left on his own terms.

Very tough to deal with former icons who have passed their iconic pinnacle. Joe Pa is the most prominent current example. What do you do when it's not only time, but way past time, but the legend remains in a prior era and still sees himself or herself looming large there? Very tricky.

[1stand10illini1979]

Just got done reading the book on Sheppard. It's a pretty interesting read with lots of history as seen by the voice of the Illini. I'm really going to miss hearing Sheppard call the games. Hopefully, the DIA will get struck with some common sense and bring him back for football next year. "Are you ready", "That's a Three", "Dee for three", and "FIRST and TEN for the ILLINI!!!" have symbolized my time at the University of Illinois basketball and football games. I've been to a lot of college football games at campuses all over the country, but no one I've ever heard could call a game like Jim Sheppard. He will be missed.

[cara64]

Thank you for sharing the information about Fred Kroner's book "Are You Ready?" I wanted to let you know that it's now available online at www.news-gazette.com/ngstore

Disclosure: I work for The News-Gazette.