EUGENE, Oregon — The University of Oregon is mourning the loss of longtime sports broadcaster Terry Jonz. He passed away last week at the age of 70 after a nearly year-long battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Since 2005, Jonz had been the voice of the Oregon Ducks women's basketball team. From behind the mic, he steered the team down the court, through championship brackets and into the history books.
"Some of the most iconic calls in the history of Oregon athletics were called by Terry Jonz," said Joey McMurry, director of broadcasting for the Oregon Sports Network.
McMurry calls Oregon men's basketball and baseball games. He looked to Jonz as a mentor, which is why news of his passing hurt so much.
"He was absolutely committed to getting back to the microphone and we thought that he was going to be able to do that," McMurry said. "I think his legacy will be one of a legendary voice but even more of a legendary human."
Jonz, a native of Eugene, joined the Oregon Sports Network in 1997. Besides calling women's basketball games, he also hosted a football pre-game show. He leaves behind a wife, four daughters and three grandchildren.
McMurry believes his family had a significant impact on his career.
"He was such a powerful voice for women's athletics. He was a father of four daughters and I think that he was really proud to be a strong voice for that program," McMurry said.
Fellow Ducks broadcaster Jerry Allen, "The Voice of the Ducks," shared his thoughts about his longtime friend and colleague.
"Not a lot of words can express the feelings of loss and love for a wonderful man who was very much like a brother, and so beloved by the fans," Allen said. "I'm sure he has a courtside seat in heaven, waiting for us to join him one day to get the old broadcast team back together."
On Thursday, the Ducks will play Cal in Eugene. McMurry said they will take a moment to honor Jonz. He doesn't think that moment will be silent.
"He wouldn't want everybody to be sad. He would want everybody to cheer and clap, and say what a great group of memories he got to be a part of," McMurry said.