[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PAYING TRIBUTE TO BOB BLUM

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Blum who has 
broadcasted at over 1,000 sporting events for the University of Nevada 
Las Vegas.
  A member of the American Football Foundation Hall of Fame for his 
work with the old AFL's Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers, it is 
hard to find anyone who has seen more games than Bob since he began his 
play-by-play career in 1948. Still going strong at 85, he has been 
behind the microphone for 190 Rebels men's basketball games, 80 
football games, 75 baseball games, 20 softball games and over 635 
women's basketball games. His current position is the announcer for the 
Lady Rebels Basketball team.
  Bob began commentating for UNLV in 1973. One of his most memorable 
games was in 1977 when the Rebels made the Final Four and were playing 
at Atlanta in the midst of UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian's first round of 
wrangling with the NCAA. At the last minute Congressman Jim Santini had 
come to Atlanta and didn't have a ticket, so Bob allowed the 
Congressman to sit with him. The Congressman began cheering, and at 
half time Wayne Duke, the commissioner of the Big Ten and the head of 
the tournament committee, came over and told Bob that his guest was not 
allowed to cheer on the press row. Bob informed the Commissioner that 
his guest was none other than Congressman Santini, who was the chairman 
of the committee investigating the NCAA. Commissioner Duke then asked 
Bob to ``Have him quiet down a little.''
  Another favorite game that Bob Blum remembers announcing took place 
the previous year, in 1976. UNLV played Hawaii-Hilo and beat them 164-
111. With a combined score of 275 points, it is still the highest-
scoring game in NCAA history.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Bill Blum and his extraordinary 
career. I wish him the best at announcing for another 1,000 games.

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