Gene Honda
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Honda at the Allstate Arena in 2010
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Eugene "Gene" Honda is a public address announcer for the Chicago White Sox (starting in 1985, full-time since 1991),[1] Chicago Blackhawks (succeeding Harvey Wittenberg since the 2001–02 season),[2] DePaul Blue Demons basketball, Big Ten tournament, Illinois Fighting Illini football (since 2012),[3] and the NCAA Final Four (since 2010).[4] He is also a constant voice on Chicago's PBS station WTTW Channel 11, the Big Ten Network, and the Chicago Marathon. He formerly worked for radio station WLAK (now WLIT) in Chicago.[5] Honda was the PA announcer for the 2009 NHL Winter Classic on January 1 at Wrigley Field. Additionally, he was the PA announcer for the 2012 Frozen Four at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.[6]
Honda is the only person to have announced at the MLB World Series, MLB All Star Game, NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, NCAA Final Four, NCAA Frozen Four.[7]
Honda was born and raised on Chicago's north side to Japanese American parents.[7] He attended Senn High School and graduated in 1972.[7] He later attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he studied engineering, finance, and broadcasting.[8] Honda spent the next 18 years working at the University of Illinois' radio station, WPGU.[8] Honda's interest in broadcasting was sparked by his father, who wanted his son to improve his public speaking skills.[7][8]
Honda appeared briefly in the 1990 film Opportunity Knocks as Mr. Nimoku.[9]
Honda also is a teacher for the After School Matters (ASM) Sports Broadcasting program at Curie High School.[8]
On October 11, 2008, Honda was inducted into the Illini Media Alumni Hall of Fame.[10]
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