Aug. 4, 2004

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- - A radio play-by-play legend at Washington State University, Bob Robertson will receive the 2004 Chris Schenkel Award, as announced by The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

The award, named for legendary college football announcer Chris Schenkel, is given annually to a college football broadcaster on the local level who has excelled in his field and contributed to his community. Robertson will receive the award Friday, Aug. 13 at the Mayor's Breakfast during the College Football Hall of Fame's Enshrinement Festival in South Bend, Ind.

Past award winners include Chris Schenkel (1996), Jack Cristil (Mississippi State, 1997), Max Falkenstein (Kansas, 1998), Jack Flemming (West Virginia, 1999), Ray Christensen (Minnesota, 2000), Frank Fallon (Baylor, 2001), Bob Brooks (Iowa, 2002) and Larry Munson (Georgia, 2003). Robertson is the first winner from the western half of the nation.

Set to enter his 38th year as the football radio voice of the Cougars, Robertson's success and approval behind the microphone has earned him Washington Sportscaster of the Year honors 15 times. His football broadcasting career also includes stints at the University of Washington and the University of Notre Dame. Demonstrating great knowledge and versatility, Robertson was Washington State's basketball announcer for 22 years and has called both professional soccer and baseball games in his illustrious career that spans more than half a century.

Named 1978 co-WSU Dad of the Year, he and his wife Joanne have two sons and two daughters, some of whom have worked along side Robertson throughout his career.

Fans have a chance to be a part of history at The College Football Hall of Fame August 13 and 14. The 2004 Enshrinement Festival is the 10th annual in South Bend since The Hall opened its doors in August of 1995. This year features another stellar class, including Barry Sanders, Joe Theismann, Jimbo Covert, Darrell Green and many more. The College Football Hall of Fame offers many wonderful ways to meet these legends at the Enshrinement Festival. The weekend gets started Friday, August 13 with The Mayor's Breakfast, The Red Shirt Golf Scramble, The Gathering on The Gridiron and The 10th Anniversary Class Autograph Session.

Saturday, August 14, action continues at The College Football Hall of Fame with The FanFest, which includes The Press Conference, Youth Clinic, Enshrinee Flag Football Game, and Autograph Session. The weekend concludes Saturday evening with The Reception & Auction and The Enshrinement Banquet & Ceremony.

For more information on The 2004 College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, please call 1-800-440-FAME or visit www.collegefootball.org.

With 119 chapters and over 13,000 members nationwide, The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America's young people. NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., PLAY IT SMART, The NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport at Springfield College (Mass.), the NFL-NFF Coaching Academy, and scholarships of nearly $1 million for College and High School Scholar-Athletes.