The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ron Franklin To Host 2004 Conerly Telecast
11/1/2004 | Athletics
Nov. 1, 2004
JACKSON, Miss. - Nationally-known ESPN announcer and Mississippi native Ron Franklin will serve as host of the state-wide telecast of the 2004 Conerly Trophy Presented by Cellular South on Wednesday December 1, 2004. The event will be telecast live from the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum by Mississippi Public Broadcasting (formerly Mississippi ETV) across the state from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
"Having Ron Franklin host our first Conerly Trophy telecast is like having your first date being with Julia Roberts," said Museum Executive Director Michael Rubenstein. "We're starting out at the top."
"It worked out perfectly for me," said Franklin, who was born in Jackson, Miss., grew up in Hazlehurst and Oxford, attended Ole Miss and now resides near Austin, Texas. "I can come home for the Conerly telecast on Wednesday on my way to Atlanta to host the SEC Legends Dinner on Friday. I'm delighted to be a part of the first telecast."
Franklin has been with ESPN since 1987. He is currently the lead announcer on the network's prime time telecast, ESPN College Football Saturday Night with former coach Mike Gottfried. He also calls college basketball games as part of ESPN's Big Monday tripleheader as well as hosting some of the network's outdoors programming.
Founded in 1996, the Conerly Trophy is Mississippi's Heisman Trophy. Named after the late Charlie Conerly, the Conerly Trophy is awarded annually to the top college football player in the state as determined by 60 statewide media voters. The winner will be announced live at the event with all three finalists present. The Conerly Trophy presentation has been sponsored by Cellular South since 1997.
Ole Miss winners of the Conerly Trophy include quarterback Stewart Patridge in 1997, running back Deuce McAllister in 1999, and quarterback Eli Manning in 2001 and 2003.
For more information, contact the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at 601-982-8264, 1-800-280-FAME or on-line at www.msfame.com.