Story by Miranda Carpenter, Staff writer
Murray State fans are campaigning to get Dick Vitale to call the Racers’ battle against Belmont on Jan. 24 at the CFSB Center.
Vitale, also known as “Dickie V,” has been a broadcaster for ESPN since the network launched in 1979. Vitale called ESPN’s first NCAA game – Wisconsin at DePaul on Dec. 5, 1979.
“The idea for the campaign originated from the 2012 appearance by Dick Vitale, which brought a great deal of excitement and publicity for the men’s basketball team, and to a larger extent, the University as well,” Shawn Touney, director of communications, said. “Due to the team’s phenomenal success so far this year, the national recognition surrounding Ja Morant, and the televised game against Belmont on 1/24, there were numerous realities in play which led to a concerted effort, driven through social media, to invite Dick Vitale to be our guest and return to Racer Nation that evening.”
The Racers are currently 13-2 in the regular season and 4-0 in conference play, holding first place in the Ohio Valley Conference. Murray State guard Ja Morant is leading the country in assists and projected to be a Top-5 pick in the NBA draft.
Belmont is currently 12-3 in the regular season and 3-1 in conference play. The Bruins are ranked fourth in the OVC, close behind Murray State. Belmont Guard forward Dylan Windler is also a projected NBA draft pick.
Austin Morris, senior from Louisville, Kentucky, believes it would be great for Vitale to come to the Belmont game.
“Murray State basketball has a history of success and with the way Morant is playing this year, it sure would be a good game to watch,” Morris said.
The Murray State News reached out to Vitale via Facebook to get his reaction on coming back to Murray again after he attended a game in 2012.
“Had fun, super atmosphere, heartbreaking loss,” Vitale said in a message.
Many fans have taken to Facebook and Twitter to get Vitale to return to Murray using #BringDickieVtoMurray. Fans hope to get Vitale to the game to influence the numerous NBA scouts who will be in attendance.
Interim President Bob Jackson also took to Twitter extending an invitation to Vitale.
“Dickie V, the invitation stands and we’d love for you to join us 1/24 against Belmont for our televised game,” Jackson wrote.
Cierra Zwyghuizen, senior from Michigan, thinks it would be very beneficial for some of our basketball players if Vitale came to Murray State.
“I think some of our players could get into the NBA like Ja Morant, and Vitale can bring a big influence for this to happen,” Zwyghuizen said.
The game will tip off at 8 p.m. CST at the CFSB Center in Murray.