KMJ Radio in Fresno, California, announced the passing of the legendary Bill Woodward Tuesday. The longtime voice of the Fresno State Bulldogs died last month in Washington State; he was 81.
Woodward retired from News Talk 580 and 105.9 KMJ nearly 12 years ago. He did sports at the station for 40 years and was elected to the Fresno State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
“A true professional. A legend in the broadcasting industry,” KMJ Program Director Blake Taylor told the station’s website. “There’s a reason he’s forever remembered in the Fresno State Athletics Hall of Fame. I miss him, and his play-by-play of Bulldogs sports will always have a place in my heart.”
Woodward had incredible insight into Fresno State’s sports program, calling more than 2,000 football, basketball, and baseball games on KMJ. He had the pleasure of watching the program make giant strides to become one of the top destinations for blue-chip recruits in the nation.
KMJ Market Manager Patty Hixson commented on Woodward’s retirement in 2010. She said his voice became “synonymous” with Central Valley sports on KMJ. “His commitment to the local sports community as well as our station family is unparalleled,” she added.
Woodward experienced many great moments in Bulldogs’ athletics, including the 1983 NIT basketball championship and the ‘83 basketball victory over a No.2 ranked Houston team which featured the iconic Hakeem Olajuwon.
