KU Radio Commentator Hospitalized

Sept. 7, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Legendary University of Kansas broadcaster Max Falkenstien underwent emergency intestinal surgery at Lawrence Memorial Hospital Wednesday morning.

“I underwent emergency surgery Wednesday for an intestinal blockage,” Falkenstien said. “Malignancies were removed but my physicians and I are optimistic for a full recovery. I anticipate a four to six week recovery period after which I hope to return to the broadcast booth.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Max and his family right now,” said Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins. “We are all praying for a full and speedy recovery.”

Falkenstien is in his 60th season as a broadcaster for KU sports teams. He originated the KU Sports Network and has done play-by-play and color commentary for both radio and TV. His long career has included all of KU’s Final Four appearances and two basketball national championships.

In 1998, the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., honored Falkenstien with the Chris Schenkel Award for long and outstanding merit in sports broadcasting. He was only the third person nationally to receive the recognition. Falkenstien chaired the State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame for eight years, and in the spring of 2001, he was inducted as a member of that prestigious institution. In 2004 Falkenstien received the prestigious Curt Gowdy Award presented by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.