Press Release

(March 22, 2011) The University of Oklahoma announced today that Toby Rowland, the sideline reporter on OU football broadcasts for each of the last two years, will take over duties as the radio play-by-play announcer for both football and men's basketball.

He succeeds Bob Barry, who retired after the 2010-11 football and men's basketball seasons.

"Toby's spirit and enthusiasm for Oklahoma will make him an ideal successor to the legendary Bob Barry," said OU President David L. Boren. "He understands our state, our fan base and our tradition of excellence, and I have confidence that he will uphold the values that make Oklahoma, our University and our athletics program so great."

Rowland said he has great respect for his new position. "I am beyond humbled to be entrusted with a position that has such a rich and storied history at the University of Oklahoma," he said.

"I have the greatest respect and admiration for Mr. Barry, Mr. (John) Brooks and all the men who have held the microphone at OU. It is with tremendous enthusiasm and excitement that I look forward to carrying the torch forward in a way that will hopefully make them proud."

OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione added, "Toby has worked extensively for us for several years in a number of capacities and we know well his skill and versatility. He has earned the respect of our staff and many others, and we know the tremendous work ethic he will expend carrying out the play-by-play duties.

"Outside our department, it has been encouraging to watch his expanding role in the marketplace. He is a talented broadcaster with a creative flare, and he has flourished in multiple media settings. We expect him to flourish in this role as well."

Rowland has been a reporter and anchor for KWTV (CBS) in Oklahoma City since 2000 and the morning talk show host on KREF radio in Norman since 2004.

He joined the OU football broadcast as the sideline reporter in 2009, but has also done extensive radio and television play-by-play work for Sooner men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball and wrestling.

The two-time Emmy Award winner graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 1995.

Rowland will make his first appearance as the OU radio play-by-play announcer at the April 16 Red/White Spring Football Game. blog comments powered by Disqus