For many alumni and fans of West Virginia University, decades were spent listening to basketball and football games broadcast by the “Voice of the Mountaineers” Jack Fleming.

On April 29, his legacy will be celebrated with the unveiling of “Fleming Corner” at The Erickson Alumni Center. This special area includes memorabilia, walls decorated with some of Jack’s best play-by-plays, and a special bronze statue created by WVU alumnus Jamie Lester.

“What a wonderful way to kick off a great Gold & Blue weekend by honoring Jack Fleming and the entire Fleming family,” said Stephen Douglas, president and CEO, WVU Alumni Association. “Jack was such a huge part of Mountaineer sports for decades. Many of us grew up listening to his vivid play-by-play. I can think of no better way to honor him than with this special display in our center closest to the football stadium—very fitting for a man who loved WVU sports. We are so grateful for the thoughtful generosity of the entire Fleming family in making this tribute possible. This will be a very special day for all of us.”

The room and statue, a gift from the late John Fleming (Jack’s brother), his wife Anita and his son Jonathan, is located in the loggia area of the Ruby Grand Hall. The West Virginia Radio Corp. provided funding for the dynamic display which salutes Jack Fleming’s legacy as “Voice of the Mountaineers.”

Jack served as WVU’s radio play-by-play announcer in football and basketball from 1947-59, 1962-69 and 1974-96. He became a legend to generations of listeners for his enthusiasm for the Mountaineers. He was the broadcaster for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls during his distinguished career and was a broadcaster of four Super Bowls and the NBA All-Star Game. His most famous call was Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” in 1972.

Jack was named the West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year seven times, he received the 1996 Gene Morehouse Award from the West Virginia Sports Writers Association and in 1999, and he received the Chris Schenkel Award from the College Football Hall of Fame.

In 1995, Jack was inducted into WVU’s Order of Vandalia for outstanding service to the state and University. An U.S. Air Force navigator during WWII, he flew 23 combat missions and began his radio career while recuperating at Ashford Military Hospital (now The Greenbrier). A native of Morgantown, Jack passed away in 2001.

The dedication will take place on Friday, April 29, at 3 p.m. in Salon C of The Erickson Alumni Center with brief remarks, followed by the unveiling of the display. Fans in town for the Gold & Blue Spring Game are welcome to attend the unveiling or view the display from 3-5 p.m.

Information about Fleming Corner, including photos, will be available after the unveiling. Fans can also share their favorite memories and stories about Jack Fleming at http://alumni.blogs.wvu.edu/. For more information, contact the WVU Alumni Association at 304-293-4731.

-WVU-

tec/04/20/11

Contact: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.