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j) Dennis Fithian

 j) Dennis Fithian
Dennis Fithian is among the most versatile and experienced sports broadcasters on Detroit’s airwaves. Since 1994, Dennis has covered all of the major professional sports teams in Detroit, as well as major college athletic programs. Dennis’ significant experience allows him to perform a broad array of broadcast roles, including hosting his own programs, serving as a beat reporter for specific teams and serving in-studio as a pre-game, post-game, and update correspondent.

Dennis has developed a loyal following throughout his broadcast career through his “down to Earth” approach that appeals to true sports fans who value substance over style.

Prior to joining 97.1 FM The Ticket, Dennis had a 12-year career in Ann Arbor where he became one of the most recognizable voices on sports talk radio and a recognizable face at an array of University of Michigan sports venues. In Ann Arbor, Dennis led his own afternoon drive-time radio program, Sportsbeat, as well as hosting pre-game and post-game programs for University of Michigan football and conducting weekly coaches shows for the U-M football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball teams. Dennis also became the play-by-play voice for U-M women’s basketball and for select baseball and softball games. In Ann Arbor, Dennis was known for being a true fan (not only covering the sports he talked about on the radio but also attending games in person) and drawing attention to non-revenue sports such as gymnastics, wrestling, field hockey, and track.

Prior to hosting his own program, Dennis also co-hosted a morning show and produced a variety of the station’s programs. Dennis also was a contributor for The Wolverine, a weekly sports newspaper covering U-M sports.

Dennis’ professional and personal sports highlights include being in the locker room following the Tigers’ victory at Comerica Park in the American League Championship Series in 2006, covering Justin Verlander’s no-hitter in Comerica Park in 2007, covering the U-M Rose Bowl in Pasadena in 2004, attending his first baseball game in Yankee Stadium, and watching the U.S. national team play in the world rugby championships in England.

One of the most humorous moments in Dennis’ career occurred when ESPN’s Dick Vitale, having listened to Dennis’ impression of the famous college basketball announcer on the radio, called (un-planned) into Dennis’ program as “Richard from Sarasota” to challenge Dennis’ impression and engage in a bit of fun and games.

Throughout his career, Dennis has taken great pride in lining up guests and special interviews that bring unique and interesting perspectives to his listening audience. Dennis’ notable interviews have included the late, Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist David Halberstam, Hall of Famer George Kell, U-M icon Bo Schembechler, and the actress Jane Seymour. Dennis is also the first and only sports broadcaster to be granted permission by coach Lloyd Carr to broadcast live from a private Michigan Football spring practice.

Prior to starting his professional broadcast career, Dennis graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Telecommunications from Eastern Michigan University. While at EMU, Dennis hosted a sports talk program on campus radio station WQBR and wrote for the school’s newspaper, the Eastern Echo. Dennis also attended university for two years in England. While in England, Dennis became a fan of rugby and played two years of “rugby union.” Dennis’ college career began at Schoolcraft College where he sat on the bench/played college basketball for one year.

A life-long resident and fan of Southeastern Michigan sports, Dennis was born in Detroit and graduated from Livonia Franklin High School. Dennis still enjoys playing basketball, poker, pool, darts, tennis, golf, reading and attending tailgates.

Credit: Ronald Martinez/GettyImages/NBAE

Best Pure Jump Shot In Michigan History

Ray Allen from the Celtics won the SI player vote for best current pure jump shot in the NBA.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/05/17

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 30:  Wide receiver Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions makes a reception on his way to scoring a 56-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 30, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Lions defeated the Broncos 45-10. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Megatron Closer To 10 Or 20 Touchdowns In 2012?

Can Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson improve upon his 16 touchdown performance of 2011?

97.1 The Ticket–2012/05/11

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 08:  Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with teammates after defeating the Seattle Mariners 6-4 at Safeco Field on May 8, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

I Was Wrong About Miggy’s D

Train Wreck. Total disaster. Replaced at third by mid-May.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/05/10

138th Kentucky Derby-Preview

Fithian’s Kentucky Derby Winner Picks

The 138th Kentucky Derby happens on Saturday, and I’m ready to predict the winner!

97.1 The Ticket–2012/05/05

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 08: Running back Isaac Redman #33 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against the Denver Broncos during the Wild Card Playoffs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 8, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

NFL Teams That Were But Won’t Be In The Playoffs

It’s a good bet that half the teams that made the NFL playoffs last year won’t be back in this year’s post season.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/05/04

(Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

I got Catfished Or Sarah Phillips, Too!

Interesting story about how ESPN may have hired a writer for their website without ever meeting the person.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/05/02

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 22: Wide receiver Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners during warmups before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 22, 2011 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Texas Tech upset Oklahoma 41-38. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

Lions ‘Iffy’ 2nd Round Pick

The Lions picking a wide receiver in round two of the NFL draft still doesn’t seem right.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/04/30

(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Time For Change With The Red Wings

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the Red Wings play a worse game than they did Friday night to get eliminated by the Preds in five games.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/04/23

Head Coach Jim Schwartz talks with quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions during a game against the New Orleans Saints to score a touchdown at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Saints defeated the Lions 31-17.  (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Picking The 2012 Lions Season Game By Game

Rams vs. Lions: The 2009 and 2010 number one picks face off in week one.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/04/17

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01:  Quarterback Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines passes against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Field on January 1, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida  (Photo by Rick Dole/Getty Images)

Dennis Fithian Recaps The Michigan Spring Game

Running backs: Looking strong with a clear cut Fitz Toussaint as the starter.

97.1 The Ticket–2012/04/14

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