CHAPEL HILL, N.C., April 20 (UPI) -- Woody Durham, for 40 years the voice of University of North Carolina basketball and football games, announced his retirement Wednesday.
"I actually thought about this decision after the 2009-10 season," he told a packed news conference at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill. "I hope the Tar Heel listeners didn't notice, but there were too many times after various broadcasts when I wasn't pleased with my level of presentation. …
"So I knew it was time. And I wanted it to be my decision, and not that of someone else a few years from now when they might have to literally carry me out of the booth, kicking and screaming."
Durham was under contract until 2013 and says he is in fine health at age 69, the Raleigh News and Observer reported.
The more than 1,800 UNC games he has called include 13 Final Fours and 23 football bowl games.
Wes Durham, announcer for Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Falcons, declined to say whether he would seek to replace his father.
Athletic director Dick Baddour said Durham's love for UNC is "as clear as a Carolina blue sky."
