Michigan is losing another athletic-department institution.
On the heels the recent retirement announcements from long-time equipment man Jon Falk and media-relations czar Bruce Madej, the school announced Friday that football play-by-play man Frank Beckmann will be leaving at the end of the 2013 season. Beckmann took over from the unforgettable Bob Ufer in 1981, meaning that the Wolverines will be looking for just their third play-by-play announcer in 65 years.
"We appreciate all that Frank has done for Michigan football for the past 33 years,” said Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon. “Frank has dedicated his Saturday afternoons to telling the story of Michigan football through the radio to our fans. His voice has become synonymous with some of the great calls in the history of our football program.
"We look forward to enjoying one more season of Frank being the voice of Michigan football before he begins his well-deserved retirement. We thank Frank for all the years of talent, travel and support of Michigan Athletics. We look forward to celebrating his contribution to our football program as the 2013 season unfolds.”
Beckmann, who is not quoted in the release, was publicly reprimanded by Michigan in May after a controversial Detroit News column defending Sergio Garcia's comments about serving fried chicken and watermelon to Tiger Woods.
Beckmann apologized a week later, but not before Michigan issued a statement saying “The column by Frank Beckmann in the May 24 Detroit News does not represent the views or values of the University of Michigan community. His comments were offensive and inaccurate."
According to Friday's release, Beckmann will continue his role as a conservative talk-show host at WJR.
