[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 101 (Monday, June 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S3978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO CHUCK MRAZ

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I would like to take a moment to 
congratulate the ``Voice of the Eagles,'' Chuck Mraz, who is retiring 
from his position as the news director at Morehead State Public Radio. 
Serving communities in eastern Kentucky, southern Ohio, and western 
West Virginia for more than 30 years, Chuck's reporting has been a 
staple for countless listeners. As he prepares to sign off, I would 
like to take a brief look back at his remarkable career.
  I have had the privilege of joining Chuck's program many times over 
the years. While I have enjoyed our conversations about important 
issues to Kentucky, we found a shared passion that has nothing to do 
with my role in the Senate: our love of sports.
  At the outset of his career, Chuck wanted to be a sportscaster. 
According to him, sports have ``always been a part of my life ever 
since I realized that I could pick up a bat and hit a ball.'' He joined 
MSPR in 1986 as the station's sports director and special events 
director. Even when he took on a new challenge in 2005 as the news 
director, Chuck kept his part time role as the play-by-play voice of 
the MSU football and men's basketball teams.
  Throughout his time on the air at MSPR, Chuck has called more than 
1,000 Eagles athletic events. According to the school, that is more 
than any other announcer in the athletic department's history. He has 
been a constant presence for coaches, players, and fans and has been an 
integral part of the Eagles' community. He still says the highlight of 
his career was MSU's 2011 Men's NCAA basketball tournament win at the 
buzzer over my alma mater, the University of Louisville Cardinals.
  For his impressive career, Chuck has won local, State, and regional 
acclaim from his peers. Among his many accolades are more than 40 
Kentucky Associated Press awards, the Eastern Kentucky Leadership 
Conference Award for Media and Technology, and the Ohio Valley 
Conference Media Award.
  Even more important to Chuck than his honors are the relationships he 
built with the next generation of broadcasters. He recognized many 
inspirational teachers and advisers in his own life, and as a result, 
Chuck has mentored hundreds of students while at MSU. Many of them have 
begun their own notable careers around the State. As they continue to 
prosper in their work, Chuck's impact on the broadcasting community 
will continue to be felt for years to come.
  Looking back on his long and successful career, Chuck said, ``I've 
always believed that hard work can overcome a lack of ability in some 
areas.'' His drive has led to many late nights, many 3:30 a.m. alarms, 
and a lot of time away from his family, but it is that commitment that 
has also brought Chuck great success in his profession and in the 
Morehead community.
  In retirement, Chuck looks forward to spending more time with his 
family, especially his wife, Joni, and his daughters, Megan and 
Elizabeth. Just because he is leaving his role as news director, 
however, doesn't mean that MSPR listeners won't hear Chuck on the 
radio. Even in retirement, he plans to call Eagles football and 
basketball games. At the end of this month, the community will gather 
to celebrate Chuck's career and to thank him for his contributions to 
the school, its students, and to the Eagles. I would like to add my 
voice to the MSU community in wishing him a restful and happy 
retirement.

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