Seton Hall University's WSOU Set to Fete Alumnus Bob Ley

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Bob Costas and Bob Ley

Veteran ESPN anchor, reporter and "Outside the Lines" host Bob Ley will be honored by Seton Hall University's WSOU-FM, where he learned his craft. WSOU will celebrate Ley's legendary career with a reception at the Prudential Center on Sunday, February 23. In addition to reminiscing with alumni and current students, Ley will reprise his role as a WSOU sportscaster during part of the Seton Hall vs. St. John's men's basketball broadcast on 89.5 FM Sunday afternoon.

Ley, one of the original ESPN "SportsCenter" anchors who enjoyed a forty-year career at the sports network before retiring last year, started his broadcasting career at the campus radio station, where he did play-by-play of men's basketball games and was sports director.

"Bob speaks often about the critical role WSOU played in launching his career and through the decades he has taken the time to mentor and encourage generations of students who were following in his footsteps at WSOU," said General Manager Mark Maben. "With Bob entering retirement, we felt it was important for the station to honor him for both his extraordinary career and all that he has done for the station and the campus community."

Ley's involvement with WSOU began in 1972. During his time at the student-run station, Ley served as Sports Director, Program Director and Engineer, among other responsibilities. He did play-by-play and color commentary for numerous basketball and baseball games. A member of the class of 1976, his experiences at WSOU led to several broadcasting jobs in New York and New Jersey, as well as being the public address announcer for the New York Cosmos soccer team, before joining ESPN as a SportsCenter anchor in 1979.

In June of last year, Ley announced his retirement from ESPN after a 40-year career with the network. Throughout his career, Ley regularly spoke with current students, presented workshops and master classes, and mentored several members of the WSOU sports staff.

WSOU and Seton Hall University alumnus Bob Ley (right) with broadcaster and sports journalist Bob Costas during