Gene Honda | |
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Eugene "Gene" Honda is a public address announcer for the Chicago White Sox (starting in 1985, full-time since 1991), [1] Chicago Blackhawks (succeeding Harvey Wittenberg since the 2001–02 season), [2] DePaul Blue Demons basketball, Big Ten tournament, Illinois Fighting Illini football (since 2012), [3] and the NCAA Final Four (since 2010). [4] He is also a constant voice on Chicago's PBS station WTTW Channel 11, the Big Ten Network, and the Chicago Marathon. He formerly worked for radio station WLAK (now WLIT) in Chicago. [5] Honda was the PA announcer for the 2009 NHL Winter Classic on January 1 at Wrigley Field. Additionally, he was the PA announcer for the 2012 Frozen Four at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. [6]
Honda is the only person to have announced at the MLB World Series, MLB All Star Game, NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, NCAA Final Four, NCAA Frozen Four. [7]
Honda was born and raised on Chicago's north side to Japanese American parents. [7] He attended Senn High School and graduated in 1972. [7] He later attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied engineering, finance, and broadcasting. [8] Honda spent the next 18 years working at the University of Illinois' radio station, WPGU. [8] Honda's interest in broadcasting was sparked by his father, who wanted his son to improve his public speaking skills. [7] [8]
Honda appeared briefly in the 1990 film Opportunity Knocks as Mr. Nimoku. [9]
Honda also is a teacher for the After School Matters (ASM) Sports Broadcasting program at Curie High School. [8]
On October 11, 2008, Honda was inducted into the Illini Media Alumni Hall of Fame. [10]
Gene Honda | |
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Eugene "Gene" Honda is a public address announcer for the Chicago White Sox (starting in 1985, full-time since 1991), [1] Chicago Blackhawks (succeeding Harvey Wittenberg since the 2001–02 season), [2] DePaul Blue Demons basketball, Big Ten tournament, Illinois Fighting Illini football (since 2012), [3] and the NCAA Final Four (since 2010). [4] He is also a constant voice on Chicago's PBS station WTTW Channel 11, the Big Ten Network, and the Chicago Marathon. He formerly worked for radio station WLAK (now WLIT) in Chicago. [5] Honda was the PA announcer for the 2009 NHL Winter Classic on January 1 at Wrigley Field. Additionally, he was the PA announcer for the 2012 Frozen Four at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. [6]
Honda is the only person to have announced at the MLB World Series, MLB All Star Game, NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, NCAA Final Four, NCAA Frozen Four. [7]
Honda was born and raised on Chicago's north side to Japanese American parents. [7] He attended Senn High School and graduated in 1972. [7] He later attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied engineering, finance, and broadcasting. [8] Honda spent the next 18 years working at the University of Illinois' radio station, WPGU. [8] Honda's interest in broadcasting was sparked by his father, who wanted his son to improve his public speaking skills. [7] [8]
Honda appeared briefly in the 1990 film Opportunity Knocks as Mr. Nimoku. [9]
Honda also is a teacher for the After School Matters (ASM) Sports Broadcasting program at Curie High School. [8]
On October 11, 2008, Honda was inducted into the Illini Media Alumni Hall of Fame. [10]