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Columbus Crew SC's Longtime Television Voice Dwight Burgess to Step Down from Black & Gold Broadcasts

January 27, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - Columbus Crew SC today announced that longtime television voice Dwight Burgess has decided to step down from Black & Gold broadcasts. At different times during his 24 seasons with the Black & Gold, Burgess also served as a radio color analyst, a host for various Crew SC television and radio programs, as well as the emcee and host for different Crew events in addition to his duties as a color analyst for television broadcasts of Crew SC matches. Burgess steps down as the longest-tenured broadcast team member in Black & Gold history.

Burgess, who had been part of the Club's broadcasts since its inaugural season, will be recognized at the Club's Opening Match on Sunday, March 1 at MAPFRE Stadium.

"Having spent much of my life speaking, I'm suddenly struggling for the right words. How does one sum up more than two decades of work in a few sentences? What I can say is, serving the past 24 years as the "Voice of the Crew" has been an absolute labor of love," said Dwight Burgess. "The people I've met, the experiences enjoyed, and the memories created are far more than any one person deserves, but they're mine and I'm keeping them."

Continued Burgess: "The list of thank you's is far too long to address in one sitting. Suffice it to say, I wouldn't be here today without the support, caring and friendship of so many. I'm deeply proud of whatever small part I may have played in helping bring the Crew, the supporters and the community, together. Recent health events have forced me to take a step back and focus on what's most important, my family, but that will never sever my deep connection with the Black & Gold and who knows, perhaps one day our paths will cross again. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

A veteran with over three decades of soccer-specific broadcast experience, Burgess also called the action for a variety of national and international soccer events, including XM Satellite Radio's 2006 FIFA World Cup coverage.

"As a member of Columbus Crew SC's broadcast team since the League's inaugural season, Dwight proudly served as the "Voice of the Crew" for nearly a quarter of a century, leaving a mark on both the Club and its supporters," said Crew SC President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. "We understand and respect Dwight's decision to step down and although we will miss him in his familiar role, Dwight knows that he will always be a member of the Black & Gold family. We look forward to recognizing his contributions to the Club as we begin a new campaign and we wish him health and happiness in the next chapter of his life."

Burgess' soccer experience extends onto the field, as he has simultaneously served as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Wittenberg University since 2015. Prior to his time with the Wittenberg Tigers, Burgess worked for Capital University from 2000-2010, serving for 10 years as the Head Men's Soccer Coach and eight years as the Head Women's Soccer Coach. Notably, Burgess worked as the Hilliard Ohio Soccer Association's Executive Director from 2015-2019.

Outside of his work in soccer, Burgess' broadcasting reel also features roles as play-by-play commentator, an analyst and as a studio host for various high school, college and professional sporting events throughout the region.

The Black & Gold begin the 2020 MLS regular season at MAPFRE Stadium against New York City FC, on Sunday, March 1 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Tickets to all matches on the Crew SC home schedule are available now online at ColumbusCrewSC.com or via phone. For access to purchasing FC Cincinnati tickets, call 614-447-CREW. Local broadcast and promotional schedule information will be released at a later date.

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