Gene Honda

Roughly two hours before kickoff, a familiar face took a break next to the Red Grange statue outside Memorial Stadium. The voice was even more familiar. "I can't find anyone I know," Gene Honda said with a laugh. Chicago sports fans certainly know his voice. It boomed through the loudspeakers Saturday in Honda's first appearance as the part-time public-address announcer for Illinois football. "He's a legend," said Mike Cation, who handles P.A. duties for Illinois basketball. Honda is best known for his P.A. calls with the Blackhawks and White Sox. The UI alum also handles Final Fours. Illinois will get well acquainted with Honda this football season -- as well as in Hawaii, where he will serve as the P.A. announcer when John Groce's squad plays in the Maui Invitational.

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