Chris Schenkel: A Legacy of Broadcasting and Sporting Excellence
Chris Schenkel stands as a titan in the history of American sports media, leaving an indelible mark on golf, football, and bowling. From his voice anchoring some of the most-watched sporting events in history to the scholarships and awards that bear his name, Schenkel's career was defined by versatility and a commitment to excellence in broadcasting.
Key Facts
- Four-time recipient of the National Sportscaster of the Year award.
- Broadcaster for the 1969 "Game of the Century" between Texas and Arkansas.
- Inductee of both the PBA and American Bowling Congress Halls of Fame.
- Recipient of a lifetime achievement Emmy Award in 1992.
- Ranked 25th on the American Sportscasters Association's Top 50 Sportscasters of All-Time list.
Contributions to Collegiate Golf
Schenkel's connection to Georgia Southern University dates back to World War II, when he attended the institution (then known as Georgia Teacher's College) while serving in the military. This bond was later formalized in 1971 when businessman Charlie Robbins established a golf scholarship in Schenkel's name.
This initiative led to the creation of the Chris Schenkel Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, which attracted the nation's premier college golf teams. Although the tournament ceased after 1989 due to the hosting club's all-white membership policy, it was revived in 1999 as the E-Z-Go Schenkel Invitational. Today, it remains one of the most prestigious intercollegiate golf events in the Eastern United States.
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A Voice for the "Game of the Century"
In the realm of college football, Schenkel is perhaps best remembered for his play-by-play coverage of the 1969 Texas vs. Arkansas game. Known as the "Game of the Century," this matchup marked the first 100 years of college football and achieved a staggering 52.1 share, meaning over half of all American televisions were tuned into the broadcast.
Schenkel described this as the most exciting and important college football game he ever televised. His portfolio of major broadcasts also included the 1971 Nebraska-Oklahoma Thanksgiving Day match and the 1973 Sugar Bowl national championship between Notre Dame and Alabama, where he worked alongside Howard Cosell and Bud Wilkinson.
While Keith Jackson succeeded him as ABC's lead play-by-play announcer for college football in 1974, Schenkel continued to call games for several more years, cementing his status as a premier voice in the sport.
Honors and Hall of Fame Inductions
Schenkel's expertise extended beyond the football field and golf course. He was a significant figure in the bowling world, earning inductions into the PBA Hall of Fame (1976) and the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame (1988), both under the "Meritorious Service" category. In 1999, the Professional Bowlers Association further honored him by naming their Player of the Year award after him.
His broadcasting accolades are equally extensive. In addition to his four National Sportscaster of the Year titles, he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 1981. His later career was marked by prestigious recognitions, including the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Summary of Major Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award / Honor | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Golden Plate Award | American Academy of Achievement |
| 1976 | Hall of Fame (Meritorious Service) | PBA |
| 1981 | Hall of Fame Induction | National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association |
| 1988 | Hall of Fame (Meritorious Service) | American Bowling Congress |
| 1992 | Lifetime Achievement Emmy | Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |
| 1992 | Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award | Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| 1996 | Broadcasting Award (Created in his honor) | National Football Foundation |
| 1999 | Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award | Jim Thorpe Society |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the "Game of the Century" that Chris Schenkel broadcasted?
The "Game of the Century" was the 1969 college football matchup between Texas and Arkansas, which celebrated the first 100 years of the sport and was watched by more than half of the televisions in the United States.
How is Chris Schenkel remembered in the world of bowling?
Schenkel is highly revered in bowling; he is a member of both the PBA and American Bowling Congress Halls of Fame for meritorious service, and the PBA Player of the Year award is named in his honor.
What is the Chris Schenkel Intercollegiate Golf Tournament?
It is a premier college golf event in the East, originally established in 1971 by Charlie Robbins. After a hiatus from 1989 to 1999, it was revived as the E-Z-Go Schenkel Invitational.
Which major football games did Schenkel call besides the 1969 Texas-Arkansas game?
He broadcasted the 1971 Nebraska-Oklahoma Thanksgiving Day game and the 1973 Sugar Bowl national championship between Notre Dame and Alabama.
How did the American Sportscasters Association rank Chris Schenkel?
In a 2009 vote by its members, the American Sportscasters Association ranked Schenkel 25th on its list of the Top 50 Sportscasters of All-Time.