A legendary sports broadcasting voice in Iowa has been silenced.

Bob Brooks, who broadcast University of Iowa athletic events for over 57 years, passed away Saturday (June 25, 2016).

Officials with the Iowa Athletics Communications department confirmed Brooks' death in a news release. He was 89.

The Cedar Rapids native graduated from the university in 1948 with a degree in journalism. Brooks was the dean of Hawkeye sports broadcasters.

Overall, Brooks' broadcasting career spanned seven decades. His legendary career started when he was in high school. Brooks landed an internship at WSUI -- Iowa's on-campus station -- in 1943 and remained their during his four years at Iowa.

Brooks worked at KCRG from 1949 to 1976, KHAK from 1977 to 2000 and then KMRY until his recent illness. "Brooksie" was honored as Iowa Broadcaster of the Year 10 times during his iconic career, which included covering everything from high sports in Cedar Rapids to the Olympic games.

He was there for all six of the Iowa football team's Rose Bowl trips and covered the three Final Four appearances the men's basketball squad made in 1955, 1956 and 1980. Brooks also once interviewed Jackie Robinson, the Hall-of-Famer who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier.

Brooks was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004, is a member of the Kinnick Stadium media “Wall of Fame”, and was recognized by the University of Iowa as an honorary letterman. Additionally, the press box at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids, was permanently dedicated to him in 2011.

Details regarding a memorial service will be announced at a later date, University of Iowa officials said in the news release.


Courtesy: Archer Media via YouTube

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