Amstutz joins UT radio network

As a former football coach and player at the University of Toledo, Tom Amstutz is well familiar with the press box at the Glass Bowl.

Although he may not be as accustomed to occupying the radio booth, he soon will be.

Amstutz on Thursday signed on to serve as color analyst for all UT football broadcasts this fall on the Rocket Sports Radio Network, joining veteran play-by-play announcer Mark Beier behind the microphone.

Amstutz served as radio color analyst during the Rockets' spring game last April, taking over for UT hall of famer and former Rocket defensive back/kicker Tom Duncan, who worked as color analyst for football broadcasts last season.

"Working the spring game is a whole different type of production, but I really enjoyed it," Amstutz said. "Mark Beier is such a professional and makes the job a lot easier for me. I think it's going to be a lot of fun and a great experience."

Amstutz compiled a 58-41 record over eight seasons as head coach of the Rockets until stepping down in 2008.

As a member of the alumni office at UT last year, Amstutz stayed at a distance from the program and allowed new coach Tim Beckman to put his own handprint on the Rockets.

Even now that he's taking a more active role with the program, Amstutz said he would not overstep his bounds.

"I won't be overly involved with the program," Amstutz said. "I'll just be an observer and root them on. I don't think there will be any kind of problem in that way. I actually talked with coach Beckman, and he thought it would be a great idea and would love to have me do it, so it went from there."

Except for a three-year stint as an assistant at Navy from 1987-89, Amstutz has lived in the Toledo area his entire life, earning the nickname "Toledo Tom." He attended Whitmer High, where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He then played football at UT, graduating with a degree in physical education in 1977.

Amstutz served as an assistant at UT from 1977-86 and again from 1990-2000 before taking the reins as head coach in 2001.

Under Amstutz, the Rockets won Mid-American Conference championships in 2001 and 2004, and MAC West Division crowns in 2002 and 2005. He led UT to four bowl appearances, including victories in the 2001 Motor City Bowl and the 2005 GMAC Bowl.

UT athletic director Mike O'Brien believes Amstutz will make a great addition to the Rockets' gameday radio production.

"Tom's coaching knowledge and familiarity with our program make him an excellent fit for our radio broadcasts," O'Brien said. "I think our fans will really enjoy the broadcast team of Tom and Mark Beier."

The Rocket Sports Radio Network can be heard locally on 1370 AM.

Contact Zach Silka at:

zsilka@theblade.com

or 419-724-6084.