Next Play-by-Play Broadcaster (Update 8/12: Andy Burcham)

[tigeraddikt 1,600]

It's hard to believe that Auburn could find another home-grown talent like Rod Bramblett for its play-by-play duties. He was a custom blend of eloquence, passion, professionalism,  and AU homer through-and-through. I know Andy Burcham does a fine job on a microphone, but does he take over duties on the interim while a broader search is conducted? How do you think the process plays-out to replace a beloved voice taken from us too soon?
 

***Updated 8/12/19***

AUBURN, Ala. — Andy Burcham, who has been part of Auburn radio broadcasts for the previous 31 years in various capacities, has been named the lead announcer for Auburn football, men's basketball and baseball, Auburn Sports Properties and Auburn Athletics announced Monday.

Burcham assumes the responsibilities previously held by Rod Bramblett, who passed away along with his wife, Paula, on May 25 in an automobile accident.

Burcham worked alongside Bramblett for the previous 25 years broadcasting Auburn baseball and served as the play-by-play voice for Auburn women's basketball since 1988. No stranger to Auburn football, Burcham has been the pre and postgame locker room host for Tiger football since 1990 and was the play-by-play announcer on Auburn football pay-per-view and tape-delay broadcasts from 1992-2013.

"I'm thrilled to be selected as the Voice of the Auburn Tigers," Burcham said. "While it's a bittersweet time and I wish the circumstances creating this opportunity were different, I am honored to be following in the footsteps of such legends as Rod Bramblett, Jim Fyffe, and others.  With this job, you're not just the voice of Auburn football, men's basketball and baseball. You're also the voice of Auburn. You represent Auburn every day, and I will never forget that. I have been in this community and broadcasting Auburn games for 31 years. I understand and love Auburn and its tradition. I can't wait to be a part of it moving forward."

A versatile broadcaster, Burcham has done radio and SEC Network+ broadcasts for Auburn soccer since 2001, SEC Network+ broadcasts for Auburn baseball the last five years and locally hosted Auburn Opelika This Morning for 12 years while serving as station manager at WANI.  A recipient of 15 Alabama Broadcaster Association awards, Burcham began his career in the Auburn-Opelika area as news and sports director for Fuller Broadcasting and Tiger Communications.

"During the very difficult process of replacing Rod, it was very clear that Andy Burcham was the right man to be the new Voice of the Auburn Tigers," Auburn Sports Properties vice president and general manager Chris Davissaid "He is well respected not only in his profession, but by his coworkers, Auburn Athletics coaches and administration, and in the community. He understands the importance of this role. Andy is a consummate professional who puts great preparation, execution and passion into his work. Most importantly, Andy is a man of great character who loves and cares deeply for Auburn and what it represents. We're very excited for Andy and can't wait for the Auburn Family to embrace him in his new role."

Burcham will co-host Tiger Talk with veteran Auburn broadcaster Brad Law and work alongside Law on Auburn baseball broadcasts. Law will also serve as pre and postgame locker room host for Auburn football. Brit Bowen will take over broadcasting duties of Auburn women's basketball and Auburn softball.

"Simply put, Andy is unquestionably the right man for the job," Auburn director of athletics Allen Greene said. "His experience as a broadcaster is extensive and his affinity for Auburn is unrivaled. Having been part of the Auburn Family for over three decades, Andy understands what sets Auburn apart and understands the passion of our loyal fan base. He deeply respects those who have come before him and will assume this role with a great deal of humility. Andy is a true Auburn Man."

Burcham's four-decade run in the profession started at Indiana State as an undergraduate student calling Sycamore football, men's and women's basketball and baseball for student radio station WISU. He also called games at Illinois State and Southern Illinois before coming to Auburn in 1988.

A native of Nashville, Ill., Burcham graduated from Indiana State University in 1983 with a degree in radio, television and film. Burcham is married to Dr. Jan Gunnels Burcham, a 1984 and 1992 Auburn University graduate, who is the Moselle Fletcher Endowed Chair and Associate Dean for the College of Education and Health Profession at Columbus State University.

https://auburntigers.com/news/2019/8/12/football-andy-burcham-named-voice-of-the-auburn-tigers.aspx

[gr82be 14,423]

My opinion, which doesn't count, is to go interim until a more appropriate time comes. Even if by some chance they know who they want I'd still think an interim title should be used.  

[toddc 13,194]

Too soon!

[auburn4ever 1,266]

Way too soon. We've lost 2 great play by play men. First Jim and now Rod.

[JDUBB4AU 5,112]

Way Too soon. However you need someone in place before football season . 

[WarTim 3,456]

Andy would be salve and have a calming effect even if interim. 

[McLoofus 35,182]

Rod of all people would want the show to go on. It's part of what made him the best in the business.

Agree with an interim. Maybe even until after basketball season is over. However long it takes. Get somebody who will respect the circumstances, who will stay in his lane, and who will be accurate and professional. If it ends up being lease-to-own, great. But folks are right that it is too soon to try to fill Rod's shoes. 

 

[ALLINtheFamily 77]

Yes it is way too soon, but I will throw silky smooth Barry McKnight (Troy) out there.  He has an extensive AU background.

