Passing Of A Legend

Frank Fallon, 73, the venerable "Voice of the Baylor Bears" from 1953-95, died April 30 at his home in Waco.

Known for his unmistakable voice, smooth delivery and immense knowledge of the games he announced, Fallon spent more than 40 years describing the action of Baylor football and basketball games, 45 years broadcasting Texas high school football games and two decades as the public address "Voice of the NCAA Final Four."

Fallon's career also included television play-by-play of Southwest Conference basketball games for NBC and ESPN, a 29-year stint as general manager of KWTX Radio in Waco and more than a decade as Baylor's coordinator of broadcast activities. In addition, he mentored thousands of Baylor telecommunications students and future play-by-play announcers through courses he taught from 1984 until his retirement.

Fallon received numerous honors throughout his illustrious broadcasting career, including a Top 10 All-Time Radio Play-By-Play Announcer Award from the Texas Sportswriters Association; five-time Texas Association of Broadcasters Sportscaster of the Year; seven-time Associated Press Best Radio Play-By-Play Announcer; induction into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame; and honorary membership in the Texas High School Football Coaches Association.

In 2001, Fallon received the Chris Schenkel Award, presented annually by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame to a local-level college football broadcaster who excels in his or her field and contributes to the community. The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce also presents an award named in his honor -- the Frank Fallon Sportsmanship Award -- to a person who has made a significant contribution to basketball in Waco.

Fallon received a minute-long standing ovation from the media, his family and friends when he was presented with the Baylor Communications Award during the President's Media Luncheon in 2001. The award, presented by Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr., honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of communications and in their communities.

As he presented the award, Sloan praised Fallon as a remarkable example of what it means to be an educator and a Christian servant. "I suspect that perhaps the greatest tribute that you have received and continue to receive is from the lives of your students, the thousands that you have nurtured," Sloan told Fallon. "One of the most remarkable experiences that I have when I think of Baylor educators is to listen to a Baylor baseball game, hear the Baylor student and then hear Frank Fallon, the consummate professional, one of the greatest in the world, sitting there alongside the student, always nurturing, teaching and providing help to that student."

Fallon is survived by his wife, June; four sons, Steve, Mark, Mike and Kyle; and five grandchildren.;