Lee Corso
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lee Corso (born 1936) is an American sports broadcaster and football analyst. He has been featured on ESPN's College GameDay program since its inception and appears annually as a commentator in EA Sports' NCAA Football.
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[edit] Bio
Corso was born in Lake Mary, Florida. Upon graduating from Florida State in 1959 with a degree in physical education, Corso became the quarterbacks coach at the University of Maryland under his former FSU coach Tommy Nugent. In 1969, he was given the head coaching position at the University of Louisville. After taking Louisville to only its second-ever bowl game in 1972, he was hired by Indiana University.
Corso's record was 41-68-2 over his ten years at Indiana, and in 1983 he became an announcer for the burgeoning United States Football League (USFL). After a brief stint as head coach at Northern Illinois University, Corso returned to the USFL - this time as a coach for the Orlando Renegades.
In 1987, Lee was hired by ESPN as an analyst for the College GameDay program. As of 2005, he is the only remaining original cast member. He plays the role of comic foil to co-hosts Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit, as they cover the major college football games from August until January. Corso's catch phrase: "Not so fast, my friend!", with pencil always in hand, is usually directed at Kirk Herbstreit, in disagreement with Herbstreit's predictions. Corso is also known for ending every weekly show with his "Mascot Head Prediction," when he chooses who he thinks will win the game at Gameday's site by donning the headpiece of the school's mascot.
Corso makes a brief cameo in a 2006 Nike commercial featuring the fictional Briscoe High School football team, portrayed by football icons such as Michael Vick, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Urlacher, Troy Polamalu, and coaches Don Shula, Jimmy Johnson, and Urban Meyer. Corso takes his hawk mascot head off while the game's deciding play unfolds in slow-motion.
Corso also annually appears in EA Sports NCAA Football titles along with Kirk Herbstreit and play-by-play man Brad Nessler. The game begins with Corso making his mascot head prediction.
Corso is a resident of Heathrow, Florida.
[edit] Dixon Ticonderoga
Corso also works a full time job outside of broadcasting for ESPN. He is the director of business development for Dixon Ticonderoga, the company known for its #2 pencils. Corso was hired by the company in 1992, but he holds one particular accomplishment in high regard. In 2001, Corso spearheaded an effort to create a crayon completely out of soybeans.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Hiestand, Michael. "Corso penciled in for variety" (Newpaper article), USA Today, 2005-04-20. Retrieved on 2006-12-10.
[edit] External links
- Lee Corso's bio at ESPN.com
- Lee Corso at the Internet Movie Database
- Transcript of KTCK-AM interview
[edit] Awards and Honors
- Member, Florida State University Hall of Fame
- Member, University of Louisville Hall of Fame
- Member, Florida Sports Hall of Fame
- Member, Seminole Club of Greater Miami - Inducted into the "77 Club"
| Preceded by Frank Camp |
University of Louisville Head Football Coaches 1969-1972 |
Succeeded by T.W. Alley |
| Preceded by John Pont |
Indiana University Head Football Coaches 1973-1982 |
Succeeded by Sam Wyche |
| Preceded by Bill Mallory |
Northern Illinois University Head Football Coaches 1984 |
Succeeded by Jerry Pettibone |
Categories: Indiana Hoosiers football coaches | Northern Illinois Huskies football coaches | Louisville Cardinals football coaches | 1936 births | Living people | Florida State Seminoles football players | American sports announcers | People from Florida | United States Football League coaches | Italian-American sportspeople | Maryland Terrapins football coaches | Florida State University alumni
