Max Falkenstien, former radio play-by-play voice for the University of Kansas men’s basketball and football teams passed away at the age of 95 Monday afternoon.
For 60 years, Falkenstien worked in the Jayhawks radio booth, calling his first game on March 18, 1946 and retiring after the 2005 – 06 season.
“Max was a member of the greatest generation. A pioneer sports play-by-play broadcaster in Lawrence and Topeka, and just a fun guy to be around,” said Bob Davis, Falkenstien’s University of Kansas broadcast partner for more than two decades. “In the years we worked and traveled together we spent much of our time laughing. He once said we should have been married. In all these years I don’t think we’d ever had an argument, so I guess we couldn’t have been married! We had some great times together. I loved him.”
Falkenstien served as the Jayhawks play-by-play voice from 1946 to 1984 before transitioning to the role of color commentator as Bob Davis assumed play-by-play responsibilities. The two remained broadcast partners for KU’s men’s basketball and football programs until Falkenstien retired in 2006.
“I’ve known Max since 1985, and back then, even being young in the profession, I quickly realized that Max was as big a part of the great history of KU basketball and football as the players and coaches were,” current KU men’s basketball coach, Bill Self said in the school’s press release. “He was an absolute joy to be around, and he will be remembered as an absolute treasure. He was loved by everyone. His personal touch made every fan, player coach and administrator feel they were part of the KU family. I hope Max realized the positive impact he had on KU and everyone connected with it. He’ll be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten.”
Falkenstien became a well decorated broadcaster throughout his 60 years as an on-air contributor, including being named “the best college radio personality in the country,” by The Sporting News in 2001. Three years later, the broadcaster was honored by The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with its Curt Gowdy Award.
Falkenstien is survived by his wife of 70 years, Isobel, their son Kurt and daughter Jane, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
