Members
Inductee
BOLAND, JOE
BOLAND, JOE
Born on
February 26, 1960
Inducted On
June 7, 2024
Location Inducted
South Bend, Indiana
Region Number
2
Notre Dame University
Pioneer
SB Central High School
Notre Dame
1927
In 1927, Joe Boland proudly graduated Magna Cum Laude from Notre Dame. His football journey was legendary; as an offensive tackle, he contributed to the renowned Knute Rockne Four Horsemen team in 1924 and the inaugural appearance of Notre Dame in the 1925 Rose Bowl. Sadly, his playing days were cut short by a severe leg injury in October 1926. Undeterred, he transitioned into coaching and athletic direction, assuming the helm at the College of St. Thomas in 1929. Notably, from 1934 to 1940, he served as the esteemed offensive line coach under Elmer Layden.
Joe Boland's legacy transcends mere admiration; he's been immortalized in the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Revered by sports enthusiasts, his national radio and television commentaries, particularly in college and professional football, earned him widespread acclaim. Widely hailed as the pinnacle of football play-by-play announcing, Boland's expertise was unmatched.In 1956, he received the prestigious Bengal Award for his impactful contributions to boxing and youth development. That same year, he was honored with the Brotherhood Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to fair play and his tireless service to individuals of all backgrounds.
Following his coaching career, he ventured into broadcasting, initially joining WCCO in Minneapolis and subsequently moving to WGN in Chicago for a brief tenure of one year. However, his heart drew him back to South Bend, where he embraced a role as a full-time sports announcer at WSBT in 1942. His dedication and talent propelled him to the position of Director of Sports at both WSBT and WSBT-TV, cementing his legacy in sports broadcasting.In 1947, Joe initiated the Irish Football Network, pioneering as the inaugural voice of Notre Dame football. Concurrently, he lent his voice to the Chicago Cardinal games of the National Football League and covered high school sports. The reach of Notre Dame football extended nationwide to 190 stations through his network, even reaching a global audience via Armed Forces Radio, turning each broadcast into a worldwide spectacle.Tragically, Boland passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on February 26, 1960, at the age of 55. His final broadcast, a high school sectional basketball game the night before, stands as a testament to his enduring passion for sports and broadcasting.