Northwest Notes Aug. 17, 2024

Idaho broadcaster King named voice of WSU

Chris King, voice of Idaho men's basketball since 2013 and Vandal football since 2021, was hired to take over play-by-play duties  for Washington State football, men’s basketball and baseball, Washington State Athletics and Learfield’s Washington State Sports Properties announced.

Duties for the Washington State alumnus is scheduled to begin with WSU football’s season opener against Portland State on Aug. 31. 

"We are thrilled to bring Chris King home and have him as the play-by-play voice of Cougar Athletics,"  WSU athletic director Anne McCoy said in a school news release. "Chris is a Murrow College alum and we are eager for our fans to embrace him into Cougar Nation."

King replaces Matt Chazanow, voice of the Cougars for the past nine seasons, who left to call football and men's basketball games for N.C. State.

King returns to Pullman — where he graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication in 2009 — after gaining 13 years of Division I broadcasting experience in Idaho.

“This opportunity means the world to me,” King said. “As a proud WSU and Murrow graduate who grew up listening to Bob Robertson, this is an absolute dream come true. I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the outstanding broadcasters who came before me in this role and I’m so grateful for those who have been part of my journey along the way. The pride and passion of Cougs is truly second to none, and I can’t wait to share so many thrilling moments to come for WSU athletics.”

After two years announcing women’s basketball at Boise State, King became the men’s basketball broadcaster for the Idaho Vandals in 2013 before adding football broadcasting duties in 2021. In addition to his play-by-play role, he also hosted weekly hour-long coaches shows and created and hosted the Vandal Insider Podcast.

In addition to his time calling college football and basketball, King also has extensive baseball experience, broadcasting minor league baseball for the Tri-City Dust Devils from 2012-2021. He spent three seasons before his time with the Dust Devils as the radio broadcaster for the Wenatchee AppleSox. Away from the radio booth he has worked in a communications role with the West Coast League since 2016, most recently as the league’s deputy commissioner.

King has twice been honored as the Idaho Sportscaster of the Year (2017, 2023) by the National Sports Media Association for his work with the Vandals.

“I’m beyond excited to have Chris as our new ‘Voice of the Cougs’ and welcome him back home to WSU,” said Randy Schwaegler, Washington State Sports Properties general manager. “This is a dream job for Chris, and he understands that this role isn’t only about calling games, but about bringing special moments to our loyal Cougar fanbase. He will be a great representative of our university, our brand, and our culture.”

Kraziness in the Kennel set for Oct. 5

SPOKANE — Gonzaga men’s basketball hosts Numerica Kraziness in the Kennel on Oct. 5 at 3 p.m., with doors opening one hour prior to the event.

 Numerica Kraziness in the Kennel will be the first look at the 2024-25 men’s basketball team. While the event remains free to attend, Numerica Kraziness in the Kennel will be a ticketed event with attendees needing to claim a ticket for entry.

 A limited number of tickets will be made available to the general public beginning at noon on Oct. 2, with a limit of two tickets per account. Gonzaga students can claim tickets from Sept. 27-30.