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Dick Nelson, the "Voice of Laker Football," announced today that he will step down due to lingering health concerns. Nelson was set to begin his 38th season broadcasting Laker football next Thursday (Sept. 4) at Azusa Pacific over the 16-station Grand Valley Sports Network. 

"It has been a very tough summer concerning my health," said Nelson. "I have had some good days and some bad days, but overall I just don't think it is in my best interest to continue calling Laker Football. The travel and the long game days have really taken a toll and the thought of facing another season was daunting," added Nelson.

Nelson missed just the second game of his illustrious career last December when an irregular heartbeat forced him off the Lakers' flight prior to the team leaving for the NCAA DII Semifinals at Northwest Missouri State. The only other game Dick missed was due to poor weather conditions as he was en route to Northern Michigan in 1984.  

"It was quite a run, but not one that I was intending," added Nelson. "I only planned on helping Grand Valley State get its radio broadcast off the ground for one year (1977), but it ended up lasting 37 years and I am forever grateful to GVSU for allowing me to be a part of the winningest college football program in the country."

Grand Valley State was 326-106-2, including four NCAA DII National Championships, a 32-13 playoff record, six title game appearances, eight regional crowns, 14 conference crowns and 17 playoff appearances with Nelson calling the action. Nelson cited several memorable moments and games during his 37-year career, including his first-ever game versus Bowling Green at Houseman Field (L 17-6), Brian Kelly's first road win at top-ranked North Dakota State (W 21-17) and the first National Championship win versus Valdosta State (W 31-24) in 2002. Nelson has called 326 of the Lakers' 353 victories and 37 of the 43 total years that GVSU has been playing football. 

"I have so many people that I want to thank for all the help they have given me during the last 37 years," said Nelson. "My first color commentator Jim Scott and those that followed (Mark Dewey, Chris Barbee, Rob Rubick, Eric Lynch, Dan McLean and Steve Lloyd-Jones). Athletic Directors Tim Selgo and George McDonald were so good to work for, while Rob Odejewski, Doug Lipinski, Don Thomas and Tim Nott treated me so well and assisted in making the broadcasts possible. Finally, the six coaches (Jim Harkema, Bob Giesey, Tom Beck, Brian Kelly, Chuck Martin and Matt Mitchell) that I worked with made my job of calling Laker football so enjoyable." 

Nelson first started calling Laker football on WCUZ, followed by several stations that aired the games in the West Michigan area over the next 37 years. In addition, Nelson hosted several sports shows on WGVU and worked for WZZM as a sports anchor. 

"We want to thank Dick for 37 great years as "The Voice of Laker Football," said GVSU Director of Athletics Tim Selgo. "Dick is a legendary figure in the great history of GVSU Football. Dick put a Grand Valley State slant on every broadcast  during his career and only made it more clear to the listeners how much Dick cared about the Lakers. His famous "Touchdown Lakers" call when GVSU scored will forever be remembered by the Laker Nation. In addition to thanking Dick for his many years of service, we also want to thank Lori, his faithful wife and companion on all those road trips over the years.  On behalf of the entire Laker Nation, we wish Dick and Lori all the best for many years to come."

Nelson will still be a part of the Laker gameday radio broadcast with a taped segment called "Laker Legends" that will be played during halftime. In addition, after every touchdown that GVSU scores during home games the speakers in Lubbers Stadium will blast the signature Dick Nelson call "Touchdown Lakers!".