Enjoy him while you can Texas A&M fans, the 2017 season will be Dave South’s final season behind the mic calling Aggie football and basketball games. South has called the games in College Station since 1985.

The school released the following statement from South announcing the news:

“After discussions that started last August with Texas A&M Ventures and my wife Leanne, I have decided that the 2017 Texas A&M football season and the 2017-18 men’s basketball season will be my last with both teams. I will continue doing play-by-play for the Aggie baseball team on a year-by-year basis.

“I read recently ‘God assigns certain jobs for certain times. While it’s important to respond obediently, it’s also vital we understand when an assignment is finished. Diligence and job completion honor the Lord, but resistance to change and refusal to let go can hinder His plan.’ (Journey, June 15, 2017, page 23)

“The 2017-18 season will mark my 47th year in collegiate broadcasting, and I just celebrated my 72nd birthday. There will be many people to thank as we make our way through this coming year. I will start with coach Jackie Sherrill and the late Ralph Carpenter, who extended the offer to be the voice of the Aggies prior to the 1985 season. My association with Texas A&M University and its athletics department has truly been a blessing. The friendships made and the joy of broadcasting Aggie games have made my years here unforgettable.

“I’m also honored to have worked with every entity that has held the broadcast rights to Texas A&M athletics. For those of you who have been around for a long time, you will understand this statement: I am the last of the Southwest Conference Exxon announcers still active in sports broadcasting.

“To the coaches, athletes, staff and athletic directors, our experiences together over these many years have created a lifetime of wonderful memories. If memories were memorabilia, there wouldn’t be a room big enough to hold my collection.

“To the Aggies and radio listeners who have been so gracious and kind for these many years, thank you for your words, texts, emails, and letters. I am humbled by your thoughtful generosity.

“Knowing God has a plan for every day of our lives, Leanne and I look forward to the future.”

“For most Aggie fans, Dave South is simply the Voice of Aggie Athletics,” Texas A&M Director of Athletics Scott Woodward said. “To us in the athletics department, he is much more than the radio play-by-play man. He is a part of our Aggie team and an outstanding Aggie ambassador. We appreciate all that he has done for Aggie athletics and wish he and Leanne all the best.”

Following the news, A&M coach Kevin Sumlin issued the following statement:

“Dave is not only one of the best broadcasters in the business, but he is a true friend to Aggie football. His loyalty is unquestioned, his commitment unmatched and he continues to have a passion for the coaches and players that he covers. We wish Dave and Leanne all the best.”

R.C. Slocum, the winning coach in Aggie history, also issued a statement following the news:

“Dave South has done a tremendous job for Texas A&M. I especially appreciate his loyalty to the coaches and athletes. He was a real fan of those he covered while also being very professional about his work. I wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.”