Aug. 5, 2013
THE FLATS – Brandon Gaudin, the radio play-by-play announcer for Butler University football and men’s basketball, was named “Voice of the Yellow Jackets” Monday by Georgia Tech director of athletics Mike Bobinski.
In his new role, Gaudin will serve as play-by-play announcer on the Georgia Tech/IMG Sports Audio Network, host of weekly radio shows for football coach Paul Johnson and men’s basketball coach Brian Gregory, and host of Georgia Tech’s television productions.
“I am pleased to welcome Brandon Gaudin to the Georgia Tech family,” Bobinski said. “Brandon is a multi-talented broadcast professional and I’m certain that he will do an outstanding job as the new `Voice of the Yellow Jackets.’
“Beyond that, his genuine enthusiasm for his new role at Georgia Tech will make him a great ambassador for our athletic program and the Institute.”
Gaudin replaces Wes Durham, who announced on June 18 that he was leaving the position to pursue a career in sports television. Durham, who continues to serve as the play-by-play voice of the Atlanta Falcons, worked 18 years on the Flats.
When Durham began his illustrious career at Georgia Tech, he was 29-years old – the same age as Gaudin.
“I am very thankful and consider myself extremely fortunate to sit in Wes Durham’s old chair as the Voice of the Yellow Jackets,” Gaudin said. “You don’t fill Wes’ shoes. They’re too big. You have to buy your own pair and work diligently to maintain the level of professionalism and excellence he exuded on and off the mic.
“Between Wes and Hall of Famer Al Ciraldo before him, Georgia Tech has quite a broadcasting legacy. I’m honored to follow those two greats.
“Butler is a special, special place. I always said it would take a unique opportunity to lure me from there. This is that unique opportunity.
“I was beyond impressed with the people I met during my visit to the Flats. In particular, Mike Bobinski made me feel right at home. His demeanor is genuine, and his vision for the athletic department is exciting and encouraging.”
At Butler, Gaudin was behind the microphone for the Bulldogs’ run to the NCAA men’s basketball championship game in 2011.
While in Indianapolis, Gaudin also broadast the Indiana state finals in football and basketball, served as host and play-by-play voice for various NCAA selection shows and championships, as well as appearing as a commentator on Indianapolis’ NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates.
Prior to coming to Butler, Gaudin handled the play-by-play duties for the Evansville Aces of the Missouri Valley Conference while being an on-air talent for the local ABC affiliate, WEHT. Off the air in Evansville, he was the radio station general manager of WUEV-FM.
Gaudin was also a partner and co-founder of MediaOne Management Group in New York, teaming with former MSNBC president Erik Sorenson to begin the company in early 2007. Prior to that, he broadcasted Minor League Baseball in the Los Angeles Angels organization.
In 2005, Gaudin was selected from thousands of national participants as the CBS `You Call the Action’ broadcasting winner. His play-by-play was profiled by Greg Gumbel in front of 25 million viewers at halftime of the Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship.
“Brandon is one of the most talented young announcers in the country,” Durham said of Gaudin. “His preparation and organization is evident in his work at Butler, and I’m sure that will be a staple of his work here.
“After spending some time with him, I know he is excited about being a part of the tradition and success of Georgia Tech football and basketball. I look forward to following his career as the “Voice of the Jackets.'”
Gaudin will be joined in the booth for Tech football by Rick Strom, the former Yellow Jacket and NFL quarterback, who will handle color analysis for the ninth season.
Randy Waters, who has worked in the Atlanta market for 29 years, will continue to be a part of the broadcast team for both football and men’s basketball. Waters enters his third year as host of the football pre-game show, “Yellow Jacket Countdown,” and his 20th season handling color analysis for the broadcast of Yellow Jackets men’s basketball games.
“Randy Waters is a true gentleman and professional and I am very pleased that he will become an even more significant contributor to our radio broadcast team,” Bobinski said.
Audio Files
2011 state football title game
2010 state football title game
Butler vs Gonzaga buzzer beater:
Butler upset of #1 Indiana:
