Moments after Saturday’s 90-59 record-setting win over Northwestern there was another special moment. Longtime MSU radio voice Tom Ladd, nicknamed “Mr. Lady Bear”, was surprised with a special framed #500 jersey, commemorating his 500th Lady Bears broadcast.
“I am extremely honored to be recognized today by MSU,” said Ladd. “A heartfelt thanks to Casey Hunt, Kyle Moats and the Lady Bear coaching Staff for thinking about me when there are so many other items to deal with.”
Ladd wasn’t aware of the milestone, which actually occurred in the team’s season-opening win over Central Missouri. It was fellow broadcaster Don West who kept track of the record and informed the proper officials.
“I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel to call games for this team and this University,” said Ladd. “I have some amazing memories doing these games while sitting in the best seat in the gym.”
Ladd has worked nine Lady Bears NCAA Tournament trips, including Jackie Stiles’ entire career and the 2005 WNIT championship. He began with MSU in 1995 broadcasting games until 2007 then the most recent stint since 2014.
His current broadcast partner and former Lady Bears assistant Lynne Miller was in on the surprise.
“Tom is a natural broadcaster—the equivalent of a natural athlete that makes everyone around him better—including me!,” said Miller.
