The University of Idaho Argonaut

Tom Morris, the "Voice of the Vandals," gives a play-by-play analysis of every University of Idaho football game over the radio. Larry Johnson/Courtesy Photo

It’s the voice that rumbles your speakers when the Vandals score a touchdown. It’s the voice that talks with the coach each week and gives fans insight on the upcoming match-up.
Most importantly, it’s the voice that gives fans a front row seat each Saturday when the football team battles for another victory.

Tom Morris is the “Voice of the Vandals,” heard on the radio all over the state of Idaho giving play-by-play analysis for every Vandal football game, home or away.
Although it’s an honor to be called the “Voice of the Vandals,” Morris said he sees it as more than just a title.

“I don’t consider that to be that important, as far as a label goes,” he said. “I’m the guy that brings football into the homes of hopefully thousands every Saturday.”
Morris travels with the team every game, and meets with Idaho coach Robb Akey on a regular basis. He said it’s almost like he’s part of the team, although he tries not to show too much of that on the radio.

“Some people say I get over enthusiastic, I don’t think that’s a big deal,” Morris said. “I enjoy the college football game, the atmosphere and what these student-athletes are doing on the field.”
Originally from Indiana, Morris has had a voice on the radio in Kentucky, Nebraska and Illinois. Before coming to Idaho in 1985, he was the “Voice of the Griz” at the University of Montana.

Morris started at Idaho by covering basketball games and doing color for Bob Curtis at football games.
He said he learned a lot from Curtis and will always consider him to be the real “Voice of the Vandals.”
“He’s the dean — he’s what people grew up with,” Morris said. “To me he will be the “Voice of the Vandals.””

Morris and Curtis have become close friends, and Curtis still attends as many games as he can sitting in the booth watching over Morris’ shoulder.
“Sometimes it’s a little intimidating,” Morris said. “I listen to him all the time, whatever he says I’ll listen to because he’s taught me a lot.”
Morris is no stranger to criticism. He said half the listeners love him, a quarter think he’s terrible and a quarter just want Bob back.

“When he retired I knew I was going to be replacing someone who had a lot of following, a lot of love, a lot of emotion attached,” he said.
Morris said he knows he periodically makes mistakes, but he said it’s live and you just have to correct it and move on.
He said it’s a game and it’s supposed to be fun.

“It’s not brain surgery, we’re not sending someone to the moon,” he said. “We’re doing a dang football game on the radio and we want to make sure we’re as entertaining and informative as possible.”
To prevent mistakes he prepares and organizes his notes days in advance.

He calls Wednesday night chart night, and he spends four to five hours putting together a chart of both team’s offense, defense and each player’s season statistics up to that point.
Thursday before the game, he’s done all his homework and is ready for game day.

“I have dreams of waking up saying ‘hey the game is today in an hour and I’m not prepared,’” Morris said.
He’s getting paid to do something that he loves to do, and he said he feels blessed for the opportunity.

“How many Division I  schools are there that have football? How many people are in the nation? I’m one of the few,” Morris said. “I feel very fortunate. I love what I do. I want the team to win every game, and I want to bring those people that can’t come to the game the best picture I can of what is happening on the field.”