GLADSTONE, Mo. -  The National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers (NASPAA) has selected Bill Nevin, West Virginia University P.A. Announcer, as the College 2018-19 Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of the Year.  Sheppard, whose professionalism became the standard for sports P.A. Announcers, was the stadium announcer for the New York Yankees for 57 years, and is considered the best P.A. Announcer, ever.  
 
Nevin began his P.A. Announcing career in 1981. For the past 16 years, he has been the voice of WVU football, men's basketball, baseball, rifle and marching band, in addition to announcing WVU commencement ceremonies. His 2019 NCAA Championship announcing resume included the NCAA Rifle Championships and an NCAA Baseball Regional Championship. Nevin also serves as public address announcer for the West Virginia Black Bears, a minor league affiliate of Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates.
 
"Bill is a consummate professional, who truly enhances the experience for our fans, coaches and student athletes alike,"remarked Matt Wells, WVU Senior Associate AD/External Affairs. "Not only does he have an outstanding voice, but he delivers the message at every event clearly, concisely and accurately. He is a tremendous asset for West Virginia University!"
 
"It's a great honor to be recognized at the national level by my peers,"Nevin said. "This award is less about me and more about the amazing team of professionals I work with every game. They make my job easy. We take pride in making the game day experience at WVU a special one for our fans every time out. I couldn't be more proud of this team and being a Mountaineer." 
 
"Bill's commitment to a higher standard of announcing has distinguished him as one of the nation's best,"stated Brad Rumble, NASPAA Executive Director. "He will play an important role in continuing the legacy of Bob Sheppard. We could not be more pleased."
 
The NASPAA is a professional association for Sports Public Address Announcers. Its mission is to raise the level of professionalism and consistency of P.A. announcing. Clell Wade Coaches Directory and Balfour sponsor the Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of the Year Award. For information about the NASPAA, go to http://www.naspaa.net.