MIDDLEBURY — In an emotional ceremony before Friday night’s Middlebury Union High School football game, longtime Tiger radio announcer and former American Legion Post 27 Commander Dick Bullock was honored by the dedication of the 2010 Tiger football game program to him.
Bullock, who is terminally ill with cancer, announced the beginning of the Tigers’ win over Mount Mansfield, and hopes to announce as much of the Tigers’ home schedule as possible on WVTK-FM 92.1, including this Friday evening’s game vs. Brattleboro.
On this past Friday, former MUHS head coach and player Peter Brakeley read the dedication to the crowd before the game:
“Dick Bullock’s devotion to football in this community is legendary. It is with tremendous gratitude that Friends of Middlebury Football dedicates this program to him.
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“Dick was born in Middlebury in 1931. He lettered in football, baseball and basketball before graduating from MHS in 1949. Following service as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force he became a member of the American Legion Post 27. He retired this year as Commander after 58 years of active service. In this capacity he supported Middlebury football at all levels.
“Through his leadership he advocated for generous contributions to items such as: state championship team jackets, the new bleachers, food booth and rest rooms, and state of the art field lights. He offered the Legion Hall for football banquets and was Master of Ceremonies for several. His quick wit and historical knowledge of Middlebury football and our community were always highlights and livened up the celebrations.
“Dick may be best known for being the Radio Voice of the Middlebury Tigers. Together with his childhood friend Richard ‘Ziggy’ Livingston, and more recently with Dave Sears, Dick has provided the color commentary for 33 years of Tiger varsity football games.
“Dick has always been involved in helping kids learn and grow through athletics. He has worked tirelessly in this regard. Our community has benefited from his vision and commitment for over half a century. We are indebted to him for his many years of caring for us all.”
Bullock then spoke briefly after a round of applause.
“It’s pretty easy to devote yourself to … something you really love,” Bullock said. “This is more than anything I ever expected, and I’m really grateful to all you people. And it’s great to know that things you do that you don’t think are noticed, are noticed.”
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