SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Nearly 40 years after graduating from Syracuse University, West Virginia University Play-by-Play Announcer and longtime MetroNews Statewide Sportsline Host Tony Caridi was inducted into the WAER Hall of Fame.
WAER 88.3 FM, which is part of the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University, celebrated its 75th anniversary by welcoming two former members of their campus radio station into the hall in a Tuesday night ceremony, Caridi, a 1984 graduate, and ’01 graduate and CBS sports announcer Andrew Catalon.
A native of Lockport, New York, Caridi spoke to friends, family members, and fellow Syracuse colleagues and other broadcasting greats in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium.
Before speaking, highlights of his career calling Mountaineer games graced the backdrop. Memorable calls of plays made by WVU greats Pat White and Geno Smith could be heard. Of course, you can’t forget about the basketball team punching their final four ticket to Indianapolis.
“So long Big Blue, hello Gold and Blue! The West Virginia Mountaineers are going to the Final Four,” an excited Caridi said back in 2010.
While the moments were sweet, for Caridi, it’s the people he appreciates even more for the journey he’s had and getting him to where he is today.
“All the things that I’ve been able to do and this great, wonderful blessing I’ve received, would be great and well, but absolutely hollow if it weren’t for family,” said Caridi.
Caridi referenced his brother and sister in the crowd Tuesday, people he says work just as hard, thanks to their parents.
The hard work ethic installed in Caridi is something he attributes to his father, an immigrant, who made a living in the state running a grocery store, with the help of Caridi’s mother. Working long days and longer weeks are nothing new to the Caridi family.
“We need to always help one another out because that is the essence of this business,” Caridi said. “If I ever get the opportunity to help someone, I’m helping them.”
Tony joined WVRC Media in 1984 as a news anchor on WAJR in Morgantown. He took over the role of Sports Director when MetroNews was founded in 1986. That same year, Caridi became the host of MetroNews Sportsline. He is still host of the statewide show to this day.
The real reason Episode 458 has yet to drop. Congratulations! For inquiring minds, back together on Thursday for next show. @HoppyKercheval @bradhowe07 @TonyCaridi https://t.co/8TNASXUEkp
— 3 Guys Before the Game (@3Guys__) April 18, 2023
“You want to be around people in this business that respect you and want you,” Caridi said.
It seems after this long, that’s been the case in Morgantown.
His work with the Mountaineer Sports Network started in 1987 as a television play-by-play announcer and reporter. Caridi’s current role as radio play-by-play began a decade later in 1997.
“There was always a reason to stay in Morgantown.”