NEWS

Louisiana Tech University sports broadcaster Dave Nitz ended his 50-year career with the University at the conclusion of the 2024 Bulldog baseball season at the Fayetteville Regional in Arkansas in June.

But while all good things must come to an end, Nitz’s time as a Bulldog lives on. Thanks to a new book about the Tech Athletics Hall of Famer by Tech Historian Chris A. Kennedy, the love affair between “Freeway Dave” and the University continues.

Documenting the travels and stories of the Tech icon from his early DJ career through decades in minor league baseball and a half-century of calling Bulldog and Lady Techsters games, Louisiana Tech’s Dave Nitz: The Voice of the Bulldogs is now available through The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing of Charleston, SC. The 112-page photograph-filled trade paperback is $24.99 and available through Amazon and HistoryPress.com.

Several book-signing events are scheduled:

• April 4 and 5 at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park during the Diamond Dogs’ Conference USA games against FIU;
• April 10, 6 p.m., Lincoln Parish Museum;
• April 17, 10 a.m., Louisiana Tech Archives in Prescott Memorial Library.
• Future book events can be found on Kennedy’s Facebook page, Christopher A. Kennedy Author, and on his website, cakennedyauthor.com. A signed and personalized book will be available from the author by request.

Freeway Dave, a Class of 2019 inductee into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism, is unable to attend scheduled signings but hopes to soon be at the Love Shack, where the home radio booth bears his name.

“Dad is still recovering from illness back in October,” Jay Nitz, his youngest son and Tech Baseball broadcasting partner of the past few seasons, said. “Small steps have been taken, but many more steps to go.”

Nitz grew up in West Virginia. His lifelong dream of making it to the big leagues as a broadcaster sent him all across the country. After crisscrossing the U.S., he arrived at Tech in 1974.

From friendships with personalities like Tom T. Hall, Leon Barmore, and Karl Malone, as well as recognition in Ted Mandell’s Heart Stoppers and Hail Marys: 100 Of the Greatest College Football Finishes (1970-1999), Dave enjoyed his long season of broadcasting. Amid the behind-the-scenes stories and bloopers, his love for Tech is evident. This was no truer than when he would utter his trademark “You gotta love it!” every time the Bulldogs made a big play on the field or court.

Kennedy (B.A. in History, Louisiana Tech, ‘18 and MLIS, LSU, ‘23) published his first book, Louisiana Tech’s Joe Aillet, a biography of the namesake of Tech’s football stadium, in 2022. Dave met him at the first book signing to get his autographed copy but also to pitch his own book idea. While Kennedy was busy signing books and visiting with people, he realized how serious Dave was when Nitz gave him a large envelope filled with clippings, contacts, and a few self-recorded tapes. There was nothing he could do but get started on the next book project.

It was an easy sell for Kennedy. Nitz was a staple for Tech athletics. People tuned in to road contests because Dave made it interesting and a pleasant experience. Even for home games, it was not uncommon to see fans at the game listening to Nitz’s broadcast. Kennedy’s father, Tech’s Dean of Applied and Natural Sciences Gary Kennedy, grew up listening to Dave as a teenager in Farmerville. Later Christopher would continue the tradition.