Posted: September 16, 2005

Athletics: USATF News & Notes, Volume 6, Number 73

Legendary track announcer Jack O'Reilly dies

Known throughout the track and field world as the public address announcer at the Penn Relays for more than 30 years, Jack O'Reilly died August 30 in Scottsdale, Ariz., after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 89.

As assistant to previous Penn Relays announcer Pinky Sober before becoming the event's main voice from 1971-2001, O'Reilly was a standout in track and field and swimming at Brooklyn Prep before beginning a broadcasting career that saw him cover more than a dozen sports. Events he broadcast included numerous Olympic Trials and Olympic Games, in addition to games of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, Brooklyn Dodgers and numerous college football teams.

Remembered warmly for the many stock phrases he used in announcing track and field, O'Reilly was the announcer at the IC4A Championships for many years. He became the voice of the Arizona State University track and field team after moving there in 1978.

O'Reilly is survived by his wife, Nancy, five sons, one daughter and numerous grandchildren.

Source: USATF.org.