Oree Foster
Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

Winslow play-by-play announcer Loy Engelhardt inducted into elite broadcasters Hall of Fame

September 24, 2019 by Oree Foster, AZPreps365


(Loy Englehardt photo)

Veteran radio broadcaster Loy Engelhardt has done it all for the City of Winslow and Winslow School District behind the microphone.

For the past 42 years, Engelhardt has been the "Voice of the Winslow Bulldogs", broadcasting the school's athletic programs, including home and away football, girl's and boy's basketball, baseball and softball games on Winslow's KINO radio station.

"Yes, we broadcast approximately 100 games a year, including both home and away football, boy's and girl's basketball, baseball and some softball game, when times do not conflict," Engelhardt humbly said. "I have been broadcasting here in Winslow now for 42 years. We began broadcasting Winslow athletics in 1977 as well."

Earlier this month, Engelhardt was one of three well deserved individuals, inducted into the Arizona Broadcaster's Hall of Fame at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale.

Engelhardt joins elite broadcasters Al McCoy, Joe Garagiola, Hugh Downs and Gene Autry, among others in the hall of fame.

Engelhardt credits former Winslow Bulldogs baseball player Bill Herron and Ken Light for nominating him for the hall of fame honor.

"The award is overwhelming, when you think of someone from small town USA being listed among the other Arizona Broadcaster's Hall of Fame inductees like Al McCoy, Joe Garagiola, Hugh Downs and Gene Autry and many others," Engelhardt said.

Every morning, while people in the community are eating breakfast, driving to work or sitting at their office desk, Engelhardt informs the listeners with the latest local, state and national news.

"Mr. (Loy) Engelhardt has been a hall of famer for the community of Winslow since they (his family) arrived in the late '70's," Ricky Greer, former Winslow High School educator/coach, said. "His tireless work ethic, promotion of the school, student-athletes, coaches and any event taking place within Winslow and surrounding areas are the core of the community. I love listening to his morning news, while driving up to work each day. It keeps you informed of all things going on in the region. He does so in a way that is never critical, but is always thorough and thought provoking. I'm so blessed to have worked with Mr. "E" for 11-plus years in Winslow and more importantly, call him a friend."

Engelhardt said he was speechless when he received the call from Arizona Broadcaster's Association President and CEO Chris Klein about the honor.

" If that was not enough, Chris's call was followed by the tremendous honor of receiving a call from Al McCoy, who called to congratulate me on being selected," Engelhardt said.

Engelhardt said leading up to the event and event itself were filled with numerous surprises.

"In addition to the countless calls and notes of congratulations, unbeknownst to me, more than 100 community members and former Winslow High School administrators and coaches recorded messages which made their way onto KINO with thre help of my son," Engelhardt said. "The heartfelt messages are deeply appreciated and will be treasured."

Engelhardt said on the day of the induction, there were numerous surprises that presented themselves.

"Family members and friends, many I had not seen in years, had made arrangements to attend the induction luncheon," Engelhardt said. "In all, I believe there were more than 30 people that showed up that day. Wow .... what support. If that was not enough, the Arizona Broadcaster's had yet another surprise. They had asked my son to do the voice over a video introduction prior to the induction. I have always considered myself so very fortunate to have the support of my family, the community and merchants to do for as long as I have. I am very humbled by the whole experience."

During his 42 years as Winslow Bulldogs broadcaster, Engelhardt has many memorable experiences. Engelhardt said there are two different memorable experiences.

"First, the state championship game, especially the boy's and girl's basketball state championship games in 1978. played the same night," Engelhardt said. "We started at Arizona State University Activity Center, where the boy's were playing and won the state championship. We raced across town to Mesa Community College gym to broadcast the girls. They also won their state championship gsme. Second, I would have never imagined that I would the honor of calling the play-by-play for both grandchildren, as they played high school sports."

Longtime Winslow baseball head coach Art Griffith said Engelhardt's ability to bring the games to life for fans in Winslow area is legendary, his love of the athletics and the community are well known by all.

"100 events a year are broadcast by Loy (Engelhardt) all with the same enthusiasm and joy to showcase the talent and efforts of the Bulldogs," Griffith said. "He is the nmain source of information for our community events. His induction into the Arizona Broadcaster's Hall of Fame is a source of pride for our school and community. He is well respected in northern Arizona and across the state for his professionalism and integrity."

Winslow Lady Bulldogs basketball head coach Jerron Jordan said it is with great honor to congratulate Loy Engelhardt into the Arizona Broadcaster's Hall of Fame.

"Loy is truly the voice of Winslow and Winslow High School Bulldog Radio," Jordan said. "As one of the Winslow High School Bulldog team members, Loy makes teachers, coaches and student-athletes feel appreciated. He is always willing to help others and he serves as a positive role model for the entire Winslow community and surrounding areas. I have enjoyed working with Loy for the past 20 years. I look forward to many more great years. Loy, thank you for all that you do for the City of Winslow and Winslow High School."

Bulldogs basketball head coach Scott Corum said Engelhardt is terrific. He said Engelhardt is an absolute blessing to Winslow and the town is fortunate to have him here.

"Loy is so deserving of the honor of being inducted into the Arizona Broadcaster's Hall of Fame," Corum said. "He is so fun to listen to. He really gets the audience excited about the action taking place in his broadcasts. He is humble and spent most of the time in his hall of fame induction speech talking about how great others are and how great the town of Winslow is."

Corum said Engelhardt's style of interviewing makes it easy for the person being interviewed. Corum added that Engelhardt makes you feel comfortable talking with him.

"His friendly personality gets shy people like myself to open up and speak freely," Corum said. "If it wasn't for Loy's radio broadcasts, many people in Winslow would miss out on the live action of Winslow High School sports. Because we travel, sometimes two of three hours from town, many of our residents can't make it to the games and the radio is their only source for enjoying the live action."

Winslow football head coach Brandon Guzman summed it up well. Guzman said anyone who is a fan of high school sports in Winslow and surrounding areas in northern Arizona knows the name of Loy Engelhardt.

"Loy Engelhardt is "Voice of the Winslow Dawgs"," Guzman said. "He is a big part of who we are in the City of Winslow. This award is well deserved. We are so grateful for his commitment to this community. He is greatly appreciated."

The Winslow City Council voted to name a street after Engelhardt. The street has been named "Engelhardt Way". Engelhardt credits Tommy Butler and Winslow Mayor Tom McCauley for the action.

"I am not sure I can put into words what it means that the City council of the town that I have called home for 40-plus years has named a street after me," Engelhardt said. "The proclamation recognizing years of service to the community and then a street named after you. Pretty unbelieveable. I am grateful. I am honored. I am speechless."