By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – "Let's welcome our Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles!"
That's usually the line as public address announcer Philip Gibbons pumps up the crowd at Tech's football and women's basketball games – a mainstay since 1982.
And over the course of those 36 years with Tech and 44 total in the field of broadcasting in Cookeville, he's built quite a reputation as one of the best in the business.
The voice is unmistakable. While many casual fans to the Hooper Eblen Center and Tucker Stadium may not recognize the name Philip Gibbons, they certainly know the voice. And to those fans who have been a part of it all through all those years – Gibbons is a legend.
The Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame thought so too, selecting him for induction in its 2019 class, slated for August.
"Philip is an essential part of our game day operation," said Tech director of athletics Mark Wilson. "The energy and enthusiasm he brings to our events is unmatched and I couldn't imagine any other voice filling Tucker Stadium and the Eblen Center the same way his has.
"He bleeds Purple and Gold and has always been a tremendous supporter of Tennessee Tech athletics. We applaud him for his successes and are so excited to see him being honored with this Hall of Fame induction."
But the PA gig is only a small part of a very impressive resume. Gibbons currently holds the program director title at WGSQ-FM and hosts the Mid-Day show on 94.7 The Country Giant. He also has worked with the Grand Ole Opry and has served as a guest announcer for the last 10 years, as well as worked as an annual stage host for the CMA Music Festival.
While at WGSQ, he oversaw the station's successful run to seven CMA Radio Station of the Year awards in the Small Market division, and he has also been nominated several times for CMA and ACM Personality of the Year Awards.
He has also been visible in the Cookeville community, involved with the Tennessee Alzheimer's Association, the Cookeville Rescue Mission, the Algood Lions Club, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and helped WGSQ raise over a million dollars for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Gibbons is also an honorary member of the Shriner's Club and has served as a Master of Ceremonies for numerous local and regional events.
Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton and Putnam County Executive Randy Porter issued a joint proclamation last week announcing that Wednesday, November 21, 2018 was Philip Gibbons Day.
The previous evening, Zimmer Broadcasting held an event in his honor featuring local dignitaries, former co-workers and broadcasting legends.
Photo by Thomas Corhern
