Larry Weir was named Washington’s Top Broadcaster by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) for the second consecutive year, becoming only the second broadcaster from the east side of the state to win twice.

“It’s a great honor to win this award because it’s chosen by peers in the industry,” said Weir. “Just to get nominated … is a big deal … to win is surreal.”

The NSSA, based in Salisbury, North Carolina, holds elections annually for the top sportswriter and sportscaster in each state and the District of Columbia – except for Alaska, which has no NSSA membership – as well as choosing a national winner from each category.

Weir joins Bud Namek, who won the award in 1994 and 2008, as the only eastern Washington broadcasters to win the award twice. Frank Herron, who was selected in 1959, is the only other eastern Washington winner. Bob Robertson, Weir’s childhood hero, holds the state record with 12 awards while Bob Rondeau, this year’s runner-up, has won the award 10 times.

EWU football color commentator Paul Sorensen, who brought Weir to EWU in 1991, saluted his booth partner and friend of nearly 30 years. “Larry is a Hall of Fame talent without question,” he said. “And as loyal as the day is long.”

Sports Information Director David Cook expressed similar sentiments. “[Weir] has put his heart and soul into the job for 25 years,” he said. “I’ve seen other schools have broadcasters come and go, but we’re in the envious position to have the same person with the headset on for most of our history as a Division I member.”

Weir also broadcasts the Indoor Football League’s Spokane Empire and the Greater Spokane League (GSL) radio broadcasts through Vision Marketing. His EWU broadcasts can be heard locally over 700 AM ESPN radio, online at www.700espn.com and through mobile ESPN phone apps.
“I’m totally thrilled for [Weir] to be recognized by his peers,” said Cook. “We couldn’t have asked for a better voice of the Eagles than [him].”

Sorensen agreed. “I am so proud of [Weir},” he said. “The voters understood the cross he had to bear working with such a goofball on football Saturdays.”