John Ward: Tennessee Volunteer ambassador

A crafted style

John Ward never practiced law, but his law degree from the University of Tennessee informed his technique and style.“[Law training] taught Ward how to use the language,” said Bob Kesling, Ward’s replacement as lead announcer for the Vol Network in 1999 to the knoxnews.com. “It taught him to organize, taught him how to be prepared.”

Ward layered drama over technically precise language. The key to his compelling style was preparation. According to Kesling, Ward told his broadcast team members, “I don’t need you excited. I don’t need you psyched up. I need you prepared.”

Mickey Dearstone, the Lady Vols play-play-announcer, told USA Today. “He used words that maybe weren’t football lingo or basketball lingo. He was a master of the English language.”

“John Ward has created an aura, an image, a tradition that just doesn’t happen by accident,” Former Tennessee president Joe Johnson said when Ward announced his retirement.

That style allowed Ward into the homes and hearts of football fans across the South, and he became one of the greatest Tennessee Volunteer ambassadors.