Via VCUAthletics: RICHMOND, Va. – The fans of Virginia Commonwealth University Athletics have long been described in many ways, from enthusiastic to loud to passionate to even crazy at times.
That may be a huge reason why the loyal Ram followers fell in love with the long-time “Voice of the Rams”, Terry Sisisky. Sisisky called nearly 900 men’s basketball games before retiring in 2008, including a streak of 567 consecutive games.
In July, the Black & Gold was dealt a tragic blow when Sisisky passed away from a bout with cancer. On Friday night, at VCU’s season opener against UNC Greensboro the Rams will honor the “Voice of the Rams” with “Terry Sisisky Night.”
“Terry was and always will be one of the best ambassadors that VCU has ever had,” VCU Director of Athletics Norwood Teague said. “His enthusiasm for the Rams came across not only on the air, but when you would meet him in any setting.”
Prior to Friday’s game, there will be a ceremony to honor Sisisky, including a look back on his long time dedication to the Rams. His wife, Sandy, will be on hand on behalf of Terry.
“For 28 years he was the voice of this athletic department and was the only connection fans would often have with the action,” Teague said. “We miss Terry, but his spirit will live on within the seats of the Siegel Center for a long time.”
His time with the Rams started back on Nov. 28th, 1980 when he urged VCU to a 44-40 victory over Lafayette in the Cavalier Invitational in Charlottesville. From there, he called 567 consecutive games until he attended a nephew’s bar mitzvah in 1999. In his 28 years, Sisisky missed just three games for the Black & Gold.
His tenure spanned six coaches, eight NCAA tournament berths and four NIT appearances.
In addition to VCU basketball, he called the majority of Rams baseball games as well, calling numerous CAA and NCAA tournament games.
Game time on Friday is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.
