Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > May > 04
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Fond memories of Omar Williams
MENTOR TO MANY, FRIEND TO ALL
===LUDWIG AT LARGE is deeply saddened by the death of longtime WDTN Sports Director Omar Williams. I’d like to extend my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Mr. Williams’ family.===
The sports world has lost a dear friend and the broadcasting industry has lost a true pioneer, a giant, an icon, a legend.
Omar Williams, who died at the age of 83 in Marco Island, Fla., was one of a kind. He had a pleasant, unmistakable voice to go with that brush mustache, and wherever there was a sporting event in the Miami Valley, he was there.
As a kid growing up in Cincinnati. I first saw Omar’s face and heard his voice on Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason telecasts. He handled the sideline reporting.
When I landed at the Dayton Daily News in June 1979, just before my 25th birthday, I finally met Omar, and I began to see him everywhere. Football, basketball and baseball games. Golf tournaments. Dayton Gems hockey games. And, of course, one of his true loves — the Indianapolis 500. I covered 16 Indy 500s. Omar was at every one.
Anchored at WDTN, Omar was like your best friend, visiting your home every night with sports news, features and opinion. I treasure his friendship and value his professionalism. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all.
As great a sportscaster as he was, he was an even finer gentleman. A true prince in gym shoes.
Rest easy, ol’ friend.
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Seen & Overheard at Bengals minicamp
‘WHOLE FRANCHISE ON HIS SHOULDERS’
—-Quarterback Carson Palmer is a two-time Pro Bowler. His brother, Jordan, cut by the Redskins in 2007, is fighting for a job.
“We’re not only two different people, we’re in two different situations,” Jordan said. “He’s got the whole franchise on his shoulders. I’m trying to get back in the league.”
—-Offensive tackle Anthony Collins looks like a Day 2 draft steal.
“He’s an athlete,” said Dave Lapham, analyst on the Bengals radio network. “To see him play, it’s hard to believe they got him in the fourth round.”
—-Linebacker Keith Rivers, who wears No. 58, is negotiating with Ahmad Brooks to get the “55” he wore at USC.
“I’ve got another month to work on him,” Rivers said.
—-Has wideout Jerome Simpson’s instant popularity made him a cult figure?
“Unfortunately, no,” coach Marvin Lewis said. “It doesn’t affect what occurs. But I think Jerome will show well as he goes forward in his career.”
—-Rivers, Simpson and Andre Caldwell got head starts on the rookie class. All three “were FedEx’d packages overnight (after the draft),” Lewis said.
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