[WalkingCarpet 1,379]

Paul Ellen is doing alright on the baseball game. Either him or Andy Burcham will probably do this football season. 

[jared52 4,354]

Brit Bowen will call the baseball game today. 

[SCTiger2011 1,277]

Definitely too soon.  I did mention on the baseball forum just now how I've always thought Paul and Rod's voice struck me similarly.  Selfishly, I'd prefer a Paul/Andy in interim just because their longevity and familiarity with Rod makes me see it as a family rallying together.

[JWShewmake 78]

It is way too early for this to be announced, but The Auburn Network has to be talking about it now and trying to figure out the right course. I hope Andy gets a shot at it because he had worked so closely with Rod and knows the type of preparation that Rod put in before actually calling a game.  In other words, he learned from two legends - both Jim and Rod.  He saw first hand how Rod handled the transition when Jim passed.  Andy will handle the transition equally well because of his deep love and appreciation for what Rod accomplished.  There will be some who will disagree and say that Andy is not emotional or exciting enough, but you may remember that the same thing was said about Rod when he took over for Jim.  This job is bigger than any person and I believe if you have the talent for it, the job lifts you up well above you capabilities.   

[Swamp Eagle 5,133]

2 hours ago, ALLINtheFamily said:

Yes it is way too soon, but I will throw silky smooth Barry McKnight (Troy) out there.  He has an extensive AU background.

I'm all in for McKnight to eventually be the guy.

[SlocombTiger 106]

15 minutes ago, JWShewmake said:

It is way too early for this to be announced, but The Auburn Network has to be talking about it now and trying to figure out the right course. I hope Andy gets a shot at it because he had worked so closely with Rod and knows the type of preparation that Rod put in before actually calling a game.  In other words, he learned from two legends - both Jim and Rod.  He saw first hand how Rod handled the transition when Jim passed.  Andy will handle the transition equally well because of his deep love and appreciation for what Rod accomplished.  There will be some who will disagree and say that Andy is not emotional or exciting enough, but you may remember that the same thing was said about Rod when he took over for Jim.  This job is bigger than any person and I believe if you have the talent for it, the job lifts you up well above you capabilities.   

I think Andy does well in a subdued role in the locker room but I'm not sure he's the type for play by play. I  could be wrong. But right now I am in favor of Barry McKnight. I  really enjoy his delivery of the Troy games. 

WAR EAGLE!!!

[AU64 10,122]

2 hours ago, JDUBB4AU said:

Way Too soon. However you need someone in place before football season . 

I think that would be the time line for Rod's successor. …..give some time for the shock to subside.  Andy B can handle the stuff over the summer ...which is not much since baseball is all that is active for the next several months.   I don't see AB as the next lead guy though I like him in the supporting role.

  

[3rdgeneration 6,469]

Who’s announcing baseball right now? He sounds eerily like Rod at times.  God, I miss him already.  Football season is going to be hard.  😢

[autigeremt 6,599]

It is too soon. Something will roll out in July is my guess. 

[Gene Loblaw 636]

Who actually is in charge of making the hire? Does this fall under Allen Greene’s umbrella or not?

[Jgarrett7 957]

On 5/31/2019 at 10:46 AM, ALLINtheFamily said:

Yes it is way too soon, but I will throw silky smooth Barry McKnight (Troy) out there.  He has an extensive AU background.

NOOOO!!!!!!!

 

Although, I do watch most Auburn games and listen to more Troy so maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. 

[Carnell 592]

On 5/31/2019 at 11:44 AM, WalkingCarpet said:

Paul Ellen is doing alright on the baseball game. Either him or Andy Burcham will probably do this football season. 

Not sure but didnt paul Ellen do the play by play during the Barfield era.

[AUGoo 2,659]

Is this a full time job?  

Are they employed by the athletic department or the school?

[SaltyTiger 7,790]

4 hours ago, Carnell said:

Not sure but didnt paul Ellen do the play by play during the Barfield era.

I think he did for a couple of years. Sandwiched between Gary Sanders and Jim. Maybe on an interim basis. Was trying to get some info on that the other day. Paul would have been young at the time and I can not find it anywhere. Maybe @augolf1716 can recall.

[augolf1716 21,109]

1 hour ago, SaltyTiger said:

I think he did for a couple of years. Sandwiched between Gary Sanders and Jim. Maybe on an interim basis. Was trying to get some info on that the other day. Paul would have been young at the time and I can not find it anywhere. Maybe @augolf1716 can recall.

I believe he did not 100% sure but I also kinda blank out those Barfield years 

[SaltyTiger 7,790]

8 minutes ago, augolf1716 said:

I believe he did not 100% sure but I also kinda blank out those Barfield years 

Know what you mean. Brooks, Cribbs, Andrews great but I can recall games when a decent exchange from center to QB was considered a successful play. 

[Carnell 592]

1 hour ago, augolf1716 said:

I believe he did not 100% sure but I also kinda blank out those Barfield years 

Same here barfield was very forgettable.  However, due to discussion about the problem on the offensive line I do remember that barfield was able to get the best offensive line coach in auburn history in Alex Gibbs.  Our OLs especially in 1979 was dominant.  He even coached one year for dye when we were not very talented but that OL was really good in light of a lack of talent.  To bad we cant get an alex Gibbs today.