On an average Monday night in an Alabama cafeteria, a broadcasting legend says farewell
For a few hundred Alabama students, it was simply dinner time. Lakeside Dining Hall was packed Monday evening ― just another day capped with pizza and a burger.
Few even turned their head when the music started on the far side of the spacious cafeteria. Conversions continued, silverware scraped the plastic plates. But over by the windows, a few silver-haired best friends settled in for one final hour of radio.
Tom Roberts' last broadcast of the weekly Alabama coaches show went off with little fanfare. His longtime producer Tom Stipe estimated they've done about 1,500 shows side-by-side, but Monday's ended the run.
Roberts enters retirement Friday after more than two decades broadcasting Crimson Tide sports and 36 years total in the business. He had to tape his final signoff to avoid breaking down on the air, but he walked out with a smile and plans to hit the beach.
Chris Stewart, voice of the Alabama basketball radio broadcasts, will take over the coaches show known as "Hey Coach!" except for the fall. Eli Gold will do the Nick Saban radio show every Thursday night.
But before any of that, Roberts took a one-hour victory lap.
The show typically originates from Bob's Victory Grille in a nearby shopping center, but they move to campus once a year and this week's state-wide Crimson Tide Sports Network broadcast happened to be that one. Though Roberts wanted to avoid a tribute show, Stipe had a few surprises planned. Gold, the football voice of Alabama radio broadcasts, called in to toast his longtime partner.
"I'm going to get off this," Roberts said less than two minutes into the call, "because if I keep going, I'm going to keep crying."
He cut up with famous first caller Peewee from Grand Bay about getting old. Roberts got a thank you in return from the loyal voice on the phone.
Gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth finished her segment with a hug. Anthony Grant flashed a big smile with a handshake as his interview wrapped.
"He was there from Day 1," the Tide basketball coach said during the commercial break. "I remember the first press conference and the first interview I did on the court with him. He's been a tremendous ambassador for our university and athletics department."
The last guest was one of Roberts' favorites. Softball coach Pat Murphy always topped his unspoken rankings and the two chatted about the good old days. Roberts is a longtime supporter of the program who bought season tickets the first year Alabama fielded a team.
"He's almost like a father figure," Murphy said. "He knows everything about the sport. When we sit down, he knows who did well the weekend before. I know he follows us because he knows all the names. I mean, every kid who plays for us knows who he is. That's a rarity. He volunteers for every academic banquet. Everything the student athletes have, he's usually the emcee. He's just a true servant leader."
Former softball player Cassie Reilly-Boccia (2009-12) was his last caller.
"Coach Murphy always challenged us to leave a legacy with everything we do," she said. "And you have certainly done a phenomenal job of doing that."
A little before 7 p.m., Murphy's interview ended and Roberts' headset came off. "Whew," he said with a deep exhale as they went to commercial. His taped farewell was all that remained.
"We're going to travel and make some more wonderful memories in whatever time the good lord has blessed me with," Roberts said. "And yes, we'll be at all the games cheering with all of you for more wins and more championships for the Crimson Tide. So, until next time, Roll Tide everybody and have a good evening."
Roberts admits he choked back a few tears recording the sign-off, but walked off with a smile. Stipe remained at the table in the still-crowded dining hall to clean up. He figures he's spent more time with Roberts than his wife and kids broadcasting basketball, football and everything else in between. Stipe's next campaign is to get Roberts elected to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
"There have been some nice things said about Tom and some nice recognition," Stipe said. "This is a big deal. Tom Roberts has been the heart and soul of this network forever. He does so many things that nobody knows about. Nobody loves Alabama more. Nobody has done more on this network and he will absolutely be missed.
"And he's so perfect for this show because he's a super fan himself of all the sports. That's what this show is all about."
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