It is with a sincere appreciation that we announce the retirement of the sports director of News 9 Dean Blanvins.
For more than 40 years, including 28 years with us, Dean has been the cornerstone of the Oklahoma sports broadcast community.
His dedication and passion for work had a lasting impact on his colleagues and viewers.
“The greatness of health, the big family, life is great. I had an incredible chance of having appreciated and survived sports media 41 years – 28 of them here in News 9,” said Dean in its ad. “After prolonging contracts of one year, 5 times, I decided to hang up, as of July 1. It was an excellent race. Better and more than deserved.”
Dean will continue to cover sports for News 9 until the end of June.
“For the moment, you always hear me on the radio and I will see you 126 days. I have another Thunder’s victory to report and an NBA championship parade to help organize,” said Dean.
A life dedicated to sports
Sports have always been an important part of Dean’s life.
Dean began his career in dissemination after a successful sports career as a quarter. He played for the University of Oklahoma and was one of two winning teams in the national championship under the legendary coach Barry Switzer.
His sporting achievements were recognized early when he was appointed athlete of the year of the Oklahoma high school after winning the honors of all states in 1974 in football, basketball and track at Norman high school.
This solid basis in sports has propelled him into the world of broadcasting, where it has had a significant impact.
A remarkable diffusion inheritance
Since 1997, Dean has been at the heart of News 9 Sports. During his remarkable over 40 years in Oklahoma Broadcasting, he obtained countless distinctions, including two Emmy Awards and eight titles from Oklahoma Sportscaster of the Year.
It was a key figure to cover the main sporting events, including football and basketball at the University of Oklahoma, as well as other important sports stories through the State. He won respect for his peers and viewers for his professionalism, his charisma and his in -depth understanding of sports.
Recently, it has been announced that Dean will be inducted into the Oklahoma journalism temple in May, further cementing its inheritance in industry.
Leadership in transition to Toby Rowland
Although it is difficult to imagine News 9 without Dean, we are delighted to announce that Toby Rowland will begin the role of sports director. Toby is already a familiar face, known for his work as an analyst on Oklahoma Sports Blitz and like the “Sooners voice” in the past 14 seasons.
Toby’s broadcasting references include Emmy Awards and recognition for his sports cases and exceptional reports. With deep roots of Oklahoma, a passion for sport and years of experience in News 9 and on local radio, it is perfect for continuing the inheritance that Dean has built.