WVU Sports Hall of Fame
Jack Fleming
Inducted: 2001
Written by Shelly Poe
The late Leo W. “Jack” Fleming will forever be known as the “Voice of the Mountaineers.” Serving as WVU’s play-by-play announcer in football and basketball from 1947-59, 1962-69 and 1974-96, Fleming became a legend to generations of listeners for his vivid descriptions and enthusiasm for the Mountaineers.
Also the broadcaster for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls during his distinguished career, he broadcast four Super Bowls and the NBA All-Star Game; his most famous call was on Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” in 1972. Seven times the West Virginia sportscaster of the year, he received the 1996 Gene Morehouse Award from the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. In 1999, he received the Chris Schenkel Award from the College Football Hall of Fame.
In 1995, he was inducted into WVU’s Order of Vandalia, for outstanding service to the state and University. A U.S. Air Force navigator during WWII, he flew 23 combat missions and began his radio career while recuperating at Ashford Military Hospital (The Greenbrier). A native of Morgantown, W.Va., he died in January, 2001.
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