Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Legendary Broadcaster Wes Strader, Who Called WKU Games for Almost Four Decades, Dies at 79

WKU Athletic Communications

Update:

Visitation and funeral arrangements have been made for the man known as the “Voice of the Hilltoppers.”

Wes Strader passed away Tuesday evening at the age of 79.

He was the play-by-play voice of the WKU football and men’s basketball teams for 36 seasons.

All arrangements are being held at Eastwood Baptist Church in Bowling Green.

Visitation will be held Monday from 2 to 8 pm, with funeral services at 1 pm on Tuesday.

The burial will be private.

Original post:  

The man known as the “Voice of the Hilltoppers” has passed away.

Wes Strader was the radio play by play broadcaster for the Western Kentucky University football and men’s basketball teams for 36 years.

The Barren County native died Tuesday night at the age of 79.

Strader was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002, and had a banner bearing his name placed in the rafters of WKU’s E.A. Diddle Arena in 2013.

In addition to calling WKU football and basketball games, Strader was also known across the state for his involvement with the broadcast of the Kentucky Sweet 16 boy’s basketball championship.

“We are deeply saddened at Wes Strader’s passing,” said WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart.  “He was an iconic broadcaster in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and a loyal member of the WKU family, whose friendship and dedication to the Hilltoppers spanned decades. His Hall of Fame broadcasting career was intertwined with generations of our athletes, coaches, administration and fans and positively impacted all whom he touched.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sue, son Chuck, and daughter, Kim.”

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, and are being handled by J.C Kirby and Son funeral home in Bowling Green.

Kevin is the News Director at WKU Public Radio. He has been with the station since 1999, and was previously the Assistant News Director, and also served as local host of Morning Edition.
Related Content