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There’s legendary — and then there’s Kent Pavelka.
From classics like "Got it!” “Dagger!” and “Bang-a-rang!” to the now iconic "Make room for daddy!” Pavelka’s exuberant radio calls have become anthemic to the scenes and sounds of Husker Men’s Basketball — especially across this historic season.
Regardless of the score lines or win totals, the legendary broadcaster’s game plan hasn’t changed over his 51-year career.
“I’ve just tried to do this season what I’ve always done: replicate the feel of what’s happening on the floor,” Pavelka said. “Throughout my whole career I’ve tried to do things the right way, with all my dedication, energy and soul.”
Long before his voice echoed across the airwaves or was clipped and shared on the internet, Pavelka was a young, avid Husker fan tuning in to every radio broadcast he could during his childhood days in Lincoln. In his fandom, he saw a future.
“When I was in junior high, I fell in love with listening to Husker radio,” recalled Pavelka, who worked at KRNU and local stations while earning a broadcasting degree from Nebraska. “From age 13, I had my plan all worked out about what I wanted to do with my life — and I'm still doing it.”
For the fans, students, players and coaches, Pavelka’s voice is a 50-year fixture of the program. His recent calls, however, have launched him into a new level of notoriety across the nation and online, especially as the men’s team has blown past program milestones during the current season.
“I’m honored that people are still tuning in and that it’s resonating,” he said. “I think it's also probably a result of all the time and work I’ve put into it. I’ve been doing it for 51 years, and my interest in Husker athletics predates that, so it's really cool to be recognized for something you you've been at for that long — and I’ve still got the same fire inside I’ve always had.”
And while he puts in days of meticulous prep to nail every detail, even he’s been left speechless during the fervor of this season.
“With the Illinois game, I just got stuck,” he said, recalling the buzzer-beater win that reduced him to joyous screams and jokes about passing out. Other moments, like when Nebraska entered the top 10, required some planning.
“‘Make room for daddy!’ I might’ve given a little thought to beforehand. I’m just glad I could use it.”
That his work is being shared and celebrated by basketball fans nationwide means a great deal to Pavelka — both as a broadcaster and a lifelong sports fan.
"I think the essence of sports is that it brings people together," he said. "That's what I always try to do: bring people in and help people feel like they're here.”
