Bulldogs To Honor Cristil On Saturday At Humphrey Coliseum
But on Saturday when Mississippi State battles Arkansas at Humphrey Coliseum, the university will recognize the Legendary Voice of the Bulldogs with an unveiling of a banner to permanently honor his loyal service, a ceremony that will take place at halftime.
This past fall, he received permanent recognition at Davis Wade Stadium, where his name will remain forever on the façade.
"Since Jack described so many great Mississippi State moments in basketball, it's fitting for his name to hang with the Bulldog legends of this sport," MSU athletics director Scott Stricklin said.
Currently, two banners are hanging in the rafters honoring former All-American Bailey Howell and legendary coach Babe McCarthy. During Cristil's tenure behind the mic, he announced games involving their time with the Bulldogs.
"Jack means so much to so many people," 14th-year coach Rick Stansbury said. "He is deserving of every honor he receives."
Cristil, 86, joined the Mississippi State family in 1953. He called 636 football games and 1,540 basketball games. His last night on the broadcast came last Feb. 26 when the Bulldogs upended Tennessee in Knoxville, 70-69.
Cristil, who was hired by former athletics director C.R. "Dudy" Noble in 1953, called his first football game on Sept. 19, 1953, a 34-6 win against Memphis State. Five years later, he took over the basketball broadcast duties in 1957-58. He was there for Mississippi State's first SEC title in 1959, the Bulldogs' first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1963 and of course, the 1996 Final Four.
During his illustrious career, Cristil, who resides in Tupelo, was named the SEC Broadcaster of the Year in 1988, and he was recipient of the Mississippi Sportscaster of the Year Award a record 21 times.