Listen: Bob Kesling signs off as the ‘Voice of the Vols’ after Tennessee’s Elite Eight loss to Houston
Tennessee Basketball’s season-ending loss to Houston in the Elite Eight on Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis also meant the end of Bob Kesling’s career as the ‘Voice of the Vols’ for the Vol Network.
Kesling signed off alongside longtime analyst Bert Bertelkamp, who announced earlier this month that he would also be retiring after 25 years.
“Tennessee Basketball’s journey ends here today in Indianapolis as they lose to the Houston Cougars 69-50,” Kesling said to start his final segment. “And Bert, also a long road for us comes to an end as we’re signing off for the final time after 26 years.”
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Kesling added. “I’ve enjoyed every game, every dinner, every trip, all the laughs we’ve had. All the great players, all the great coaches we’ve been around. We’ve been awfully blessed.”
You can listen here to the final segment of today’s broadcast, concluding with a tribute to Bob and Bert. pic.twitter.com/blcSKPBG1T
— Vol Network (@VolNetwork) March 30, 2025
Kesling took over for John Ward, staring with a Tennessee football win over Wyoming to start the 1999 season.
It was announced in January that Mike Keith would succeed Kesling as the new Voice of the Vols beginning with the 2025 football season. The former voice of the Tennessee Titans will call Tennessee Football and Tennessee Basketball.
Keith’s color analysts for the two sports have not yet been announced.
Bertelkamp, a former Tennessee guard and three-year starter for the Vols, joined Kesling for the 1999-2000 season and quickly became known for his popular catchphrase “Money!” along with “Talk to me!” after the Vols made big shots.
“I’m going to miss this,” Bertelkamp said on Sunday. “It has meant a lot to me.”
Bert Bertelkamp starred at Bearden High School, Tennessee
Bertelkamp played in 110 games over four seasons at Tennessee from 1976 to 1980, finishing his career with 332 assists, including 154 during the 179-80 season. He still holds the NCAA Tournament and Tennessee program single-game assist record with 16 against Maryland on March 8, 1980.
He helped Tennessee win the 1976-77 regular-season championship, the 1979 SEC Tournament championship and was part of three NCAA Tournament teams.
Bertelkamp is a Knoxville native who attended Bearden High School.
“I look back on so many great memories,” Bertelkamp said. “Not just me. My family has been along for the ride and they have loved it. My father, Hank, he loves it. He wishes he could be here today, I’m sure.
“I have nothing but love for the whole situation. I’m honored that I was asked to be on as the color guy. I hope I did you proud. I certainly had a fun time.”
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