Tennessee men’s basketball analyst Bert Bertelkamp has announced he is retiring after more than 25 years behind the mic for Volunteers basketball. The long-standing voice of the Volunteers revealed that this season will be his final year calling games for the Vols radio network alongside Bob Kesling, who is also set to retire following this season.
Since the 1999-2000 season, Bertelkamp has been a fixture in the analyst seat for Tennessee basketball. As he reflected on his career, he shared what made these years so meaningful to him.
“Being the Vol Network’s color analyst for men’s basketball the last 26 years has been an honor and a privilege,” Bertelkamp said to WVLT 8 in Knoxville. “I have been blessed to meet many great people and have had the opportunity to develop numerous lifelong relationships. The bottom line is it has been a wonderful experience and I will always be grateful for the opportunity.”
A former guard for the Volunteers from 1976 to 1980, Bertelkamp was a three-year starter at Tennessee, playing in 110 games over four seasons. Hailing from Knoxville, he played a key role in helping the Vols secure the 1976-77 SEC regular season title and the 1979 SEC Tournament championship. Additionally, Bertelkamp is the son of Hank Bertelkamp, the second-oldest living Tennessee basketball letter winner.
In a heartfelt message, Bertelkamp expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout his broadcasting career.
“I want to thank my lovely wife, Sheila, as well as my amazing children, Brownie, Lillie and Hank, and my Vol-fanatic son-in-law, Grant, for their love and support over these many years. I’m so proud of them and I couldn’t have asked for more,” Bertelkamp shared via a release on the Vols website. “I’d also like to thank my father, Hank, for introducing me to the game of basketball and my late mother, Jane, who would be thrilled to know her son called UT basketball games for 26 years.”
Meanwhile, Steve Early, Vice President and General Manager of the Vol Network, praised Bertelkamp for his contributions over the years.
“It is difficult to put into words what Bert Bertelkamp means to the University of Tennessee,” said Early. “His legacy is cemented for generations to come, not only as a beloved broadcaster, but also a player and donor. Bert’s passion for Tennessee basketball has been evident in every single broadcast he has ever been a part of.”
As the chapter closes on an illustrious broadcasting career, Bertelkamp and Kesling will call their final game on Saturday afternoon when fourth-ranked Tennessee takes on South Carolina.
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