It is a sincere gratitude to announce the retirement of News9 sports director Dean Blevins.
For over 40 years, including 28 years with us, Dean has been the cornerstone of the Oklahoma sports broadcasting community.
His dedication and passion for his work had a lasting impact on both his colleagues and his viewers.
“Health is great, family is great, life is amazing. I was very fortunate to survive by enjoying being in sports media for 41 years. “After extending my one-year contract five times, I had to wait for five times.” , I decided to cut it on July 1st. It was an amazing run.
Dean will continue to play News 9 sports until the end of June.
“At the moment you’re still listening to my voice on the radio. You can see more of the 126th. There’s another Thunder victory to report and an NBA Championship Parade to help organize. “Dean said.
A life dedicated to sports
Sports has always been an important part of Dean’s life.
Dean began his career in broadcasting after a successful athletic career as a quarterback. He played at the University of Oklahoma and was part of a team that won two national championships under legendary coach Barry Switzer.
His athletic achievements were recognized early in 1974 when he was nominated for Oklahoma High School Athlete of the Year after earning All-State honors in soccer, basketball and Norman High School tracks.
This powerful foundation of sports promoted him into the world of broadcasting, where he had a major impact.
Amazing broadcast legacy
Since 1997, Dean has been at the heart of News 9 Sports. Over the 40-plus amazing years on the Oklahoma Broadcasting, he has won countless accolades, including two Emmy Awards and eight Oklahoma Sports Caster of the Year titles.
He was a key figure in covering major sporting events, including University of Oklahoma football and basketball, among other important sports stories throughout the state. He gives peers and viewers respect for his professionalism, charisma and his deep understanding of sports.
It was recently announced that Dean was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in May, further cementing his legacy in the industry.
Leadership transition to Toby Roland
It’s hard to imagine News 9 without Dean, but I’m excited to announce that Toby Roland is stepping into the role of sports director. Toby is already a familiar face, known as an analyst at the Oklahoma Sports Blitz and as “Voice of Sooner” for the past 14 seasons.
Toby’s broadcast qualifications include the Emmy Awards and recognition for his outstanding sports cast and reporting. Deep Oklahoma’s roots, passion for sports, years of experience on News 9 and local radio makes him a perfect fit to continue the legacy Dean has built up.
