56. 63. Consider those two numbers for a moment:
56 years. That's how long Bob Chase worked for WOWO (1190am, Fort Wayne) radio, doing everything from DJ (where he interviewed a young Elvis Presley) to Sports Director. Mr. Chase arrived at WOWO in 1953. In 1954, Mr. Chase did the radio call for the famous Milan High School basketball championship that's the basis for the 1986 movie "Hoosiers."
63 years. That's how long Bob Chase broadcast "From Radio Rinkside" with the Fort Wayne Komets. Consider for a moment: When Bob started his first season with the Fort Wayne Komets (1953), the Komets franchise was one year old.
Born Robert Wallenstein, Mr. Chase passed away early Thanksgiving morning, at age 90.
Among his many achievements and honors:
1993: Fort Wayne Komets retire the number 40 for Bob Chase, to honor Mr. Chase's 40 years behind the microphone.
2000: Indiana Broadcasters Association Pioneers Hall of Fame.
2001: The Sagamore of the Wabash Award.
2004: Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame.
2012: Lester Patrick Award. (NHL and USA Hockey)
2013: The Key to the Fort (Fort Wayne)
2013-2014: ECHL Broadcaster of the Year.
The Fort Wayne Komets honored Bob Chase at their Thanksgiving evening game; a 6-1 win against Kalamazoo.
Visitation for Mr. Chase will be on Tuesday 11/29 from 2pm until 8pm at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
We will be back with a new IRW on Monday November 28.
Thank you for your continued support.
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