At 64, broadcaster Dan Hicks dies after acute illness; Marcus Freeman remembers an ultimate professional

Freeman opens with condolences

Notre Dame’s Thursday media availability usually covers injuries and opponents. This week, Marcus Freeman began by addressing the death of broadcaster Dan Hicks, who had been scheduled to call the Fighting Irish game on Saturday.

Freeman offered condolences to Hicks’ wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, their three daughters and others affected by the loss. He said Hicks was an “ultimate professional” and praised him as a husband, father and man.

A longtime Notre Dame voice

Hicks took over Notre Dame play-by-play in 2013, succeeding Tom Hammond. He called four seasons in South Bend before Mike Tirico assumed the role ahead of the 2017 campaign.

Saturday broadcast plans

According to Tony Maglio of The Hollywood Reporter, Jason Benetti will call Saturday’s game against Boston College. Jason Garrett, Hicks’ booth partner since his return, and sideline reporter Caroline Pineda are also assigned to the broadcast.

A career across major events

His calls included Tiger Woods’ 12-foot birdie at the 2008 U.S. Open, which forced a playoff with Rocco Mediate, and Jason Lezak’s relay anchor leg at the Beijing Olympics. Hicks was on the microphone for all 23 of Michael Phelps’ Olympic gold medals and narrated Lindsey Vonn’s career on the slopes.